Paddling in a World of COVID-19

(From the Paddler Newsletter - May 2020)

It has been a month since I last sat down to update the Paddler newsletter, and what a long, strange month it has been. For me as RICKA’s newsletter editor, May should be a busy month – editing trip reports and updating trip listings. Like everyone else, with a quick look at the Paddler I usually begin deciding on upcoming trips - but not this year!

This year, like everyone else, I have settled into a strange routine. The window to my new home office looks out on a bird feeder, so I can watch the birds and squirrels outside even if I don’t spend a lot of time there myself. I have been able to get my canoe out for a couple of solo runs on the Blackstone, so things could be worse.

As the warm weather approaches, though, we are entering a critical new phase in the fight against coronavirus and COVID-19. In Rhode Island, Governor Raimondo has indicated that she hopes to lift the stay-at-home order later this month, and begin a phased reopening of economy. For our community, the big question is how will this effect paddling.

One thing is certain; the fight against COVID-19 is far from over. As we move forward, physical distancing will still be required, limitations on group gatherings will still be in place, and we will still be encouraged to stay close to home. The large group trips that we know and love will not be an option.  Still, if this pandemic has shown us anything it is the importance of outdoor recreation to our physical and mental health. 

So assuming the stay-at-home order is lifted, how do we move forward in a way that is socially responsible, and that protects our health and the health of others? Like everything else, the answer is slowly and carefully. As a community that means that we must:

• Stay local– if you need to stop for gas or a bathroom break you are probably travelling too far.
• Keep the trip well within your skill level – our health care system is busy enough without having to deal with accidental injuries.
• If you paddle in a group, keep the group small– while size limits on groups may also be increased, at least for the moment we should still be paddling in small groups.
• Avoid group shuttles– if you can’t arrange to shuttle with a family member, skip the trip. (This is the tough one for me.)
• Avoid congregating at the put in– get on the water, do your trip, and be on your way. Social gatherings can return once the pandemic has passed.
• Be responsible for your own gear– coronavirus can spread on surfaces, and it is more difficult to maintain social distancing while helping someone with their boat or other gear.
• And of course,maintain social distancing at all times– at the put in, on the water, and at the take out. 

This is a critical time in the fight against coronavirus, so we encourage everyone to be patient, stay safe and stay distant. We are making progress, and we look forward to getting everyone back together again - eventually…