NYCkayaker Coast Guard and Kayakers

[Robert Huszar]

Amen, brother, amen!!!

On Wed, 19 Sep 2007, Erik Baard wrote:

> Hi All,
> 
> I didn't dive into the debate over kayaker consultation with the U.S.
> Coast Guard earlier because I was too busy planning and executing the
> Ramble. One thing that must be kept in mind is context.
> 
> Meeting CG requirements and adhering to CG methods was a great source of
> frustration, though I am grateful for the daily work of that agency to
> keep our harbor safe from accidents and worse. Kayakers shouldn't be put
> off by the Ramble in 2008 because it's produced in concert with the CG.
> Remember, this is an event to promote a NYC Department of Parks and
> Recreation endeavor, co-sponsored by the city and the Metropolitan
> Waterfront Alliance. Those two entities have a host of legitimate reasons
> for needing to bring the CG aboard and satisfy the demands that such a
> relationship entails. This is not a spontaneous paddle, or a
> paddle shared by a group of friends peer-to-peer, however large.
> 
> What the Ramble does work to achieve, however, is the establishment of
> more launches. The presence of those launches will enable many, many more
> spontaneous outings, and tours of kayak groups. So I view this as an
> investment: we put our energies into working with the CG for this event,
> and reap the reward of a more fully accessible harbor. With more places
> to pull out, we'll have a strong argument that for most trips there's
> less of a need for safety boats and such.
> 
> I hope that makes sense.
> 
> Salty regards,
> 
> Erik
> 
> Erik Baard
> 
> http://www.licboathouse.org
> http://www.naturecalendar.com
> 
> 
>