Obviously kayaking’s different from tramping, though. I don’t know what the kayaking community thinks of this but I’m curious if it’s anything like mountaineering, where those with appropriate skills might still attempt something (including flooded rivers which I’m sure give a different experience) with a level of managed risk.

What really disturbs me about this, though, is the (attempted) charge for rescue. Whatever people might think about whether they were being irresponsible or whether it’s right or wrong to charge for rescues, it’s inconsistent with the generally accepted protocol, and the uncertainty could unnecessarily put people’s lives in danger in future.

I’m afraid I’m on the edge of running away to the airport and can’t think about it or comment as much as I’d like, but I’ll do my best as soon as I get back in a week or so.

Cheers.
Mike.

One of the guys you have written about is my partner, we are in the process of gathering evidence to state their case in the Small Claims Tribunal next month. You make some really interesting points, I just want to clarify a few things.. the article(s) in the media have made quite a few errors (due to only speaking to the harbourmaster).
Just a few….
1) The were not advised to stay off the river, they asked at a Jet base what the river levels were and were told “60 cumecs and rising” and were told to “have fun”.
2) Both are experienced kayakers who have kayaked that part of the river before.
3) The guide books all state that section of the river can be kayaked at all levels.
4) They were equipped with safety gear including throwbags,ropes, carabinas, life jackets, helmets etc

As tempting as it is, we decided not to respond to the media errors as it doesn’t help things. Queenstown prides itself on being an adventure capital for kayaking, mountain biking, mountain climbing, 4WD etc, this was just an unfortunate accident that could happen to anybody. So many ill-equipped tourists don’t have to pay anything and both guys are tax paying citizens (ACC has decided they will not get involved in this even though my partner had 5 weeks off work with a broken finger on ACC cover).

The guys were certainly not advised of any payment that may be required during the rescue and were ordered onto the helicopter (the uninjured kayaker was capable of getting himself out but was told to get in). I would not be advocating this so much if they were acting irresponsibly or being intentionally dangerous and I am greatful to Search and Rescue vounteers for the hard work they do and that my partner was found safe. The Search and Rescue people involved originally invoiced the Queenstown District Council and the Council have simply forwarded it on to us.

Thanks for taking an interest, I hope this clears up some points.

Nichola