San Joaquin

On the morning of April 21, 2011, two men accosted a paddler at the small dam at mile 46. The men, representing land owners, told the paddler that the land and river were private property and that they would not allow him to continue downstream. The paddler went back upstream to Sandy Mush Road and called to get picked up by friends. The paddler did not get the name or contact information from the landowner.

American Whitewater believes that this section of the San Joaquin is legal to float and that it is legal to portage any dams that need to be portaged. Land owners do not have any legal right to prevent boaters from paddling on the river or from portaging obstructions. Diplomatically assert your right to float. Private land owners can not legally stop you. Only a sheriff's officer or other police officer can legally detain you. Politely continue on your way, but get their name and contact information. If an officer of the law does come and detain you, do what ever they say, but explain your understanding that the river is a legally navigable waterway. Get the name of the officer so that we can follow up. Then contact American Whitewater.