The Paddlers’ Etiquette Guide
July 21st, 2008 by SallyDrive down any major route in New Hampshire and you’ll pass a dozen cars with kayak racks on top of them. It’s just a small indication of how popular kayaking is. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s relatively easy to learn from a recreational perspective, there are dozens of places to paddle, it’s peaceful and relaxing and brings one ever-closer to nature.
It’s great to see the growing popularity of the sport, but with increasing frequency I am beginning to see a lack of “paddlers’ etiquette” at some of the more popular paddling destinations. A couple of weeks ago I witnessed a guy paddle up to a Loon and exclaim “Hey, look this Loon is trying to scare me!” to his buddy as the Loon began to furiously flap it’s wings. If I had been closer I would have wacked the guy with my paddle. Obviously the loon had babies and wanted everyone to stay away. The sad part was this guy was clearly not trying to be macho, he genuinely had no idea what the loon was doing.
This brings me to the Paddlers’ Etiquette Guide. These may be obvious points, but I’ll bet everyone knows at least one person they could share this with.
#1: If your boat was big enough to bring it in, it’s big enough to carry it out.
No one wants to see your trash left behind when they are out enjoying the pristine surroundings. And no one wants to clean up after you. Make sure you put your trash back in the boat before you leave. Throw it away in a garbage can–or better yet, take it home and throw it in your own trash.
#2: You are a guest in someone else’s home. Be respectful of the wildlife that live where you paddle.
You probably don’t like it when you have loud guests in your own home who pick up and move everything in your house, or put their dirty shoes on your couch (or any number of rude behaviors). So don’t do it in someone else’s home. The local wildlife may not be able to tell you directly how they feel about you, but with some common sense you can enjoy your surroundings and they can feel safe in their homes. On the occasions that the local wildlife does communicate (birds buzzing your head, beavers slapping the water with their tails) pay attention and be respectful. Give them the space they need to feel secure.
#3: Homeowners don’t want to see you on their property or hear your conversations.
Much of the time you are paddling very close to someone else’s property or paddling very close to their home which sits on the edge of the shore. Think about how you might feel if your house were on the shore. You probably wouldn’t want people getting out of their boat onto your property (or launching their boat from your property). And you would probably appreciate people not floating in front of your house shouting to one another. Extend the same courtesy to homeowners which you would expect yourself.
#4: Unless you are drowning, there is no reason to shout.
If you have something to say to your paddling companion, try actually paddling up to them and speaking in normal tones. Don’t shout across the water to one another. It’s disruptive to the wildlife and other paddlers around you. Better yet, try enjoying your environment and being quiet for a few minutes or few hours. You would be surprised how much you will notice and enjoy about your environment if you are quiet and use your other senses.
#5: Be aware and respectful of other paddler’s around you.
We’re all paddling together. Be respectful of other paddlers on the water–let them enjoy their experience without invading their paddling space, shouting or paddling too close or directly in front of them. If you see a group headed in a direction you were planning on paddling, you may want to consider taking another route so you can all enjoy the pristine beauty around you. Especially when you are launching your boat, be considerate–don’t block the entire launch point; be observant of other boats arriving or leaving and share the space.
Do you have other tips or gripes? Share them by posting a comment.