NYCkayaker Blacklisted

[Peter Riley]

Fellow kayakers
any one who is on this list is probably aware of a thread concerning one 
of the swim organizations who sponsors the annual Manhattan Island 
Marathon Swim around Manhattan. This thread has addressed certain 
shortcomings by the organizers and has engendered a healthy back and 
forth; a candid exchange of views. Apparently these views have been too 
much for the organizers. This afternoon I received a call from the 
organizer informing me my services will not be needed for the race. When 
I told him I was committed to a particular relay group; I was told they 
had lots of kayakers.
I too am on that not so short list of former kayak coordinators for this 
organization and have heard all the promises and decided in spite of 
this to do  one more race but criticism is apparently not welcome. I 
agree getting people out on or in the waters surrounding this city are a 
worthy goal and I applaud MIF for their efforts in this regard; but 
ignoring the legitimate requests of those who provide safety related 
support to the swimmers and taking us for granted (we have lots of 
kayakers) is beyond the pale.
see you out there
Peter Riley