Paddling in a Pandemic: Keep It Local
What It Means In Washington State
On April 27th Washington Governor Inslee announced he would begin easing restrictions on outdoor recreation in Washington State beginning May 5th. This represents Phase 1 of Washington’s Phased Approach to Reopening Business and Modifying Physical Distancing Measures. Progress through the phases will depend on metrics defined in the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard. Because many states are looking to Washington — the state with the first confirmed COVID-19 case — as a model, I thought it would be helpful to outline what it all means for paddlers and outdoor recreationists generally (see also REI’s Recreate Responsibly initiative).
Phase 0
Similar to Stay At Home Orders in many other states, Washington considered outdoor exercise an “essential activity” that was permitted under the state’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order. In many cases public lands and developed recreation sites were closed (e.g. Forest Service Region 6 Closure Order for WA/OR). While those lucky enough to have a river in their neighborhood were able to get out, recreating outside your neighborhood was generally discouraged. At American Whitewater we encouraged paddlers to Keep It In Your Zip Code. Living in urban Seattle, my form of exercise was road biking while my kids did soccer and basketball drills in the driveway.
Phase 1
For many, Phase 1 opens up opportunities for boating but we need to be responsible. Let’s not be the group that’s featured on the TV news as the example of those not following the advice of public health officials. Whether you agree or not with the restrictions in place, the fact is I can be a much more effective advocate for the interests of the whitewater paddling community if we are viewed as partners with state and federal agencies.
American Whitewater recently published guidelines for Phase 1. In Phase 1 whitewater paddlers can boat together if following physical distancing protocols. This means keep your trip small (2–3 people) and separated. You can only share vehicles with your household (bike shuttle if you can’t do an independent shuttle with your household unit), maintain physical distance of at least 6' (it’s a minimum; more space is better) at the put-in or take-out (do not congregate or give the impression of congregating particularly at access points that are highly visible to the community), and if you are traveling far enough that you need to use bathrooms, grocery stores, or restaurants, you are going too far. Keep it chill and boat well within your ability level — no beatering in holes. I’m sticking to runs I would feel comfortable running solo. This is a great time to really dial in your local run, an opportunity to get creative with multi-sport adventures, or try out your new shuttle system with an e-bike, One Wheel (Tyler Bradt shows how it’s done), or scooter.
Phase 2
Phase 2 allows for outdoor recreation with small groups and includes camping. Washington State guidelines for this phase recommend interacting with no more than 5 people from outside your household per week. You can get back together with your regular crew — in my case I love paddling with new people but I also have a group of friends I have paddled with for over 20 years and I’ll stick with that group for Phase 2. While overnight trips are acceptable in Phase 2, think twice about weekend trips to the Methow, Leavenworth, or White Salmon. Small rural communities with limited health care facilities are particularly vulnerable. Restaurants but not bars start to open with limited capacity in Phase 2 but a better option is a tailgate party with take-out beers — hopefully no booty beers — and chips and salsa.
Phase 3
In Phase 3 non-essential travel resumes allowing for road trips and multi-day paddling adventures. It’s still important to follow public health and local travel guidelines. This phase permits gatherings of up to 50 people. Club paddling trips can likely resume in this phase and forming a group of whoever you meet at the put-in should be fine (the regular caveats of assessing everyone’s ability level apply). Restaurants would continue to operate at limited capacity but grabbing some food and drinks after paddling should be fine particularly if you can find a nice outside space on the patio. Personal hygiene remains critical and if you are feeling sick, do not go out (this of course applies to all phases).
Phase 4
It’s hard to say when this will come. Will it be later this year or will it be longer? River festivals like North Fork Championship will resume along with packed bars for SeaGnar or Wild Rivers Night.
A Need For Patience
Land and river managers face an extremely challenging situation right now trying to balance public health and safety, the needs of staff who are not used to working from home, and the pressure from the public desperately wanting to get outside. Even something as mundane as finding adequate toilet paper and cleaning supplies for toilets, and someone to clean them more frequently, is an issue. When you arrive at the river only to find the access closed — even though the agency website said it was open — take a deep breath and remember everyone is just trying to get through this. Bring your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and personal hygiene products. Any kayaker who has done a multi-day self support knows about wag bags — keep one in your glove box for emergencies when you encounter closed toilets.
What About Outfitters and Guides?
Several people including agency staff, elected officials, and owners of raft companies have asked me about trips that are outfitted and guided. I leave it up to those who run these trips to develop their own protocols and seek approval by public health officials, but I think opportunities exist in all four phases for those who are creative. Phase 1 might allow opportunities for a guide to take a family down a river in a raft or maybe inflatable kayaks. During phase 2 outfitters might be able to offer trips for small groups of work mates or close friends. Phase 3 could allow for medium-sized trips using vans and a few rafts. Normal operations may not fully return until Phase 4 when people are more comfortable resuming normal travel and getting on packed buses with strangers. I think possibilities exist among all four phases for those who are creative and have the patience to work through the approval processes that river managers are trying to figure out.
A Few More Thoughts
Different states and even different counties within a state may be in different phases and we need to mindful of that. Generally, you should consider the phase your community is in and act accordingly when you do venture out.
Ultimately we’re all in this together. Maintaining constructive relationships with communities where we recreate is in our long-term interest as we work with them to improve the health of rivers and our opportunities to enjoy them. Be a part of the solution! And always, always wash your hands and keep your phone clean.
For those who want to hear me discuss some of these thoughts, I was recently a guest on the River Talk Podcast. Take a listen:
