Our goal should always be to limit our impact on other users, wildlife, and the river itself. Not only is this the friendly, and responsible thing to do. It also is the only thing that will ensure the future of the sport and resources.
With the above in mind, below are a few do’s and don’ts to keep things friendly on the river.
#1 Don’t mess around near boat ramps, floaters, swimmers, fisherman, or others.
As a rule, we should limit the impact with others as much as possible. This means when others are around, we should be doing whatever possible to limit the duration and intensity of our interactions with other river users.
#2 Don’t run small/busy rivers during periods of high use.
Floaters, fisherman, family picnickers and swimmers use these rivers in warm weather season. The responsibility is on us to limit negative interactions with other users. For a percentage of other users, our presence alone is a negative interaction.
#3 Don’t jump things or run channels with little or no water.
Intentionally jumping gravel bars and logs can negatively affect spawning habitat, increase turbidity and is generally frowned upon by officials and other river users. The same can be said for running channels with no water.
#4 Do practice good wake management .
Some percentage of the floater community views us going by at speed as a hazard and rude. We can argue the merits of this all day, but the reality is: that is the expectation. If you are having to come off plane so often for floaters that it’s a problem then maybe you should review statement #2. In wide or shallow sections learn to throw your wake.
#5 Do slow down a little bit.
Some people take offense to us using the public rivers, for our adrenaline fueled adventures. The fact of the matter is that speed on some smaller rivers is also dangerous to the public. Slow down and get your thrills from the technical aspect of the sport.
#6 Do manage your noise impact.
Other users are on the river for a peaceful nature experience. The responsibility falls upon us to limit our noise around these other users as much as possible. Make sure your boat has functional muffler(s), slow down a little bit, and turn your stereo down.
#7 Don’t leave things behind.
Leave the river in a state that others can enjoy it too. Avoid damage to the environment you are in. Garbage should be taken away with you and put in an appropriate facility. The leave no trace, leave only footprints cliché is really accurate in this case.
#8 Do follow all local regulations.
Learn about and follow all local regulation and requirements including boat safety equipment and registration requirements.
#9 Don’t turn off your brain
Use common sense when dealing with unknown or unusual circumstances. Stay alert, stay focused, do not take substances or behave in a way that would distract from the safety and enjoyment of yours, or others river use.