The PaddlerUK magazine September 2015 issue 4 | Page 63

THE GOLDEN RULES
Leave no trace

It is important to protect our planet and leave campsites and rivers as you would want to find them.
You should consider whether an open fire is allowed, use a stove if not. Find suitable a location for the
toilet. Take all rubbish with you, better still collect plastic and litter on your journey and reduce the
burden on our environment.

Respect other users

There is no doubt that you will almost certainly have to share your journey with other animals and
people. A smile and a pleasant greeting are the best form of response to any negativity. Ultimately we
have to share our rivers with rowers, fishermen, wildlife, tourists to name but a few. Check any local
access agreements and try to stick to them. If you are going to do wild camp then seriously make
yourselves invisible otherwise you might enjoy yourself and ruin it for future paddlers.

Paddle safe

The best adventure is the one that you take. But it doesn’t make a great story if you are injured or
put yourself or your group at unnecessary risk. Make sure you understand the conditions, have
sufficient safety equipment and paddle within your ability and that of the group.

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