Canoe Etiquette

These are the basic rules of behavior that should be adopted by all paddlers when in or around a canoe.

No standing while in the canoe
No swearing or foul language when in or around the canoe
When approaching the shore, approach slowly and turn the canoe around several meters from shore. Then reverse in stern first
All 6 paddlers must touch the canoe when lifting into or out of the water
Punctuality – although this may not seem important when starting out, enforcing punctuality from the very start breeds a competitive spirit that will be useful for years to come.
Training Program – it is important that everyone in your team or club has a sense of purpose when they step into a canoe. Whether you are paddling just for enjoyment or training for a competition, a training program is essential.
Training Schedule – not to be confused with training program, is a schedule of training times for each team within your club. Simply having everyone turn up in the hope of getting a paddle only encourages a sense of ‘casualness’ to your training sessions.
Safety – canoes must not leave the dock without bailers and life jackets The rigging of the canoe should be checked to see if anything is loose or the lashing rubber has deteriorated.