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Snowboarding, mt biking, skateboarding, atv riding, motocross, climbin and football all see young rippers taking part when they come from a family that enjoys these sports - why not paddling?
just because some families don't enjoy outdoor action sports as families doesn't mean it's not just a part of life for many, many others. How many little rippers do you see doing 40mph on bikes and boards? Is that not just as dangerous?
I agree that kids haven't developed the ability to judge risk - neither have 18 yr olds. But that's why the parents have to do a good job of educating them to what is 'proper' safety protocall as well as what is safe.
I know today's kids get washed in anti-bacterial soap after every school-day and aren't allowed to play outdoors unsupervised. Personally, I think we're rearing a generation of pansys who will fall off overlooks, step over zoo railings, trip on icy sidewalks, and crash cars off tight onramps then scream for a lawyer to make everything alright.
Car seats - of course! Lead paint off toys for toddlers - absolutely! Supervision when on public playgrounds - yes. But telling parents they can't allow their kids to ski, bike, kayak, or climb because it's dangerous? I don't think that's our job.
Now if a parent tells her kid he'll be fine on Linville with just the two of them - she's violating basic paddling protocal and might be called out / get in trouble with authorities if something goes wrong. But progressing slowly in a solid group with all possible safety precautions? Seems like that's a great environment for kids to learn teamwork, group dynamics, responsibility, as well as some first aid...
I certainly enjoyed it.
Just my .02$
Clay
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Depends on the kid and the family New 
BoaterTalk 
