[Evenstar]

The proof is in statistics:
- The number of canoes and kayaks have decreased on Winni over the last decade of two, during a time when the numbers of paddlers has increase faster than any other type of recreational boat.
- During the last few years, how many canoe/kayak retailers have opened on Winni? How many have closed?
- To the best of my knowledge:
- There are currently no kayak clubs or organizations on Winni.
- There are no professional (as in certified) kayak tour organizations on Winni.
- There is no place to get professional kayak instruction (as in lessons) on Winni.
Visit any other large lake, especially the tourist areas, and you’ll see that all these types of businesses are thriving. Just look at Squam, Lake George, Lake Champlain, Lake Tahoe, and all of the Great Lakes.

I know a woman who owns a family camp on Winn and she decided to open up a kayak shop to sell kayaks and to provide tours and instruction. She wanted to run her business from her camp, but ended up opening her store in Lincoln. Her tours and white water instruction are on the Pemi River. She told me that Winni is just too dangerous for that type of business – because of the high speeds that some powerboats travel.

I would be surprised if anyone on this forum has spent more time in a kayak or has paddled more miles than I have. Most of my paddling has been on large lakes, so my opinions are based on actual experience. The reason that I don’t have more experience on Winni is that I saw how dangerous the lake is for paddlers – due to the high speeds of some of the powerboats. Winni is the only lake that I’ve ever felt was unsafe to be on – and the fear was not from the weather or from the conditions – it was fear of being run over from a powerboat. You can say that my fear is just perceived – but it was very real and it was a fear of self-preservation. My instincts are very good - Winni is just not a safe place for kayaks – because of the high speeds of some powerboats.

The reason that there haven’t been paddler fatalities on Winni from powerboat collisions is that the few paddlers who dare to venture out on Winni at all, pretty much hug the shore. We’ve been virtually forced off the main lake.

On any summer weekend, Squam has a large number of powerboats. But you’ll also see dozens of kayak and canoes on the water too – even out on the middle of the lake. Squam feels safe and Winni doesn’t. Why is that? I'm convinced that it is mainly because Squam has a speed limit.

A speed limit will not make any lake 100% safe for kayaks and canoes. I have never even suggested that. But it will make NH lakes much safer for us.

If the speed limit passes, I can guarantee that there will be more sea kayaks out on the main lake. And I bet you'll see a new kayak store open on the lake in the very near future.