Kayak Etiquette Code

We respect Indigenous culture

  • We acknowledge the Gumbaynggirr people, the traditional owners of the land on which we walk

  • We treat sites of spiritual or cultural significance with respect

  • We obtain permission from traditional landowners or the relevant land manager to visit sensitive areas

We respect landowners

  • We respect landowners and do not trespass on their land

  • We leave farm gates as we find them

We respect fellow kayakers

  • We welcome people from all walks of life irrespective of gender, age, race, religion, culture, colour, sexuality; and behave in an harmonious manner

  • We appreciate differences and welcome learning from others, building relationships based on mutual respect

  • We do not tolerate bullying, harassment or discrimination in any form

  • We encourage and support our facilitators

  • We respect the right of our facilitators to accept or reject applicants for specific activities based upon the assessed degree of difficulty and the assessed competence of individual kayakers

  • We respect the right to enjoy the peace and quiet of the river without undue disturbance from technology

  • We help fellow kayakers in need

  • We paddle at a pace that is comfortable for the slowest kayaker in the group

We leave no trace

  • We remove our rubbish from the bush and bury human waste away from watercourses

  • We do not pollute the ground and waterways with soaps and detergents

  • We do not remove plants or rocks

  • We do not disturb native wildlife

  • We use existing tracks to avoid erosion and unnecessary damage to plants and animals

We preserve Australia's biosecurity

  • We seek to protect the natural environment from the negative impacts of pests, diseases and weeds

  • We clean our clothing, equipment, cars, wheels and vessels to prevent the spread of pathogens and diseases that threaten bio-security

  • We report significant or unusual pests, diseases and weeds

We mitigate incidents

  • Because incidents and rescues have the greatest impact on the environment:

  • We prepare for, and carefully plan each trip

  • We share our trip intentions

  • We act safely

  • We are self-reliant

We take responsibility for acting safely

  • We always carry clothing and equipment appropriate to our planned activity

  • We carry first aid items appropriate to our planned activity

  • We walk in groups of three or more so that there are sufficient people to summon help in an emergency

  • We ensure the safety and well-being of all children entrusted to our care on a kayak tour

  • We engage in kayaking activities unimpaired by the consumption of alcohol or use of drugs

We are self-reliant

  • We carry sufficient food and water in order to survive unexpected delays

  • We wear and carry appropriate clothing and equipment for our comfort and safety in expected weather conditions, and carry gear to suit the worst possible conditions we are likely to encounter

  • We ensure we have sufficient training, experience and expertise to safely carry out our planned activity