Kaz made a good point a few pages back when he mentioned drinking Keystone Light -- it's a cheap . . . err, "affordable" beverage for tightwa. . . err, "budget conscious" individuals . . .
Actually, let me start again. What I meant to say, was . . .
Kaz made a good point a few pages back when he mentioned the difficulty in retaining younger boaters in our sport, especially those who migrate toward other pursuits beyond the age of 16 or 17. As a teacher myself, I can certainly appreciate the myriad of choices facing teenagers, and their difficulty in sticking with what is a somewhat cost- and travel-intensive hobby.
That said, I have certainly not been seeming to lack paddling partners . . .
What I mean to say is -- in light of what Kaz said, I think that college programs might be a good way to both introduce and retain young people in the sport.
I have always marveled at the kayaking program at Dartmouth College, for one. Of course, their program has the backing of money, tradition . . . and a fleet of boats that would put Woody and Shane's warehouse to shame. But it seems like it turns out, year after year, countless young people who have become enamored of boating at just that critical age. I'm not sure how many of them stay with it, but it's getting kids boating who would otherwise be . . . I dunno, preparing for a lucrative, well-rounded life or something silly.
I taught kayaking briefly in college. There was definitely tons of interest. I think I was too busy running class V to take as much care of the program -- or even half as much -- as it required . . . but the interest was definitely there.
What I mean to say is that I think college kayaking programs would be a great "in."
And of course, you could always try to orient a program toward open boats or closed canoes if that were your idea.
Anyway . . . what's the sign-off we say around here (it's been a while) . . . ? "Half the paddle, half the brain"?
Alden
