Canoe Ban Proposed

Sachse International Gazette
By Wilber "Jet Wash" Smith
Senior Water Recreation Correspondent

Date Line Sachse, Texas

On Tuesday, the National Coalition to Ban Paddle Sports Association is
expected to release its report on the Impact of Canoe Use on Water
Recreation. The report appears to be in response to the relentless volley
of inane regulations and personal watercraft ban attempts supported by
environmental extremists.

We obtained a draft copy of the report, which highlights the environmental
impact of canoe and kayak use on our nations waterways. The association is
pushing for an outright ban on paddle sport related recreation in national
parks and sensitive Rana Castesbeiana (American Bullfrog) habitat in 37
states.

The report entitled “Unsafe at Slow Speeds” lists several points of
contention supporting its legislative initiative.

1. Even though canoes and kayaks represent a small minority of water going
vessels on U.S. waters, they accounted for 104 deaths in the year 2000
according the U.S. Coast Guards accident statistics. (The latest year
available at the time of the report.)

2. The basic design of the canoe is flawed. Originally designed as water
transportation by Native peoples, the canoe industry has failed to fix basic
design flaws as highlighted by over 103 capsizing in the year 2000.
(U.S.C.G. stats). The basic design is inherently unstable and does not
contain materials that will insure the craft will not sink.

3. Although slow moving these vessels should be considered “thrill craft”
since enthusiasts derive pleasure and engage in risky white water
activities.

4. There is no mandatory training for canoe/kayak pilots. Anyone with
enough money can simply rent a thrill craft canoe and become a slow moving
danger on our nations waterways.

5. The craft is designed to be operated in shallow water and near shorelines
disturbing wild life such as the American Bullfrog.

6. Canoes account for a disproportionate volume of complaints among Personal
Watercraft users. The complaints most frequently cited are the lack of
noise, slow speed and operator behavior.

7. Canoes have no effective means of braking and often are associated with
camping and old rusted out tow vehicles. Canoes transported on top on a
vehicle often obstruct the driver’s view of the road and present an
additional height hazard when stopping for morning coffee.

“For too long we have suffered intimidation at the hands of environmental
whackos”, stated Ineed Speed president of the NCBPS, “hopefully our report
will educate the public on the growing dangers posed to the American
Bullfrog by human powered thrill craft.” The report calls for the immediate
banning of canoe and kayak activities until a comprehensive environmental
impact study can be completed. According to reliable sources the
association is also planning to issue reports on the dangers posed by
stationary houseboats.

** Updated Canoe / Kayak Statistics 2001-2004
2004 98 deaths, 54 injuries, 152 total casualties
2003 87 deaths, 70 injuries, 157 total casualties
2002 78 deaths, 57 injuries, 135 total casualties
2001 101 deaths, 98 injuries, 199 total casualties
"The number of reported injuries involving PWC use continued along a downward trend and has decreased every year since 1996." USCG 2003 Statistics

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