This issue of kayak certification was a big topic in the first several issues of "Sea Kayaker Magazine," back in the mid eighties. As I remember Derek Hutchinson was asked his thoughts on the topic at that time and I believe he stated that the BCU was not interested in coming to the states. I guess they changed their minds. Having worked as a non-certified sea kayaking instructor for more then twenty years, today I can feel the BCU's presence in Southern California. The marketing campaign for the little stars is in full throttle - just see Steve Holtzman's last post. Where I work business is down, which I attribute mostly to the lousy economy, however I can't help but wonder. While I think Craig may be a little over the top (but just a little) I too worry about the issues Craig raises. I worked in a dive shop about a hundred years ago and like Robert I can definitely see some parallels between that sport and this. The good news is that if things do get really ugly in this sport I will, probably, by that time be pretty much done with it. Scott So.Cal. *************************************************************************** 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 Wed Oct 21 2009 - 19:10:29 PDT
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