Paddled out of Shem Creek Sunday and noticed a lot of kayakers and SUP’ers. The boat landing was busy so I launched and tried to get out of the way as fast as I could. Like any busy weekend boaters were launching and loading. They made the same common mistakes you would expect, like launching then tying off then loading all their gear, all while blocking the landing for anyone else to use. The same was observed while they loaded up. Be ready and be courteous and be paitent at the boat landing. Some boaters seemed frustrated with me launching my yak, when intact it took me maybe two minutes to launch and get out of the way. When i went to load up later that day, guys with jetskis were noodling around taking their time to unload their craft. Once unloaded the just sat there holding their jetskis in the middle of the water, in the way of anyone else getting to the ramp. It wasn’t only boaters that were causing problems. I saw multiple kayakers and SUP weaving across the creek and even lounging in the middle of the path of oncoming boats. I realize most were probably rentals, but you would probably still think common sense would kick in, in this situatuation. Boats and kayaks can occupy the same water. People have to understand the capabilities and limitations of both craft. Boats need deeper water to navigate, so give them the center of the channel. Kayaks are slow and small, boaters may not even see you, so give them plenty of room. Take time to learn your maritime laws. Be safe and if there is any doubt whether or not you have the right of way give it to the other vessel.
Good post…Shem Creek is a very busy place this time of year.
Or at the very least, follow the “Golden Rule”…
Unfortunately, I see a lot of that as the ME, ME, ME society we live in. people seem to be oblivious of the fact that there are other people around them. You know the kind, people that step into a store and stop just inside the doorway, right in teh middle, and carry on a long conversation. People that talk/text going 30 in a 40 zone, in the left-hand lane. So many boaters/yakkers. etc. don’t know the rules because they lack common courtesy.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Rental boats/boards/kayaks and common sense don’t belong in the same sentence!
Annoy a Liberal, Work Hard and Be Happy!