Pro Tip: Meeting and Keeping Paddling Friends
Finding people to paddle with can feel overwhelming and stressful, especially if you’ve just moved to a new town. The good news? There are plenty of strategies for making and keeping boating friends. That’s what I’ll be diving into in today’s post.
A few years ago, Zach made an excellent video on Gear Garage about this topic, and everything he said still holds true. I’ll be building on those ideas with some additional tips and tricks to help you connect with fellow paddlers.
How to Make Friends
Boating is a group activity, so being able to make friends is important for getting on the water. Here are some ideas for places to make friends.
- Facebook Groups
- Join Local Clubs
Many regions have paddling clubs where you can meet other boaters and get involved in group trips. Here are a few to check out: - Hang Out at the Put-In or Take-Out
A lot of friendships form naturally at the put-in or take-out. Be kind, approachable, and strike up conversations. People want to boat with others who are fun and easy to get along with.
Social media is a great place to start! Most paddling groups use Facebook to organize trips, post updates, and connect with others.
New friends on the Rogue River
How to Keep Friends
Ultimately, your goal should be to add value to the group, whether it’s through your skills, attitude, or just being a good person to hang out with.
- Be Prepared
- Pack Light
- Prioritize Safety
- Help Out
- Keep the Peace
Have your gear organized and ready to go. No one likes waiting forever at the put-in.
If you’re rafting, remember you probably don’t need as much as you think. Keep things simple so you’re not holding everyone up.
Stay safety-minded and be a good team boater. Keep an eye out for others and support the group’s decision-making. (Check out this guide to safety boating for more tips.)
Volunteer to assist with the shuttle or other logistics. Small acts like this show you’re a team player.
Leave divisive topics—like politics—off the river. Focus on paddling and building friendships instead.
New friends on the White Salmon River
Tate’s Added Advice
- Embrace the Jangle
- Be Honest About Your Skills
Some of the best bonding happens during the downtime—before or after the trip. Don’t rush off too quickly. Take time to chat, laugh, and connect. These casual moments give everyone the chance to decide if they enjoy each other’s company.
Don’t oversell or undersell your abilities, especially on harder runs. Be humble and let your actions speak for themselves.
If you’re nervous about a particular rapid or run, speak up! You can use these videos to help assess your skills: Class III Skills Checklist and Class IV Skills Checklist.
Advocating for yourself not only ensures your safety but also helps others feel more comfortable sharing their own concerns. This fosters trust and collaboration.
In Conclusion
Making and keeping boating friends can feel intimidating, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. By following these tips—whether it’s joining a local club, embracing the jangle, or being a prepared and thoughtful paddling buddy—you’ll be well on your way to building a strong community on the water.
Happy paddling, and see you out there!
