[Snowbrushy]

These guys didn't obey the sign on the river and received a ticket. In the NW they'd be welcome to go and break their necks - no ticket. We have a kinder and gentler way: http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/article66017212.html

[Cyclopath]

That looks like a Werner paddle? Made in Sultan, WA?

[mike]

Some kayakers seem to think that it's OK to pull ashore and take a dump anywhere.

[Randito]

I don't know KY law, but in WA rivers it's public land up to the high water mark on all "navigable" rivers. With "navigable" being somewhat interestingly defined. For example the Skykomish river above, through and below Sunset Falls is considered "navigable" because loggers used to float logs down the river through that section. In CO,TX however -- waterways have different public access status -- as I understand it it is legal to run barbed wire fences across rivers there -- as cattle ranching was a more important factor in those state's history. So KY may have very different laws -- particularly if the landowner is the KY state parks.

[Snowbrushy]

“They’re putting themselves at great risk,” he said. Such an attempt also could endanger authorities called to help in an emergency or a search for a body, Lawson said.

First it was selfies inside of the ice caves and now it's action video replete with a token ticket. This is progress.

[Cyclopath]

[trestle]

Reading the article and the comments afterwards have taught me that kayakers are the smartest, safest, and the least likely to sue of all the extreme sport participants.

[Randito]

[treeswarper]

Have there been any fatalities in the Chelan Gorge? I haven't heard of any.

[JonnyQuest]

[tmatlack]

RH, This month's edition of American Whitewater has a whole section on state of Colorado river law, access, and private lands. Messy. Trestle...I couldn't tell if your comment was part/all tongue in cheek, but the W. Washington boating clubs I belong to try very hard to establish and maintain a culture of safety and multi-use river etiquette. (I.E. fishermen) I would stack the prudence and caution of whitewater boaters...both recreational and "extreme"... against the various groups of downhill/Alpine skiers any day. Tom

[trestle]

Trespassing is trespassing, regardless of dedication to safety, and it's highly inappropriate to use as an excuse for illegal behavior. The "oh but we're so safe" argument doesn't hold water, even in a kayak. Multi-use etiquette wasn't addressed in the article or the infraction. As for the comparison with downhill/alpine skiers, location provides the context so the comparison feels a bit off. Perhaps you're referring to those who duck ropes and ski in closed areas adjacent to permitted ski areas. Those people are finding the sheriff at the bottom of the hill more often than they used to. Another comparison might be a mountain biker riding on a trail that was closed to wheeled traffic or a climbing party roping up on closed ground. Yes, my post was tongue in cheek but my point wasn't.

[NacMacFeegle]

I can see both sides of this argument, but I tend to lean towards supporting the extreme sports enthusiasts. As long as they aren't damaging the environment or directly risking harm towards others I say let them pull their crazy stunts.

[Randito]

Some actual info on the KY law concerning river access http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/access:ky

[JonnyQuest]