By John Lane Walt Taylor - Making a Splash!
By John Lane
Nothing is more gratifying to a retiring boating chair than having a capable successor who will ensure continuity and measured change within the boating program. Walter Taylor is the kind of guy you want to have follow you, the kind you can trust and respect.
Walter grew up in Madison, Ohio, close to better-known Geneva-on-the-Lake. Lake Erie was his backyard and water has always been a part of his life. At age 14, Walter and friends were flying kites on the frozen lake. Turns out they were on a large floe that broke loose and luckily merged with another to form an ice bridge that gave safe walking passage home. He has a long history of canoeing and has spent several years at the helm of a sea kayak. Walter recently purchased a vintage whitewater kayak and hopes to pick up some river skills.
As a former bicycle rider, Walt rode TOSRV several times. Now, bike rides are mostly around the block with Caitlin, his 9 year old daughter.
Walter has studied chemistry at 3 different Ohio colleges and is employed in the plastics industry. Unfortunately, it's not the useful type of plastic _ like kayak manufacturing!!
I first met Walter at one of our whitewater film festivals. I remember Walt saying that he wanted to give back, contribute somehow to Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. I didn't have an inkling then, and perhaps he doesn't now, how much a contribution that would actually become. When queried about why he was willing to take the role of boating chair, he said it's simply an extension of the giving back. Walter is looking forward to maintaining the current boating programs and would like to see us develop a kayak education program for kids. The topic of TOSRV by Boat came up during our conversation and is hopefully now packed away where that discussion belongs.
One of the reasons I asked Walter to take over as chair is that I've seen him in action. He's bold enough to cut a 2 inch hole in the deck of his sea kayak to secure a sail rig AND a few bolt holes in the hull. He can navigate political seas adroitly and is secure enough to hold fast to his convictions. He is someone who will do a good job of representing the interests of the boating group. He is looking forward to this opportunity and hopes to have the continuing support of all the volunteer contributors to the boating program. As one of my last requests as boating chair, I'd like to encourage all the COP members from biker to boater to Board, to support Walter in his new role and WELCOME HIM ABOARD!