It has been my observation here on the east coast that a disproportionate number of kayakers do not reproduce compared to the general population as well. Initially, I attributed it to the effects of acid rain, and the subsequent leaching of heavy metals into the water. But, even paddlers who spend most of their time in pristine waters have the same issue, so there went that theory. Plus, lots of whitewater paddlers are into heavy metal, and some of them reproduce just the same. Then I blamed global warming. Yeah, this might be it. Kayakers are venturing farther and farther north to paddle near things like icebergs, glaciers, and polar bears because the ice is melting. That brings more and more kayakers close to the magnetic effects of the north pole. And then I remembered that it never seemed to bother the inuit much. Subsequently, I attributed it to the amounts of beer that kayakers consume after a paddle. Didn't fly once I looked at reproduction rates in countries known for heavy drinking. If anything, alcohol should reverse the problem for kayakers. I then decided to investigate the social aspect of it, and see if that might be the cause. Nope, plenty of sex going on, even while kayaking according to some reliable sources. So I came back to something in the water as the likely cause. Estrogen from commercial meat consumption and subsequent sewage discharge into rivers lowering sperm counts? It would have to be in the water, because a lot of kayakers I know are vegetarians. Industrial and agricultural chemicals? Possible........Hmmmm.....this is a tough one. Then I remembered that I never reproduced............and I was glad. Maybe I won't investigate it any further, because most kayakers I know are happy people. Just think, if the whole world kayaked, overpopulation would be cured, and everyone would be happy. It could happen......really. Wayne -- Wayne Smith wsmith16_at_charter.net Check out my website! http://webpages.charter.net/wsmith16/home.html *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Nov 14 2006 - 11:12:06 PST
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