Queen Jane Approximately
Published November 5, 2006 | 
So you may remember that recent press release about Johnson Outdoors here in Wisconsin buying out Lendal. That means they’ve added this highly respected Scottish brand to their collection which also includes; Old Town, Dimension, Ocean Kayak, Water Quest, WhaterWheeler, Carlisle & Necky Kayaks. Not to mention marine electronics, diving gear & an array of outdoor equipment brands. This collection represents a good slice of the 400 million dollar paddling industry. What does that mean? Well, keeping in season I recently read on CNN that haunted houses in the US have grown to become a 300 million dollar a year industry. Puts it all in perspective doesn’t it?What’s really odd is that here in Wisconsin we’ve somehow gotten right in the thick of it all. Very strange. When I first got into sea kayaking I felt very alone stuck here so far from the sea. Interestingly a couple days ago I was in a parking lot and a car pulled up right beside me. Next thing I know we’re talking to a couple who just moved here from the San Juans where he was a guide. Yeah, I understand exactly why you’d chase down that jeep with the sea kayak on top. I would too. 
. I hope they remember to email me. I could certainly use some paddling partners round here. Still Wisconsin is becoming a bit of a destination. Canoecopia in Madison has become huge to say the least, and at Rutabaga we run through an amazing number of classes each season. In addition we have two of the top symposiums in the country right here. Inland Sea in Washburn and the young Door County Symposium as well. Two more, Great Lakes & WMCKA are just a short drive away. Then with Superior kayaks making a great name for themselves, QCC, Bear Paw, Living Adventures and others it’s becoming common to hear about Wisconsin. Yeah, and it’s fair to say we do have some nice water as well. With Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands to the north and Lake Michigan to the east and a plethora of lakes and rivers in-between including the famous Wolf, Wisconsin has a lot to keep a crazy paddler happy.
But just between you and me, occasionally, I still miss the ocean.
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4 Responses to Queen Jane Approximately
Wow, we even made your blog. You bet I want to get out. Between you and me, I miss the COAST a great deal!
peace.
Incredible amount of activity there, but as you point out, you’re surrounded by lakes and two of them are basically inland seas, so to be expected in a sense. I’d say it’s a healthy place to live, be careful not to let too many people in on your secret!fadtoqar
I’ve never paddled the coast so you can’t miss what you don’t know. Maybe ignorance really is bliss.
About the only disadvantage you have is that the water doesn’t have enough salt in it, making one want to wear noseplugs when practicing rolls:-)
stevie