Sustainable Fun on the Water

Dive into Fun, Not Trash: Water Sports & the Importance of Leave No Trace

The call of the open water is irresistible – whether it's the gentle ripples of a lake, the crashing waves of the ocean, or the thrill of whitewater rapids. Water sports offer a world of adventure and enjoyment, connecting us to nature in a way few other activities can. But with this connection comes responsibility. We need to ensure our love for water sports doesn't come at the cost of the very environment we cherish.

This is where Leave No Trace (LNT) principles come into play. Developed by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, these seven principles provide a framework for minimizing our impact on natural spaces while enjoying them responsibly. They are:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Research your destination, understand its regulations, pack accordingly, and check weather forecasts.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established trails and campsites whenever possible to minimize soil compaction and vegetation damage.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, pack it out! This means all trash, food scraps, and hygiene products. Don't leave anything behind.
4. Leave What You Find: Respect natural objects like plants, rocks, and wildlife. Avoid disturbing or removing them.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use existing fire rings or designated areas. Keep fires small and contained. Never leave a fire unattended.
6. Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and avoid feeding them. Store food securely to prevent attracting unwanted visitors.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Share the space and be mindful of noise levels. Keep your group in check and clean up after yourselves.

How these principles apply specifically to water sports:

• Boating: Avoid idling near sensitive areas, like coral reefs or nesting grounds. Dispose of all waste properly, including fuel and oil residues.
• Kayaking/Canoeing: Choose gear that doesn't damage fragile ecosystems (like soft-bottomed paddles). Be aware of your wake and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Swimming: Respect designated swimming areas and local regulations. Avoid littering and using harsh sunscreens that can harm marine life.
• Surfing/Paddleboarding: Learn about the local surf etiquette and respect other surfers. Dispose of any trash, even small items like plastic wrappers.

By embracing Leave No Trace principles, we can ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the same vibrant and healthy aquatic environments we cherish today. Let's make a splash for good – dive into fun, not trash!

Leaving No Trace: Real-Life Examples From the Water

The Leave No Trace (LNT) principles are more than just guidelines; they are a way of life for responsible water enthusiasts. Here are some real-life examples of how these principles can be put into action, making a tangible difference in protecting our precious aquatic environments:

Boating: Imagine a group of friends heading out on a sunny afternoon for a boating trip on a pristine lake.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Before their journey, they research the lake's regulations, including designated speed limits and no-wake zones near sensitive areas like spawning grounds. They also check the weather forecast and pack essential safety equipment.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: They use a portable toilet onboard and bring all waste back to shore for proper disposal. They even carry out any trash generated during their trip, ensuring no plastic bottles or food wrappers end up polluting the lake.

Kayaking/Canoeing: A solo kayaker embarks on an exploration down a winding river teeming with wildlife.

• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: They stick to established campsites whenever possible, minimizing their impact on the riverbank vegetation. They also utilize existing portages to navigate around sensitive areas rather than venturing off-trail.
• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Their campfire is carefully contained within a designated fire ring. They gather firewood responsibly from fallen branches and ensure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving their campsite.

Swimming: At a popular swimming beach, a family takes a refreshing dip in the clear water.

• Respect Designated Areas: They swim only in designated areas, respecting buoys and signs indicating safe zones for swimming.
• Leave What You Find: The children collect seashells for a souvenir but leave behind any fragile marine life they encounter. They also remind each other to dispose of used sunscreen responsibly, opting for reef-safe options that minimize harm to coral reefs.

Surfing/Paddleboarding: A group of surfers enjoy the waves at their local break.

• Respect Surf Etiquette: They follow established surf etiquette, waiting their turn and respecting the rights of other surfers in the lineup.
• Dispose of Trash: Even small items like plastic wrappers or sunscreen bottles are carefully collected and disposed of responsibly, ensuring the beach remains clean and pristine.

By consciously applying these LNT principles in our everyday water activities, we create a ripple effect that benefits not only ourselves but also future generations who deserve to experience the joy and wonder of our aquatic environments. Let's make every splash a responsible one!