America Outdoors and American Whitewater have introduced recommended river running ‘etiquette’ for commercial and non-commercial paddlers. Intended to address the increases in shared use of river resources, the RiverShare tm· Guidelines establish a reference by which new paddlers and commercial river guides alike can better share rivers as collective stewards for these precious resources.
“America’s popular whitewater rivers are getting more crowded each year, and newcomers to the river often have little or no familiarity with river etiquette,” notes Risa Shimoda, American Whitewater Executive Director. “These simple, sensible guidelines will help new paddlers and remind experienced river runners to make sensible choices when they approach other paddlers before and during their river trips.”
“Unnecessary conflicts will encourage regulations and enforcement actions that may limit opportunities to enjoy river recreation,” notes David Brown, Executive Director of America Outdoors. “These guidelines will provide a benchmark for outfitter training and heightened public awareness. America Outdoors’ and AW’s efforts show the value of collegial relationships over inflammatory conflict in preserving and protecting access to recreational resources.”
America Outdoors represents more than 1,000 outfitter companies and suppliers through its membership and affiliate organizations. Members provide whitewater rafting, canoe and kayaking instruction and other recreation services to the general public. America Outdoors members serve approximately 2 million people annually.
American Whitewater is the nation¡¦s voice for whitewater recreation, river conservation, access protection and safety, representing 8,000 individual and 80,000 paddling club affiliate members across the U.S.
To see the complete RiverShare tm· Guidelines document, visit http://www.americanwhitewater.org/safety/rivershare.phtml. For more information, contact Risa Shimoda (301) 589-9453 risa@amwhitewater.org or David Brown (865) 558-3595 dbrown@americaoutdoors.org