These Guidelines communicate what we are about and how we act when we get together.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Above all, every person is completely and solely responsible for their own safety, comfort, and health when participating in any Boise Paddlers event. You should never participate in an event unless you have the skills, knowledge, equipment, and ability to participate safely and without reliance on others.
SAFETY
Paddling can be dangerous and safety is our highest priority, but risk can never be completely eliminated. Organizers and other event participants are not responsible for your safety. We have links to a wide variety of web-based safety resources in our Resources section and you should review those before participating. Persons who engage in unsafe behavior during any event may be asked to leave the event and may have their membership revoked.
RIVER RATINGS AND HAZARDS
Our events are held on water below Class III in the AWA’s International Scale of River Difficulty. Most trips are on flat, still water (lakes & ponds) or slow-moving rivers. However, these may still contain hazards like brushy banks, overhanging trees, hidden obstacles, waves, hydraulics, low bridges, wire fences, diversion dams, etc. Non-water hazards can include poison ivy, barbed or thorned plants, stinging insects or plants, etc. Hypothermia is a significant risk if you get wetter than expected, and many trips carry a risk of sun exposure or dehydration. You should not assume that any trip is free of hazards, even if it is rated “Class I” or is on flat water. You are responsible for identifying hazards and deciding how to deal with them.
FITNESS AND EXPERIENCE LEVEL
We welcome new/inexperienced paddlers but expect them to be prepared before participating in our events. This includes having the right equipment and clothing, knowing how to paddle safely, and understanding potential hazards. Participants should be fit enough to paddle for extended periods, carry their watercraft, and swim if necessary. In order to participate in any paddle trip, you must be able to swim and to get back on/in your watercraft by yourself after capsizing or falling.
WATERCRAFT
We welcome members using SUPs, kayaks, canoes, and inflatables – though not every type of watercraft is suitable for every trip. Your watercraft should have an Idaho Invasive Species sticker as required by state law (only inflatable, non-motorized vessels less than 10 feet long are exempt). We encourage you to avoid cheap watercraft designed for light recreational use like those sold by big-box stores. Ask for advice from any of our experienced members before selecting your watercraft and equipment, as there is a big difference in quality and suitability for our trips. Vinyl watercraft are not allowed on our paddle trips because they have insufficient durability and puncture resistance.
EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING
Every participant is required to properly wear a PFD (“life jacket”) while on the water. No exceptions. (Occasionally an event will offer an opportunity for recreational swimming from shore after paddling, and in those cases a PFD is recommended but not required.) You should also have an easily-reached safety whistle and a bilge pump or air pump (depending on your watercraft) while on the water. We strongly recommend wearing only quick-drying, synthetic fabrics – never cotton – and carrying a dry bag with a warm/dry change of clothes in case you get wet. Good quality pre-owned clothing and equipment is often available at one of the many outdoor consignment stores in our area, or on Craigslist, Marketplace, etc. . Always bring water and sun protection.
PETS
We all love our pets, but they can disturb wildlife and impose on other paddlers, so they are not allowed on our paddle trips unless specifically approved by the Event Organizer.
AGE REQUIREMENT
Our events are generally not suitable for children and you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in any event. Exceptions may be approved by an Event Organizer, but only for events that present minimal risk.
GUESTS
Guests must agree to our Liability Waiver and Participant Guidelines to participate in any event, so they should join the group on Meetup using the 14-day free trial. Non-members are not allowed on any of our trips.
COURTESY & FRIENDLINESS
As a community of paddlers, we look out for one another, treat others with courtesy and respect, and always strive to create a friendly atmosphere. Any behavior not in keeping with these principles will absolutely not be tolerated and will result in expulsion from the event and the group. Courteous behaviors like helping others handle their watercraft, offering gas money to carpool drivers, etc. are appreciated.
ATTENDING EVENTS
Event Organizers are experienced paddlers who volunteer their time and effort to organize events. Please follow their instructions and extend them the courtesy and respect they deserve. If you have RSVP'd and are unable to attend an event, please cancel (on Meetup) immediately. No-shows create a problem for the event and repeated no-shows will be asked to leave the group.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
We strive to protect and improve the waterways that we love to paddle on, so we pick up trash, avoid damaging riparian areas, and generally act as good stewards of the environment. When paddling, we avoid approaching or disturbing wildlife.
ALCOHOL & DRUGS
Impaired paddling is dangerous and dumb, so we never paddle under the influence. Drinking alcohol or using drugs during a paddle is prohibited. Violations may result in expulsion from the event and the group. We may occasionally have a beer or sip of wine after a paddle, though!
PHOTOS & REAL NAMES
We require members to use their real names and submit a clear identification photo as a condition of membership. This helps to keep everyone safe and build friendships. Names can be first name and last initial if preferred. Photos must allow us to identify your face, so avoid hats, sunglasses, others in the photo, etc. If you are not willing to identify yourself to the group, this isn't the group for you.