On Monday, August 2nd Friendsville Town Council discussed problems with whitewater paddlers taking out above the Maple Street Bridge. This is not, as has been rumored, simply a neighbor dispute! There were complaints from both sides of the river. Too many paddlers are parking and getting out on Water Street (on river left) and Morris Avenue (on river right). These are quiet residential areas where several paddlers now own homes. They are not suitable public takeouts, especially since there’s an excellent alternative a hundred yards downstream.
Objectionable behavior cited:
Boaters cutting through private property or parking without permission. A number of kayakers now own property in town, so just because you see someone getting off the river doesn’t mean it’s OK to follow.
Parking directly in front of homes on Water Street and Morris Street when you don’t know the people living there. This blocks their view of the river and creates an unwelcome commotion in the neighborhood. Even if we have a “right” to do this, it’s bad for the sport in the long run.
Illegal overnight on-street camping, including one brazen individual who was caught sleeping in the church parking lot as people arrived for morning services. No one should be sleeping in cars on town streets!
Barely-legal clothes changing in front of homes on Water and Morris Streets. Changing under a towel or poncho is not acceptable in such close quarters. One man reported that several teenaged girls used his open garage as a private dressing room.
Individuals walking down the middle of side streets bare-chested, shoeless, and carrying beer. In cities, strange men like these are considered weird; in the country people find them scary and disrespectful.
People walking down Maple Avenue with boats sticking out into the road, blocking traffic. Paddlers opening car doors into the road that block traffic. One paddler, when honked at by a car, made an obscene gesture to the driver. Stay off the road and watch traffic! An accident will probably close the access.
If we want to continue taking out in town we have to respect the people who live here. Please do not get out above the Wilderness Voyageurs Access. Park on Maple Avenue and major cross streets or use the town park a mile downstream. Do not park or take out upstream of the Maple Street Bridge unless you own property or have a personal invitation from a homeowner. Don’t park, drink, or change clothes in front of a home if you don’t know the owner. Although the area under the interstate bridges is still legal please don’t park in front of homes or the church.
Local residents were impressed that paddlers avoided Water Street last weekend, and ask that this courtesy be continued. Please respect the town, and remind your friends to act responsibly.