Rejoice, boating season is in full swing! Unless you live in the southern appalachians, rivers are flowing at great levels across the nation. For many of us it has been a long winter and the paddling community is brimming with enthusiasm. Unfortunately this enthusiasm can cause problems if it is not saved for the river. AW has been getting reports of river access closures and threats of access closures in several locations around the nation – because of paddlers driving too fast on private roads or through small communities, leaving gates open, and other oversights.
The best way to solve an access issue it to not cause one in the first place! We encourage paddlers to have unfathomable amounts of fun this spring, while respectfully sharing the road, the river, and public access areas.
American Whitewater asks paddlers to use the following common sense guidelines when traveling to and using river access areas:
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Drive courteously and within the speed limit. Paddlers should always remember that we have large neon signs on the tops of our vehicles that let everyone know that we are boaters. Thus, paddlers have a responsibility to be good ambassadors for the paddling community while driving in their cars. Good driving etiquette, particularly in residential areas and on small and/or dirt roads, is essential for maintaining positive relationships with those that live near paddling destinations.
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Park in designated areas making sure to not block driveways or interfere with traffic.
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Change clothes discreetly.
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Do not play loud music.
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Follow the laws and rules of the area that you are using.
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Consider taking a few minutes to pick up litter left by others.
For more advice on how to interact with other river users, click here.