SC(3) - AIW14

Sustainability Committee

Inquiry into access to inland water in Wales

Please could you note my request for free access to inland waters by non motorised water crafts, additionaly for swimming and playing.

I paddle in a white water kayak mostly and have tried open canoes and sea kayking, i have been chalanged by anglers who say why should they pay around £200 pound and we don't, i have pointed out that they are actualy paying for the right to hunt fish and remove them from the water whilst we are just travelling along the water but if you don't already know, this does not go down well.

I have also been wished well by angles and would like to wish them well in their sport.

I am not intimidated but i do for some reason feel guilty when challanged by anglers because the angles seem to have historical rights or so they think, i would counter that the rivers were the motorways and high ways a long time before anglers started paying to hunt fish and so i feel it should be the same now.

Untill the goverment makes a clear statement on the right to access there will continue to be uncertainty.

Regards,

Nik Mason
Treasurer
Glam Boaters