Discussion: Are you sailing to Paraguay?

Are you sailing to Paraguay?

That would be quite a trip! But no. However, we are allowed to use sails on our kayaks if the wind cooperates.

Interesting! That's specifically against ARWS rules unless sailing is one of the disciplines in the race. It's not a rule I agreed with but I was surprised at how many people felt strongly about it. One of the arguments was the cost of a sail. (Has anyone bought a mountain bike lately?) In the rules, they refer to it as a type of "non human-powered propulsion", as if that's a bad thing. It's still OK to ride your bike in a tail wind though. (Eye roll emoji!)

LOL at the price relative to bikes!

New this year at AWRS: Must walk bikes down hills.

But only if they cost more than a sail.

Randy did a podcast from an ARWC (I think) meeting where some possible rule changes were discussed. I thought it was a no-brainer to continue to allow sails and was shocked to hear that a number of people were passionately opposed. As a canoeist and kayaker, I've often used tent flies or even raincoats as sails on backcountry trips. It's a totally normal, fun way for a paddler to move forward on a windy day.

Some so-called purists think sails are unfair assistance - the same kinds of people who consider trekking poles to be an unfair mechanical aid for trail running. But seriously... Isn't my bike's rear bike suspension unfair assistance? What about gravity? Or daylight? Or faster moving whitewater in the afternoon? When encountering a snowy slope, is it OK to ski down in your running shoes or is it necessary to walk? Ridiculous.

Interesting! The newsletters specifically said sails can be used.

Yes, I saw that. You're OK. I looked up the ARWS rules and it sounds like the race organizers are the ones who are breaking the rules. In any case, I approve of sails!