Re: [Paddlewise] Magazines

In a message dated 12/29/2004 2:35:36 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, 
jdwinters_at_eastlink.ca writes:

Do Paddlewise people feel that the focus on paddling promoted by the 
marketers of boats, equipment, training, and travel has a kind of 
superficiality? Have people become obsessed with gear and travel to the 
detriment of paddling? Do paddlers in general focus too much on the 
artifacts of paddling (By artifacts I mean the gear and adventure culture 
surrounding paddling) instead of  the  pure the kind of enjoyment that Nicks 
seems to be talking about (let me know if I read you wrong on this Nick).



One of my friends has an old Polaris. He's crossed the Bering strait in it, 
did 10 days in a Russian brig, as well as doing the Inside Passage thing, and 
many other trips. He's the archetype of paddling (to me), regardless of the 
latest gear. 
 
Me? I like a high(er) performance boat, modern paddles and gear that reflects 
the advances in material and times. Neither of us has a better time than the 
other when we paddle together. I do not feel as though either of us are in a 
hard sell position with either old school or new school equipment. I don't 
think this "industry" is there yet, thank God. On training, I don't feel any hype, 
either. I think you have to seek out quality instruction from a cast of low 
key types to get it. 
 
Travel, now there is the hype. I hate travel mags and the superficial blowing 
curtains looking out on a tropical bay. Everyone is kissing and holding a 
drink, ready to hit the town for a 5 star dinner, from their 5 star Inn. Gag. The 
"Adventure" mags have fallen prey to the travel hype. Seen Outside lately? 
National Geographic Adventure is virtually the same. They are supported by the 
travel industry and thus must reflect that. The only "Adventure" they reflect 
is wondering how many pages you will flip through before you toss it in the 
recycler. 
 
Ah, the Adventure Culture! Now there is the rub. Mr. Winters, are you 
referring to the First Decent types, those that have to put there name on the 
un-named, just to name it? Maybe the ""circumnavigate the earth in a bathtub because 
it's not been done" type has crossed your mind? I am inspired by persons 
relating tales of beautiful places they have been and highly recommend. Perhaps the 
flora and fauna I want to see is there, too. But the first to do this or 
that, in winter, spring, summer or fall is irrelevant. Will it be nice when I get 
there is all I care about. 
 
I am inspired by travellers tales. Travelling is important to me. I 
appreciate what Nick says that paddling is in its own right the essence of what's most 
important. And I agree it is the means to the end least described, (Don't 
hatchet me if I misconstrued you) Most of my paddling is conducted that way. 
However, paddling is most sublime when I get to paddle in an exotic locale and 
combine paddling with travel. Maybe I just do not like the hype and prefer the low 
brow side of things.
 
Rob G
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