[Paddlewise] It's criminal

Our local club had a calm water and rescue practice session today and it is
criminal the way some manufacturers are not outfitting the boats they sell
as "sea kayaks".
 
There were numerous boats without any deck lines. It is extremely difficult
to grab a boat in a rescue situation without them. Does it save that much
money to not include them?
 
Then prior to launching, we asked all attendees if they had both front and
rear bulkheads or float bags installed if they did not. We then went and
physically checked the boats.
 
Unfortunately, two paddlers showed up late and missed our briefing and
check. They were rather inexperienced paddlers and watched a demonstration
of how to do an "Assisted T Re-entry". Unfortunately, one of these paddlers
did not have a front bulkhead or any float bags installed in his boat that
was not equipped with deck lines.
 
These two paddlers received OJT in how to handle a "Cleopatra's Needle".
They were just lucky that they didn't lose the boat.
 
Am I the one who is nuts here or what? Nobody wants mandatory regulation,
but in my opinion, it is downright criminal to sell kayaks that are not
properly equipped for use. It's sort of like selling a car without seat
belts, sure you can drive it, but are you safe?
 
Steve Holtzman
Southern CA
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