Sue Ellen White, a longtime Whidbey resident and sea kayaker, has been named to the statewide Paddlesports Advisory Committee by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

Paddlesports, such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, are growing in popularity in Washington and nationwide. As a result, the state’s Recreational Boating Safety Program is concerned with non-motorized boating accidents and fatalities. They are also seeking ways to serve this growing boating segment and to minimize impacts on facilities and the environment.

The committee acts as an advisor to the program and has selected five areas of focus for their work: paddlesports education, stewardship, access, facilities and public lands; paddlesports program manager; and rentals and instructors.

White serves on the access, facilities and public lands subcommittee and welcomes concerns and ideas from local organizations and individuals.

“Living on an island most of us access the water via locations shared by motorized boats, divers, walkers and non-motorized craft,” White said. “Balancing responsibility for safety, access and marine protection requires input from all user groups, so we’re looking for a variety of opinions.”

White can be reached at (360) 341-2434.