Re: [Paddlewise] Shrinking paddler demographic

Maybe there's a shrinking demographic for serious touring - don't have 
statistics either way, but boy, there's a heap of recreational kayaks, 
SOT's, and pseudo touring boats out there last time I was at the lake. Every 
age was represented. However, last time I made a post about less is more 
from a selfish perspective, I think I was flamed.

DL

> >Personally, I find paddling can become a bit monotonous at times. Chris
>>Cunningham made an interesting observation recently about the
>>difficulty enticing a younger demographic to the enjoyment of paddling,
>>when that same
>
>>demographic probably isn't too interested in an activity that requires
>>hours of constant, slow moving activity - given the current generation
>>of younger
>
>>adults who's penchant for media action and fast-paced recreation may
>>preclude the commitment necessary for sea kayaking..
>
> How many out there agree with me that this is really good news. With the
> boom over and attrition from the grim reaper on the other end as well 
> maybe
> sea kayaking will again return to being a sport where one doesn't have to
> compete for a camp spot. Maybe I can again enjoy a wilderness experience
> without having to burn so much fossil fuels to get to it before the reaper
> gets me.
>
> As for the shrinking WW demographic. Would you take up a sport, even if 
> you
> were a wild and stupid testosterone charged young man, that seems, from 
> the
> media portrayal, to be mostly throwing yourself off of high waterfalls
> without a parachute and trying to miss the rocks far below. Remember, wind
> surfing. It was once very popular too.
>
> Matt Broze
> www.marinerkayaks.com
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