Yesterday I made a reference to travel writing and kayaking, rather vague I know. I was specifically referring to an entertaining book I read lately, Smile When You’re Lying. Author Chuck Thompson refers to the travel industry as having no integrity, full of people giving good reviews in return for handouts, all the while using the same cliches ad nauseum.

The similarity to the kayaking industry is frightening. Reviewers giving nonstop positive reviews of every product imaginable, all with the same cliches. How is it that every product on the market is awesome. Have all retailers reached the same level of unsurpassed quality?

This brims over into all aspects of the sport, from gear to trip reports. Toes will be stepped on and ego’s bruised (most likely my own more than any others) but some truth will be said.

How about the last issue of Rapid Magazine, historically one of the few paddling magazines with content. Now, Rapid meets Teen Magazine, with a piss poor photo gallery to boot.

What you really came for.

Nikon D200, Nikon 75-150 “E” 3.5 @ 1/1000 F5.6 ISO 100