Club wants paddles cleared for takeoff

By Marcie Kagawa / mkagawa@staradvertiser.com

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Mar 11, 2013

~~<p>Along with hockey sticks, canoe paddles should be included in the Transportation Security Administration's list of approved carry-on items on flights, local paddlers argue.</p>
<p>"It would be great if TSA would allow us to carry them on board again to get around having to pay the (checked baggage) fee," said Leimomi Dierks, a 33-year paddler who is head coach this year of Lanikai Canoe Club. "I know the TSA, flight attendants and airlines are worried that paddles can be used as a weapon, but personally, I don't think that's quite an issue. We're not an aggressive group. We're a fun, gregarious group of people in a friendly, competitive sport."</p>
~~

Along with hockey sticks, canoe paddles should be included in the Transportation Security Administration's list of approved carry-on items on flights, local paddlers argue.

"It would be great if TSA would allow us to carry them on board again to get around having to pay the (checked baggage) fee," said Leimomi Dierks, a 33-year paddler who is head coach this year of Lanikai Canoe Club. "I know the TSA, flight attendants and airlines are worried that paddles can be used as a weapon, but personally, I don't think that's quite an issue. We're not an aggressive group. We're a fun, gregarious group of people in a friendly, competitive sport." Login for more...