RE: [Paddlewise] Travel tips: USA to CA & back

From: Rafael Mier Maza <sildriel_at_ciateq.net.mx>
Date: Mon, 03 Jun 2002 15:40:03 -0500
At 01:41 p.m. 03/06/02 -0500, Chuck Holst wrote:
>I've never had a problem taking a couple of Romanys from Minnesota into
>Canada and back, except once when a U.S. Customs official asked me
>suspiciously if I had bought them in Canada (this despite the Minnesota
>registration stickers on the bows). I merely answered no, and he let us
>back into the country without further ado.

We have crossed the border several times on the Mexican side going to 
Texas, one time carrying even up to 4 kayaks. Two singles and two doubles 
in a trailer, and we have never been asked a thing about them even though 
some said "Handcrafted in Mexico".

They have always asked about our Mexican papers and the purpose of our 
trip. We have always said that we are going kayaking to wherever, one time 
Padre Island,  one time Corpus Christi, one time Tampa and one time California.

The officers on this side are not used to see many people moving in with 
kayaks and I guess donīt even think that Mexicans manufacture nice good 
looking kayaks. Some times they check our trunk, the globe box, but never 
the kayaks. Once an officer passed an electronic  device through the kayak 
surface, I guess searching for drugs or radioactive material, I donīt know, 
but didnīt say a word and let us through.

On the other hand they are starting to know us well in the customs office 
where merchandise is passed for commercial purposes through custom agents, 
since kayaks are so noticeable.

The border in San Diego is another story because so many Americans travel 
with kayaks to Baja.

Best Regards

Rafael Mier-Maza
el cayuco chief
www.mayanseas.com

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Received on Mon Jun 03 2002 - 13:40:38 PDT

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