The Paddlers’ Etiquette Guide
July 21st, 2008 by KimDrive 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.
Can’t Miss Resources
June 13th, 2008 by KimTravel and weather have kept Sadie and I from doing any paddling recently (but I’m hopeful that we’ll get out briefly this weekend to explore some place new or familiar). In the meantime, here are some sites and resources that if you don’t already know about, you’ll definitely want to tag.
- American Canoe Association (ACA): ACA provides a wealth of information about canoeing and kayaking. From places to paddle to education and stewardship, it’s a site worth exploring. Be sure to explore the safety section of their web site to brush up safe paddler skills. And if you want to plan the ultimate paddling adventure, take a look at their directory of water trails throughout the country.
- Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Speaking of ultimate traveling adventures, be sure to learn more about the NFCT right in our own backyard. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a long-distance paddling trail connecting major watersheds across the Adirondacks and Northern New England via 22 rivers and streams and 56 lakes and ponds. In the 740-mile trail across New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine, paddlers can trace history following the traditional water routes used by Native Americans and early settlers. Visit the web site to learn more about the trail and consider joining or donating your time to support their mission of celebrating the rich human history associated with the trail and environmental stewardship.
- Guide to Kayaking With Your Dog: This article from Topkayaker.net is a great introduction to the steps involved in teaching your dog to be a responsible K-9 kayaker and feel secure at the same time. Throwing your dog in the kayak or canoe without a proper introduction is one of the worst things you can do to build the confidence of your dog. This introductory guide will give you some terrific pointers and appropriate steps to take. Also be sure to watch for Go-Paddle’s own version of “Teaching Your Dog to Kayak” coming soon.
- New Hampshire…Love It or Leaf It: Looking for more places to paddle and enjoy the outdoors in New Hampshire? This local blog will provide you with more places to paddle as well as great biking, fishing and outdoor recreation in NH (and sometimes beyond).