> ....we already have so many laws on the > > books that law enforcement can't keep up. Thank God I don't live in NYC > > where you can't even talk on the phone in your own car...(not that I think > > it is totally safe to do so:) Next it will be eating, or maybe drinking > > water, or listening to your stereo. More legislation is not the answer, > not > > by a longshot. As a persistent pedestrian in NYC (I walk for miles almost daily), I can assure you that that law on using a cell phone while driving is not a nonsense rule but a necessity. People are complete idiots while talking on the phone and making turns while pedestrians are crossing the street. But it is almost a moot point...people are violating it left and right just as they are violating seat belt rules. But if they get into an accident and it can be proven that they were on the phone, then they will have the book thrown at them. To get back to the subject of the discussion...licensing and rules governing kayakers: This debate rears its head every so often. When I came on the kayaking scene in the late 1980s one was raging as the American Canoe Association moved to certify kayakers. Many paddlers felt they "didn't need no filty badges." They arguments got quite comical with more than two sides to the issue. At one point kayaking notables had formed something like 5 sides to the issue. I remember roaming into a symposium where 3 of these guys suddenly ran into each other and sparks flew. I think it is fine to have certification around. Many people like the discipline of it and the set goals as they climb up the star ladder. Permits are often okay. We have such a system for use of the NYC Parks kayak launches. The permits are not really enforced except at one launch site in a marina with a locked gate (you need to show it). The permit system helps show interest and can lead to the city creating more such sites. The permit also comes with some sheets of warning and advise on the risks of paddling in busy waters. It is elementary stuff but at least the paddler is exposed to the advice and warnings. This does mean he or she will heed it but it may give some of the individuals pause to get the equipment and training they need. ralph diaz-- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Apr 17 2002 - 06:57:45 PDT
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