Message From The Editor
WHAT TYPE OF BOAT STARTED YOU BOATING?
My recent opinions about smaller boats and ways to get new people started in boating seems to have struck a chord with some readers. First Roger Marshall weighed in and then Tim Edwards and Morten Fogh sent their thoughts.
To remind you, this began with my observations on people doing things like sailing, kite surfing, kayaking, rowing, using a standup paddle board and so on. All simple, safe and affordable ways to get new people into boating.
The direction this has taken is the observation that many of us started in small boats and usually, when we were young. Others have chimed in, saying that they too started with a small boat and progressed from there.
Tim Edwards, head of the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association wrote, "Our four boys all got into boating through the watery adventures my wife and I took them on in Nova Scotia - from an age when they could barely walk. The boats we had were all small but manageable, and they learnt how to paddle, row, and sail.
Similarly, my interest and passion for boats came from my parents. I grew up literally 'simply messing about in boats' on the same stretch of the River Thames that Ratty and Mole could be seen sculling about in Ratty's handsome rowing skiff.
So, I agree with Roger's point: parents can have a huge influence on future boaters."
Morten Fogh of Fogh Marine and son of Canada's illustrious competitive sailor, Hans Fogh, also made an interesting point. As you enter the Toronto International Boat Show (and most every boat show I have ever been to) the biggest and most expensive boats are right up front as you come through the door.
I agree that's impressive, but do you think we might get more interest from new boaters and young boaters if the show had a display of affordable and easily handled smaller craft to greet visitors at the door? Morten went on to point out that those who came to see the big, expensive boats will surely find them!
In fact, visitors might spend more time at the show if they were searching for the fancy stuff instead of hitting it in the first 100 feet.
In summation, several people have now pointed out that getting children into easily handled small boats is a great way to get them started in boating. Seeing a display of these at the boat show entrance sounds like a really smart idea and having such boats at marinas and boat dealers for actual demonstration might have the same effect.
So, are we going to talk about this, or are we going to do something about it?
Andy Adams, Editor aadams@kerrwil.com
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