Be a Champion for Our Waterways: The Environmental Impact of Paddlers

Ever since I was young, I've felt a deep appreciation for the environment, and I wanted to pass this onto my daughter, Mia. I wanted her to grow up appreciating the natural environment, feeling connected to it, and being comfortable on the water. When she was just 3 or 4 years old, I'd plop her down on the front of my board. We'd paddle around different spots on Lake Geneva, making up stories about the fantastical creatures she imagined living beneath the water's surface. We'd get lost in these adventures, hours melting away with the rays of the sun. Those moments we shared on the board were pure magic – free from distractions, connecting with each other and with nature.  I'm so proud that my daughter embraced those lessons and has found ways to make her own positive impact through deep sea coral reef restoration and aiding sea turtle nurseries.

It's simply about finding ways of being an active participant in protecting our waterways. As paddlers, we have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact, and that's something I'm excited to share with others. So, let's dive in (pun intended!) and explore how paddlers like ourselves can become environmental champions!

By choosing a human-powered sport, you're already on the right track to being an environmental champion.

Here's how paddlers are making a big difference:

Cleaning Up Our Waterways:

• Trash Removal: Paddlers are like nature's detectives. While gliding across rivers, lakes, and oceans, we often encounter discarded plastic bags, balloons (which can be deadly to wildlife!), and other debris. By collecting this trash, we prevent it from harming marine life and polluting the water.

• Clean-Up Events: Many paddling communities organize or participate in clean-up events. These events are a fantastic way to give back to the environment and make a visible difference in the health of our waterways.

Advocacy and Action:

• Spreading Awareness: Paddlers often become vocal advocates for clean water and environmental protection. Whether it's through social media posts, community events, or even contacting local governments, paddlers can raise awareness about the importance of preserving our natural waterways.

• Citizen Science: Some paddlers take a more scientific approach. By participating in citizen science programs, they collect water samples and report on water quality. This valuable data helps scientists track pollution levels, monitor the health of aquatic ecosystems, and identify sources of contamination.

• Protecting Our Waters: The firsthand experiences of paddlers are invaluable in the fight for conservation. By joining environmental organizations and lobbying for protective legislation, paddlers can influence policies that safeguard our natural waterways.

Leading by Example:

• Leave No Trace: Many paddlers embrace the principles of Leave No Trace. This means minimizing campfire impact, respecting wildlife, and leaving natural areas as pristine as we found them. By following these principles, we ensure our paddling adventures have minimal environmental impact.

• Educating Others: Experienced paddlers can play a crucial role in educating newcomers about responsible paddling practices, wildlife protection, and the importance of conservation. Educational initiatives can be informal conversations or part of organized programs and workshops.

• Sustainable Choices: When it comes to gear, paddlers can make eco-friendly choices. Opting for biodegradable sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and non-toxic cleaning products for our boats helps minimize our environmental footprint. Supporting companies with sustainable practices sends a strong message about the importance of responsible production.

Beyond the Paddle:

• Habitat Restoration: Some paddlers go above and beyond by getting involved in habitat restoration projects. This could involve planting native vegetation along riverbanks, restoring wetlands, or removing invasive species. These efforts play a vital role in improving biodiversity and restoring the health of natural ecosystems.

• Reducing Carbon Footprint: Compared to motorized watercraft, paddling is a low-impact activity. By choosing paddle power, we're actively reducing reliance on gas-guzzling boats, which contribute to air and water pollution.

• Wildlife Observation: Paddlers often encounter a variety of wildlife on their adventures. By reporting sightings of endangered or invasive species to relevant conservation organizations, paddlers can contribute valuable data that's crucial for monitoring the health and diversity of aquatic ecosystems.

So, the next time you head out for a paddle, remember that you're not just enjoying a recreational activity – you're becoming an environmental champion. By following these tips and getting involved in conservation efforts, paddlers can ensure our waterways remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.

Other ways you can learn more about being a champion for our waterways or sign up for a beach or water clean-up near you:

• Great Lakes Alliance (my personal favorite): The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the region to protect our most precious resource: the fresh, clean, and natural waters of the Great Lakes.

• Ocean Conservancy: Organizes the International Coastal Cleanup, one of the largest global efforts to remove trash from waterways and beaches.

• Surfrider Foundation: Focuses on protecting the world's oceans and beaches through various programs, including beach clean-ups.

• Clean Ocean Action: Organizes beach sweeps and other initiatives to reduce pollution and promote ocean health.

• 4Ocean: Hosts beach clean-up events worldwide and funds efforts to remove plastic from the oceans.

• VolunteerMatch: Provides a platform for finding local clean-up events and other volunteer opportunities.

• Keep America Beautiful: Runs the Great American Cleanup, the nation's largest community improvement program, which includes beach and waterway clean-ups.

• International Coastal Cleanup (by The Ocean Conservancy): A global event where volunteers come together to clean up coastlines.

• Heal the Bay: Focuses on making Southern California's coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean.

• Adopt-A-Beach (by the Texas General Land Office): Engages volunteers to keep Texas beaches clean.

• Project AWARE: Focuses on marine conservation, including underwater clean-up events for scuba divers.

Summary

Thank you for taking time to appreciate and protect our environment so future generations have an opportunity to learn and enjoy!