This week’s discussion point from me is about The Canoeing Code. The Canoeing Code has three elements that offers guidance on how we as paddlers should behave and operate responsibly to ensure the protection of our blue spaces for generations to come.
These elements are:
Protect the Natural Environment – For the protection & preservation of our natural flora, fauna and paddling environments; Being careful of our physical presence and impact, taking care not to damage banks & plants and avoiding scaring livestock & wildlife. Ensuring that we clean our equipment between uses on different bodies of water to minimise the risk of invasive plants & animals.
Enjoy the Outdoors and Stay Safe – Awareness of our own and others’ safety by being trained and well prepared and aware of changing environments and conditions; Plan ahead of every paddle, this could include checking the weather conditions for the duration of your paddle, checking that you have the right equipment and know how to use it and ensuring that you and your group have the appropriate skills and experience and have an emergency or backup plan, just in case.
Respect Other People – Respect for other water users and public & private property; Consider who else may be using the same body of water – e.g. other paddlers, boaters and anglers. Think about how we can all enjoy the water with minimal to no disruption to anyone or to property. Consider whether your access and egress and your desired put-ins and get-outs stray into private property. Be prepared to seek access permission in advance or change your plan altogether.
Were you aware of The Canoeing Code? Do you play your part when you’re out paddling? If so, what do you do? Have you witnessed any good or bad practice of this and what was the resulting impact? Do you think that anything else could or should be further added to The Canoeing Code and do you think that enough is being done and goes far enough to safeguard the paddles of the future?
For further information and The Canoeing Code in full :