Bill requiring classes for kayaks, paddleboards, canoes and some surfboards may be scuttled

OLYMPIA - A bill that would've required boating classes for kayakers, canoeists, paddleboarders and even some surfers appears to have been scuttled.

House Bill 1018 is the subject of an online petition that had drawn 18,450 protest signatures as of this morning, Feb. 11. The bill would have required nearly everyone piloting a vessel – even human-powered boats like kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and some surfboards – on state waters to complete a boater education course. In addition, the bill would have eliminated the exception for boaters born before Jan. 1, 1955.

The state already requires boat...