Survey - Needs Assessment for Kayakers

August-September 1999

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

The Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia recently established a Feasibility Study Committee to examine how kayaking related human waste disposal issues in British Columbia might be affecting the environment and how to reduce possible impacts. The Committee has received the support of various interested groups and levels of government. By completing the accompanying survey you will help the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of B.C. and its partners identify what areas are subject to extensive impact and what kinds of initiatives would help recreational and commercial kayakers minimize our impact while still enjoying kayaking. This information will be used to help shape future initiatives and design disposal programs that work for kayakers. Please complete the survey and mail to: Project Thunderbox, Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC, 1910 Sea Otter Place, Nanoose Bay, BC V9P 9J1

1.Which most accurately describes your kayaking experience?

. Guide

. Commercial operator

. Personal

. Other, Specify

 

 

2. Which best describes your trips, and how many have you done in the last calendar year?

. Day trips, how many?

. Weekend trips, how many?

. Multiday trips, how many?

. Other

 

3. How many people are usually on your trips?

. Solo

. 2-4

. 5-10

. More than 10

 

4.Which areas do you frequent? Circle as many as are applicable:

. Southern Gulf Island

. Northern Gulf Island

. Clayoquot Sound

. Broken Group

. Nootka Sound

. Johnstone Strait

. Other, Please Specify:

 

5. Name your favorite BC kayaking destination (please be specific).

 

6.At your favorite destination, are there toilet facilities:

. Yes

. No

 

7a. In your opinion, what is the most heavily used site you have visited?

 

7b. Rate the health of the marine environment at the site you mentioned in 7a:

. Poor . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . Excellent

 

7c. Are there outhouse/toilet facilities available at this site

. Yes

. No

 

8. To what extent does encountering pollution (water, trash, noise, human waste etc.) reduce your kayaking enjoyment?

. Not at all . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . A Lot

 

9. To what extent do you feel kayaking activities affect the health of the marine environment?

. Not at all .1 .2 .3 . 4 . 5 . A Lot

 

10a, While kayaking, what is your most used method of human waste disposal?

. Carry out

. Intertidal flush

. Honey bucket

. Outhouse

. Other, Please Specify:

 

10b. If you chose Carry Out as your method, which type or model do you use?

 

 

11. To what extent is your choice of human waste disposal determined by:

a) environmental concerns?

Not at all . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . A Lot

b) client preferences?

Not at all . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . A Lot

 

12. Circle the items most needed by kayakers to further protect the environment (up to 2):

. More shore toilet facilities. More garbage and recycling facilities

. Better information and education

. Other, Specify

 

13. If outhouses or composting toilets were constructed at strategic sites would you be willing to contribute to their:

. Cost

. Construction

. Maintenance

. Other:

 

14a. Have you used a composting toilet in the Broken Group Islands?

. Yes

. No

 

14b. If yes, did the toilet fit in with the surrounding environment?

. Yes

. No

15. Please list any concerns or comments:

 

 

Photocopy or cut out this page and mail it to

Project Thunderbox,

Sea Kayak Grades Alliance of BC,

1910 Sea Otter Place, Nanoose Bay, BC

V9P 9J1. Thank-you!