: I just discovered this great article detailing the transition of sport to
: industry in North America. Gee, have we gone full cycle?

: Reg

Actually my theory is that we're at the start of phase two. We've had the first batch of kayakers that started out years back and gradually got into longer and skinnier and more expensive boats. Now days we've got a whole new crowd of new kayakers starting out now with cheap poly boats, gradually they'll progress thru the same stages, in theory. Course they have the advantage (I hope) of experienced people to help them along and welcoming them to the sport.

Bill H.