Prospector16 wrote:
So if possible I'd like to summarize main points on portage etiquette
- get your portage completed as quickly as you can
- keep your gear well organized / not sprawled all over
- keep the portage endpoints as clear as possible
- if possible, send canoes away once full to clear the endpoint
- keep the portage trails clear of gear and people
- yield the portage to those faster than you
- larger groups yield the portage to singles / smaller groups (something we've always taught the Scouts)
Does that sound reasonable? Is there more to add?
Canoeheadted wrote:
I'd get rid of the first and last.
Do the portage at your own pace (or the pace of the slowest in group). Some are fast and some are slow. Keep the embarking/disembarking to being done in a timely manner.
Yielding to those faster than you can cover the last two rules.
A couple more...
In busy spots, loading the canoes perpendicular can accommodate 3-5 canoes instead of one broadside.
Always leave room for another canoe on any canoe rest. (assume someone else is coming)
How about adding... doing your single carry and going back to help someone else with their double. Picking up garbage en route to ensure a pristine look. Taking tools or time to help clear or clarify the portage trails.
We do not rush carrying or packing, but we don’t have too. We keep our boats and gear neatly and compactly staged, and follow a practiced routine which includes staying as far out of the way as best possible.
To move on from the divisiveness the thread is developing, let’s focus on portage and launch site etiquette and behavior. I would add to the advice above:
At the end of a portage trail or launch area, do not initially stage your boats and gear in the prime spot. Once you are ready to load you can move a canoe to the best launch spot, load it and go. If a paddler with a faster/lighter/quicker load shows up he/she will appreciate the consideration, and be out of your way all the quicker. This applies especially to groups or the disorganized.
If the area is tight put your gear inside your canoe until you have carried it all and are ready to sort it out, organize and pack. The hull is a long narrow empty container; there is no need for your gear to be scattered on both sides of the boat. With multiple boats pulled up perpendicular to the shoreline all you need is walking space between each hull. (Don’t even get me started about paddles left lying on the ground underfoot)
Despite my “I’ll move it for you” with the entitled yakkers I am very hesitant to even touch, much less move, someone else’s gear. If they are in my group, yes, but even then I will tell them why I’m moving it and where. With a stranger’s gear not so much, although I might stick an underfoot paddle inside their boat without conversation.
Have your stuff organized, packed and ready to go. Dawdling around opening dry bags looking for your missing hat, making a snack or asking companions if they remembered the tarp poles can be avoided with a little forethought, or at least accomplished out from underfoot.
When packing at an initial parking launch those same considerations apply. Same for taking out in those areas after a trip. That includes where you leave/move the boat and vehicle.
At ramps:
youngknight wrote:
At our local boat launches I can't tell you how many times kayakers think they own the place. The pull out kayaks in front of launch, they go get car, they drive car in front of launch, they then proceed to unpack kayak and neatly stow away all of their things in their car, carefully arranging everything for a neat drive home, Finally they then load kayak, take several minutes tying it down securely, then do a last look around, maybe go out and take a last look at the Bay, get a snack out of the cooler and a drink for the drive home and then clear the launch. This is so so common it is maddening and it is a strain to remain polite. Get your kayak out, move it to the side, unpack it to the side, got get car, throw your kayak on and jam your stuff in, then go somewhere out of the way to neatly pack if you feel the need to do so.
People with hand carried boats who do that oblivious and inconsiderate nonsense are the bane of paddler reputation, and the fishing and power boating lobbies carry a lot more weight than paddlers.
The “rules” of launch areas or portage trails may fall under a few simple practices; be aware, be considerate, and don’t be greedy, leave something for the other guy.