On 23-Oct-2003, Mary Malmros wrote:

There you go! You got a divine right to scuba.

Hardly. You'd have a hard time finding a dealer that would
sell you air without a license unless you're in a tourist
haven offshore (Cuba's a good example). The key is that
it's a standard that's enforced within the industry - there's
no equivalent in paddling.

My local whitewataer outfitter won't rent a boat to
anyone except if they sign a pretty long form in which they have to
specifically initial statements that they have various skills.

Does a retailer similarly not sell a kayak to anyone who
walks in the door? Sorry, but this is where it breaks down.
While some may be reluctant to rent, there are lots of places
to buy gear without restriction.

I've heard this assertion many times, but not once yet heard a
convincing argument to support it

After several teenagers were killed in an avalanche in the Canadian
Rockies, a western federal politician has been ranting on setting up
controls for backcountry skiing. So far, her hysterics have been
largely ignored. Skiers aren't ignoring her yet. If she wasn't
in a minor opposition party, her voice in government might carry
further.

Sea kayakers in Canada are required, by law, to carry a throw rope
at all times. Most of us, even those with WW rescue training,
question the need. Other than towing, I can think of very few
uses for a throw rope in a sea kayak. A tow rope, maybe, but a
throw rope makes a mediocre tow rope. Someone thought it would be
a good idea and imposed it.

Meanwhile, here in Massachusetts, two women died kayaking
within the last couple of weeks, in what was quite likely a case of
insufficient preparation and/or skills and/or judgment.

Must have got that gear from one of those responsible dealers with
lots of guts.

Mike