201 



th American 

 orts Association 



vice President 

 Mike Clchanowski 



We-no nah Canoe 



Mad RJver Canoe 



Associatic 

 Directors 



Tim Davis 



Padfic Water 



Lllllc Gilbert 



WUdnvn 

 Outflnere 



12455 North 



^Vauwatosa 



Road 



Mequon, WI 



53097-271 1 



414/242-5228 



fax 



414/242-4428 



NAPSA 



Serving the 



Paddlesports 



Specialty Trade 



Jribrable Jim Saxton 

 Chairman 



The Fisheries and WildHfe Subcommittee of the 

 House Resources Committee 

 Hl-805 O'Neil House Office Building 

 Washington, DC 

 20515 



I am the Executive Director of the North American Paddlesports 

 Association (NAPSA). We are a trade association representing manufacturers 

 retailers, distributors, and outfitters of canoe, kayak, and rafting products and ser- 

 vices throughout North America. 



I regret that no representative from our organization was able to attend 

 your recent hearings on the proposed excise tax on outdoor recreation equipment 

 I apologize for our absence in this important process. 



1 understand that we may submit materials on how the proposal could 

 affect our trade for the record. 1 have included a brief position paper that NAPSA 

 has developed and with input from our membership and the paddlesports trade in 

 North America. 



TTiank you for your time and attention. Please do not hesitate to contact me 

 It I may be of additional assistance to you or your staff. 



Best Wishes, 



Neil Wiesner-Hanks 



Executive Director 



The North American Paddlesports Association 



