As we start to have club trips again, the Board would like to offer the following
suggestions for paddling during the COVID-19 pandemic:
• Stay at least 6 feet apart always
• Wear a mask when not paddling
• 2 people per vehicle, windows open, heat/AC off, masks on
• Paddle rivers with short shuttles
• Don’t just show up
• Paddle well within your ability
• Don’t go if you are sick or have been exposed to anyone who is sick
Additional details:
1. Remember we are a group of common adventurers. All trip participants assume full responsibility for their own safety. The coordinator only organizes the trip.
2. For all Coastals trips, paddlers must self-rate themselves. Difficulty ratings are intended as a rough guide and are subject to error and changing conditions.
3. As always, contact the trip coordinator at least 2 days prior to the trip. Be mindful of any limit on the number of paddlers for any given trip. Groups of 10 paddlers or less are recommended. Don’t just “show up” and don’t bring unexpected guests. [Trip Coordinators are encouraged to not post the time of the trip in order to avoid people just showing up.]
4. During COVID-19, make the health of others your number one priority.
5. CDC and state guidelines regarding COVID-19 change regularly and vary from region to region. Respect travel restrictions, state and local rules, and river closures.
6. Stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times including when sharing eddies, stopping for breaks, and at the put-in and take-out. Avoid congregating even if someone needs assistance. If only one helper is needed, all others can move to a safe distance. Self-rescue whenever possible.
7. Trip coordinators should have a plan for the shuttle before getting to the river. Recommend avoid having more than 2 people in a vehicle in order to maintain 6 feet apart. Human-powered shuttles are best if possible. If 2 or more people are in a vehicle, wear masks, sit as far apart as possible while still wearing seatbelts, turn the AC/Heat off, and have the windows down. Each person should have their own open window (no middle-seat passengers or people crammed into those little jump seats in a truck cab, etc.) Paddle rivers with short shuttles (less than 30 minutes). Have a plan for who will watch gear while running shuttle.
8. Wear a mask at the put-in and take-out at least. Keep a mask in your dry bag in your boat. Avoid busy areas and busy times of day.
9. Paddle close to home. Consider impacts to vulnerable communities with limited healthcare facilities.
10. Paddle well within your ability.
11. Don’t go if you’re sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, or have been in contact with anyone who is sick.
12. Bring hand sanitizer in your car and in your boat if possible. Wash your hands often.
13. Be patient. Be respectful. Be a part of the solution.
Adapted from: “Keep It Local—Paddling in a Pandemic Refined” by Evan Stafford. Posted
5/6/2020 American Whitewater.
I will not be posting meeting times or locations. If you are interested in joining me send me an email or message me via this forum. Shuttle planning will be more of an issue than the river trip. If there is a large response we may have to become multiple trips.

Dave