Re: [Paddlewise] The whitewater industry

On 12 Aug 2004 at 8:41, Shawn Baker wrote:
> No, they're moving on and up, and creating fresh new designs.  

Michael Daly" <mikedaly_at_magma.ca> replied:
>One could also argue that they are chasing the latest WW fads.  River 
running has given way to sitting in one spot and playing.  Those that 
love river running could argue that their aspect of the sport has 
been given short shrift by the industry.

Has it really given way?  Rather than shuttling for an hour and running
for an hour, you can get 2-3-4 hours of river play for your single hour
of shuttling.

If those who love river running have been given short shrift, it's
because they're not innovating.  If there were advances in river
running, there would be necessary and desired advances in river running
kayaks.  Since river running is still river running, the same old
Pirouette will work.

And if you're happy with the Pirouette, then you haven't been
short-shrifted.

I love the skills I've gained by learning to play on river features. 
I'm a long way from being particularly skilled, but it's honed my
edging, helped bombproof my roll, and enhanced my river reading skills.
 I don't care to "park and play", but love to "run and play".  The
river running is still enjoyable, and the play is simply icing on the
cake.

Some ww playboats haven't gotten the staying power of others--the RPM,
X, Kingpin, and Boogie will be classics, while everyone has forgotten
the Redline, Z, ID, and 007.  But continual advancements are being
made.

Skiing saw huge advancements with shaped skis, bicycling in suspension
systems...why should we be satisfied with the status-quo in sea kayaks?
 Different purchasing demographic? 

I'd settle for a lasting advancement in sea kayaking every 2-3
years...a decade still seems stale.

Shawn
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