Responsible Fun in the Sun

Algal Blooms and You

By Westlee Craig, Member Services Associate

to offer, it is our responsibility to be stewards of the land and protect the waters where we play. Whether you’re rappelling through waterfalls in our Waterfall Canyoning Course, hitting the high seas with a Mountaineers sea kayaking trip, or delving into the world of packrafting, the importance of recreating responsibly applies to everyone who recreates on water.

Here are three easy steps for preventing invasive species introduction and protecting our waterways:

Step 1: Clean your gear. Remove mud and any extra debris from your wetsuit, shoes, and any other gear you have on. There’s no need to purchase any fancy supplies — you can use tap water, or even the water you just recreated in. Pro tip: a stiff-bristled brush comes in handy when removing debris from the bottom of your shoes.

Step 2: Drain excess water. Even the smallest amount of water can be home to invasive species, so be sure to drain as much standing water out of your watercraft as possible. Pro tip: Gravity is your friend! Flip your boat upside down to drain out any excess water.

Step 3: Dry your gear and watercraft. After giving your gear a good rinse and drain, leave your gear outside to dry. Dry gear is much less likely to transport unwanted hitchhikers. Pro-tip: Using a small microfiber towel will help speed up the drying process.

Whether your watercraft moors on a lake, packs down to fit inside your vehicle, or paddles the sea, armed with these tips, you’ll be ready to adventure with purpose as a responsible water recreationist this summer.