Increased Traffic on the rivers means an increased need for traffic rules to keep everyone safe and having fun.



Being a low water year here in Ontario many paddlers are forced to take their cravings for whitewater either on the road to destinations far and unknown or to the more local and well known and sure to have water.

The later of the two to be more likely since most people have to work.

One of those reliable spots that always seem to have water no matter how low or non existent every other run is happens to be right here in Palmer
Rapids just five minutes away from our office (Yes it is pretty sweet and yes we do very often spend our lunch hour paddling) so we get to observe paddling behaviour and trends quite regularly.

One of the inevitable consequences of only having so many places to paddle, which is really evident this year is river traffic.

And with river traffic just like road traffic comes those people who just don't know the rules of the road.
Yeah that's right, river traffic rules.

I know some people right now are saying "dude… lighten up, it's paddling. There's not suppose to be any rules".

Of course these are the same people cutting in line to get on a surf and then hang out on the wave forever.

I agree that paddling should be laid back and chill and most paddlers are pretty good about being courteous, but there has to be a certain amount order involved so everyone gets to have a good time and not just the hot shot surfer.

Here's a few things to consider next time you are at your favourite over–crowded whitewater park–and–play spot.  

1. Park properly. Don't crowd the parking lot and take up two spaces by parking sideways. Just because the parking spaces aren't marked doesn't mean you can park anywhere or anyway you want. Try to park in the same direction as everyone else.

2. Clear the path. At a narrow river put–in try not to crowd by placing your boat and across the entrance way. Boats are heavy and people rather be paddling them then holding onto them waiting for you to get out of their way.

3. Lend a helping hand. If someone has flipped and are drifting downstream to Killerfang Falls don't just shrug it off. If they look like they could use help then offer a helping hand.

4. Save yourself. If you flip a lot don't expect your friends or strangers to rescue you overtime. Take some time and practice some self rescues.

5. Give right of way. I'm not 100% sure on this one but I understand that upstream paddlers have right of way. Why? It's kinda hard to stop a freight train in motion. People peeling out up stream check over your shoulder to make sure the way is generally clear.

6. Wait your turn. No matter how much you think someone wants to watch you surf all day believe it or not they don't. They are there for the same reason you are. To paddle.

7. Offer tips when needed. Don't be that guy who assumes that everyone besides themselves is a beginner. Believe it or not girls actually do know how to paddle and control a big tandem canoe.

8. Respect and support the newbs. If someone is clearly new to the sport figure out a polite and friendly way to tell them the rules of the river.

9. Have Fun. The most important rule of all. Don't get to bent out of shape if someone isn't following the rules. Take it home and write a blog about it instead.

By no means is this the comprehensive list so feel free to add to this and if I am mistaken about any of the ones I have down here feel free to correct me.

Check out the Rapid Forum and Community area for more discussion about the river.