Put Our Footwear Between You
and the Water
This&That Alphabet Soup
The Mob families in the Canadian certification underworld by Dave Quinn
The relatively young Canadian sea kayak- ZIPPERED BOOTS
ing industry is rocking and rolling as five dis- tinct organizations vie for control of the stan- dards and certification process, like the power struggle between families in the Mafia under- world. This struggle is not likely to involve any paddle-by shootings or water-pump- wielding thugs, but it does lead to a certain amount of confusion among guides trying to understand various certification processes and guidelines, and among clients trying to ensure that the sea kayaking company they choose adheres to the highest standards. To clarify a muddy situation, here is a brief overview of the families vying for control of the Canadian sea kayaking underworld.
SKGABC The Sea Kayaking Guides Alliance of
NEWT BOOTS
British Columbia was formed in the early 1990s by a group of outfitters in British Columbia in response to growing safety con- cerns in a rapidly expanding industry. The Alliance has over 300 members and is work- ing hard to ensure that guides are certified and have ongoing professional development
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opportunities, and that the industry as a whole evolves to reflect its growth and importance in British Columbia’s economy. Annual Dues: Guides, $35. Commercial, $100. Godmother: Tracey Morben of Majestic Ocean Kayaking. Website:
www.skgabc.com.
ACSKG In the early years, five of the original six
members of the Alliance splintered off to form the Association of Canadian Sea Kayaking Guides with a greater focus on client safety (lower participant-to-guide ratios, required certifications etc.). ACSKG standards, which include guidelines on mini- mal impact travel, wildlife viewing and eti- quette, are the strictest in the industry. The ACSKG aims to provide consistent leader- ship, paddling, and wilderness travel skills, as well as client safety throughout the sea kayak guide community. Annual dues: Assistant guides, $10. Full guides, $50. Godfather: Pacific Rim Paddling’s Dugald Naismith has been president of the ACSKG since 1995. Website:
www.islandnet.com/%7eskguides/home- page.html.
Brooks Wetsuits Ltd.
Toll Free 1-888-986-3441 Fax: (604) 986-3443
e-mail:
info@brookspaddlegear.com www.brookspaddlegear.com
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12 Summer 2004
Training the trainers—a CRCA instructor’s course in Deep Cove, B.C. Photo by Paul German
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