Whether charging forward on the Charles River or taking a beer break, Dan Heiter knows that paddling safety is the first step to having a great time on the river. Check out Dan’s advice for paddling while physically distancing below.
By now, the term social distancing is something we are all familiar with and learning to adopt. As a paddler, it may have occurred to you that all of your years paddling and enjoying your favorite hobby were simultaneously preparing you for social distancing.
Now is a great time to go paddling with your friends and family. You may not be able to meet at your favorite restaurant or bar, but the water is still open to you! It is a perfect way to reconnect while still keeping your distance. Try exploring more of the Ipswich River Water Trail; this is a great time to find new places to paddle.
Here are some easy to follow guidelines for safe and enjoyable paddling:
- Keep group size small
Avoid bunching up, especially in the launch area. Solo kayaks are great. In a canoe, even though you may be more than 6 feet behind someone, you’re going to breathe the air they just exhaled. Everyone in your boat will be part of your “transmission unit”, to coin a phrase. - Maintain 6 ft distance at all times, whether on land or water.
Yeah, it is going to be weird but we all want to keep each other safe and healthy. Use your outdoor voice, or try out a quiet mindfulness paddle. You may just sneak up on some wildlife! - Only touch your own gear.
Now is the time for everyone to carry their own gear. If you have to help someone move a boat, be sure to grab the same end of the boat each time. It’s an easy way to reduce the risk of contamination. Even better, though, when you and everyone in your party have the skills, strength and/or gear is to simply do it yourself. - Avoid sharing snacks/water
We all love a good break from paddling to share snacks and stories. This time, just keep it to the stories and eat your own snacks.
- Stay Safe
Don’t let all the coronavirus talk distract you from staying safe out on the water. The water is fast and cold at this time of year, so wear your life jacket and steer clear of strainers and other hazards. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are required to be worn by law from September 15 – May 15. - Keep the hand sanitizer handy, and use it.
As always when exploring the watershed abide by the carry-in carry-out policy. If you are one of those amazing river protectors who actually brings a trash-bag to fill when you walk or paddle, keep yourself safe, use a grabber if you can, and avoid newer looking trash like cigarette butts that could be contaminated.
Please share photos, videos, and stories with us of your river outings by emailing them to [email protected] or sharing them with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Have fun out there!