[Paddlewise] Sea Kayaker Magazine

I like the magazine, I learn something from every single issue and I
appreciate the effort that goes into putting out a magazine for a grumpy
audience like us.

I love to learn stuff and have adopted a "take what you need and leave
the rest" attitude about everything I read.  I don't have the vast
experience in sea kayaking that many of the previous commentators have,
so maybe I'm easy to please.  But compared to other ways I waste my
money, Sea Kayaker is a good investment.

As to the idea that whitewater is easier to hype because it's so
exciting, I would observe that, at least here in Chicago, whitewater
paddling is not as popular as it was a few years ago and our club, the
Chicago Whitewater Association is noticing a drop in participation as
well.

Sea kayaking for me is mostly a solitary experience, especially when
camping.  If that's true for others, then marketing through a magazine
is going to be difficult.  One reader equals one customer, not a family
of potential customers.

Another somewhat not-big-group activity is backpacking and Backpacker
Magazine has had quite a bit of coverage on sea kayaking lately.  So
there's a part of the market:  people who like light, tiny gear and
remote places in small groups.

I can't begin to list all the ways my subscription to Sea Kayaker has
made me a safer, better and happier paddler than I would be without it.

This shameless endorsement is provided without compensation to the
author.

Cheers,

Jim Tibensky