Canoe Basics

Ethics Of Group Canoeing

By Cliff Jacobson

A bright summer morning on any river, U.S.A. A crowd of canoers, led by one or two self-appointed "leaders", prepare for the annual downstream float. It's 9:30 a.m. and mass confusion abounds. "Weren't we supposed to shuttle at 9?" Someone asks. What! You say the shuttle's gone? I didn't hear any announcement. How'm I gonna get my car to Reedsville landing?"

"No sweat friend," comes the ready answer. "Someone'll bring you back!"
Between the mix of uncertainty and lack of communication, there is misunderstanding of the day's events.

"They say we'll be done by four."

"Better be! Gotta be home by five. We shoulda left an hour ago. Where is Robertson (the leader) anyway?"

Finally, the shuttle is complete and the pack moves to the river's edge. Left behind are soft drink cans, candy wrappers, styrofoam cups and occasionally, an honestly useful item like a life vest or canoe paddle

Once on the river, the fun begins. The kids have their ghetto blasters, whose notes and rhythm they unselfishly share, even with those who are not their friends. And some of the adults have beer. Lots of beer. Invariably, you can get one free for the asking. In the scene are whining kids and barking dogs. But these over-indulged passengers have no say in what's going on.

Fifteen minutes into the trip, someone lights up a cigarette, while another opens a beer. A half mile downstream, both can and butt are innocently tossed into the gathering flow. A nearby paddler catches the drinker in the act and awkwardly suggests an alternative to littering

"Aw, it'll sink to the bottom," comes the surly reply.

Later, a banana peel and apple core are heaved into the woods under the guise they are "biodegradable".

Round the bend is an easy rapid, but for the drinkers it's already a four beer day. Immediately, there's a capsize. It's a small drop and everyone is rescued without incident. But wait. "Where's the beer? You mean we lost the whole case? You gotta be kidding!"

Further down is a quiet pool, and one of the canoes peels off to fish. In the heat of expectation, a pole is whipped back too far and seconds later an onlooker has a treble hook in the flesh. The "leader" pulls along side to assess the damage. "Sorry, there's no first-aid kit on board. Maybe we could wrap it with a handkerchief till we reach the take-out.

A noon lunch is planned, but the undulating mass doesn't reach the appointed spot till after two. It was the late start, you know. When the drag canoe finally arrives, the lead boat has already returned to the river. They build a hasty fire, wolf down some charred weiners and beat a hasty retreat back to the canoe. On the run, one partner kicks sand over the determined flames. Now, only smoke remains. Is the fire really out? We'll never know. They never looked back!

Around three o'clock, a persistent head wind develops and the canoes spread out still further. The gap widens as the moms and dads and dogs and kids in their pusher aluminum and Royalex canoes fall behind. With knowing smiles, Robertson and friends take the lead n their quick Kevlar cruisers. Good lesson here: "We'll teach you slugs what "efficient" canoeing is all about!

The "canoeists" reach the take out at 4:06, just as planned. But it's near sunset when the last boats arrive. Sorry guys, the last car's been shuttled. But there is a bus at nine!
Right now, you're probably thinking: "not a bad story, Cliff, considering you made it up." But I didn't. Not one word. I have, however, changed the names to protect the guilty. Environmental neglect is more often a matter of insensitivity than illegality. Since the group "leader" is the one to set the tone here, let's discuss him or her first.

The Leader: The problem is, most groups don't have one. Too often, the one who plays the part is well-meaning but inexperienced and disorganized. Show me a group with a good leader and I'll show you ethical behavior on the river.

Leadership, per se, is a complex process, one which cannot be addressed in a couple thousand words. However, these are the basic tenets

1. The leader leads. No one passes the leader. Ever !!

2. The most experienced canoeist (next to the leader) paddles "drag". The drag canoe never passes anyone.

3. There should be one experienced leader and one capable drag paddler for every half dozen canoes.

4. Lunch and rest stops are timed from the arrival of the drag--not the lead--canoe. The end-of-trip shuttle does not commence until the last canoe touches shore!

5. At least the lead and drag canoes should have whistles, which are blown only in emergencies.

6. Each canoe keeps visual contact with the canoe BEHIND it, not ahead of it. Rationale: It's easy to drop back to take up the slack; it's not so easy to push ahead and catch a fast team

7. Emergency equipment (first-aid kit, fire-starters, etc.) should be carried in both lead and drag canoes. If only one set of emergency gear is carried, put it in the drag boat.

8. In the event of a capsize, the first responsibility of nearby canoes is to pick up the swimmers. Only after the canoeists are rescued should their canoe and equipment be salvaged.

9. The group leader should make the nature of the trip (slow paced, fast cruise, intermediate whitewater, etc.) perfectly clear before the wheels roll to the put-in.

10. Everyone who joins a group float should have received a list of essential equipment and "do's and don'ts", in advance of the trip. Remember, most folks canoe because they like the outdoors as much as the paddling experience. If their actions despoil the environment and the fun of other floaters, it's because they don't know any better. They have need to be shown the proper way by their group leader!

Here's a partial list of what I expect from paddlers who follow me down river.

1. No radios. Period! I've come for the sight and sounds of the river, not to listen to someone's private bandstand. I'm pretty mouthy about suggesting that radios be left in the car or turned off on the river. Those who refuse to comply are left out of future trip plans.

2. Equipment: For years, I packed extra rain clothes and wool shirts on my canoe trips in order to save some bozo from the misfortunes of the river or the weather. I don't do that anymore. Instead, I tell my groups what is expected before they arrive at the put-in. Those who don't have essential items (a PFD, plus a wool or fleece shirt and rain gear are the bare minimum) don't go on my trips. And they shouldn't go on yours. If your leader does not supply you with a list, use this one for starters:

____Life jacket
____Two piece rain-suit.

Avoid ponchos which dribble through, and cheap plastic outfits which tear.

____Wool or fleece shirt.
____Light nylon wind shell.
____Change of clothes from noses to toes.
____Brimmed hat and sun glasses.
____Knife and matches.
____Small flashlight (it's surprising how many trips begin in blazing sunlight and finish in unplanned darkness).

3. Wear your life jacket! This does not mean "have it available". This universal club requirement applies to flatwater beginner routes as well as intimidating whitewater runs. Take off your PFD on a well run club outing and you'll hear about it!

4. Shuttle: Everyone wants his car at the bottom end so he can get home quickly. Unfortunately, the realities of river canoeing require that a few drivers go the extra miles for the group. Logistically, a van or large SUV with lots of people-hauling space is most efficient. If you own one of these vehicles, please volunteer to stick around till the drag boat comes in, and taxi folks back to their vehicles.

5. Beer: Alcoholic beverages are actively discouraged by every canoe club I know. It's okay to have a beer with lunch, providing you carry out the can. However, continuous sipping as you drift down river is out-of-place on a group float.

6. Garbage: Included here are beverage cans, paper products and biodegradable items like apple cores and orange peels. You brought 'em in, you pack 'em out! Granted, biodegradable products do decay, but in the meantime they are an eyesore that breeds bacteria. If thrown into a waterway, they use up precious dissolved oxygen as they are consumed by multiplying microorganisms. Tip: Always bring a strong plastic trash bag on every canoe trip you take. Tie it to a canoe thwart where it will be visible to other floaters. This is a non-intimidating way to educate your friends.

7. Human waste: Please answer the call of nature at least 150 feet from water. On popular western rivers, etiquette requires carrying out human waste. On less traveled eastern routes, dig a small hole with the heel of your shoe. Afterwards, burn the toilet paper, then douse the flames with water to make sure they are dead out. Finally, cover the hole with dirt. Human waste will decompose in a week; toilet paper requires several seasons!

8. Cruising speed: Of all the river ethics, this one inflames the most wounds. Invariably, there is always a fast team who wants to show off and an inexperienced one who lags behind--a scenario which can produce a chain of canoes several miles long. It is impossible to maintain control over a fleet that's spread out. If a boat capsizes or someone gets hurt, there may be no help available. So please, spell out the exact nature of the cruise before you set out. And actively discourage from attending those who can not or will not keep up!

9. Smoking: I'm a reformed smoker, and admittedly that's the worst kind. Fact is, very few canoeists smoke, and those who do are usually very courteous about it. If you smoke while paddling, ethics demand that you field-strip your cigarettes and carry out the butts. If you puff away at a shore stop, either field-strip the smokes, burn the remains in a campfire, or bury them. Your friends will appreciate this thoughtfulness

10. Rowdy behavior: Mostly, you see this in teen groups led by incompetent adults. Everyone is out for a good time, much to the detriment of the river and other floaters. It is ethical to call inconsiderate practices to the attention of the group. But use tact. The clown you're talking to might just be educable!

11. Don't play dodge-'em with your canoe. If you want to see fur fly, crash into (indeed, just nick!) someone's $1,800 Kevlar canoe with a rental tank. Boy, do you have a surprise coming!

12. Packing your gear: Everything should be placed in pack sacks or a rigid container of some sort. An ice chest, with lid taped down, makes a fine safe for food and clothing. Discreet bundles are easily salvaged in a capsize. Loose jackets, beverage cans and the like, will be lost to the river.

I could go on, but these are the basic concerns--all of which may be summarized by two simple cliches: "Take only pictures, leave only footprints." And respect the rights and concerns of others. What could be easier?