Re: [Paddlewise] Message failed: Jennifer Pivovar <jpivovar_at_headwinds.org> not a member of list paddlewise

Nick Schade wrote:

>>I really think the perception that sea kayaking does not have mass 
>>market appeal is due in part to how it is portrayed.
>>    
>>
Hmmm. The endless sunny calm sea, solitude, a lighthouse, and 
cooperative wildlife. How does that not have mass-market appeal?? I 
think that the mags, ads, etc that are trying to appeal to the mythical 
"mass market" are doing just that. The fact that reality has little to 
do with this portrayal might have something to do with the attrition 
rate. But by then the gear-mongers have cashed in, at least at the low 
end. The capitalist economy is working just fine.

We who engage one blade after another in the rest of the conditions most 
likely do not represent the cash flow mass marketers are trying to tap. 
We build our own boats and paddles, make our own dry bags and tow 
systems. We might like to entice others of our ilk into this wonderland, 
but for us to expect a mainstream press magazine (who relies on 
advertising to survive) and/or market-driven advertising to foster this 
is folly. I read Sea Kayaker and the other thing that comes with my ACA 
membership. I get information from them; if nothing else - the pulse of 
the (media-driven) market.

>> <>I am not eager to see sea kayaking become a mass market sport. I do
>> think it could never reach the level of surfing, but I think there is
>> untapped room for growth.
>
Sure, across the motivation board. For folks who might use it as a means 
to get somewhere, who seek excitement in the surf, who wish to explore 
the near-shore wildlife environment, who wish to simply paddle, one 
blade after another. How to grow responsibly, respectfully, in the 
direction of choice?

>>>Do you mean more articles means "good quality" or more articles means 
>>>"poor quality"? :-)
>>>      
>>>
>> <>Actually, I'm not sure. Maybe the Professor should seek a grant and do
>> a study.
>
I retired with at least one too many 'quantitative measures' arguments 
in my history. While the Professor is busy studying, the only thing left 
to the rest of us is to be the best ambassadors of the sport we can. In 
print, if possible; by example, definitely; by hands-on engagement and 
word-of mouth, absolutely. Whether we are 'official' instructors, trip 
leaders, or just accessible for a conversation on the beach, we are the 
sport to that "room for growth". What else is there? A market-driven 
economy and evangelists of the way.

With thanks to Nick and John, who certainly qualify as evangelists of 
the way, at least to one small portion of the growth area :).

Happy New Year,<>
Jennifer
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