Core principle 
No paddler is more or less important than any other. 

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The future of the Waterside Series depends upon both support crews and paddlers behaving in a responsible manner and respecting road users, pedestrians and those that live in the small villages and on the water along the route. It cannot be emphasised enough how critical it is that support crews and paddlers respect those that live and work along the Kennet and Avon canal route of the Waterside Series.

SUPPORT CREW ETIQUETTE
Please see Section 7  for the Rules for Support Crews. 

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Cars
•    Do everything possible to limit the number of vehicles that support each crew. 1 vehicle per crew is all that is normally needed.
•    Know your crews speed and time your arrival for parking up.
•    Do not block driveways and access at any time
•    Do not restrict other road users in any way
•    Do as you are instructed by the Waterside Marshals
•    Do not park in restricted (coned or otherwise signed) areas
•    Park on the road, not anywhere that may damage local vegetation or greenery.

•    Follow the highway code and at all times and comply with UK law

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Local Community

•    Remember we are just visiting!
•    Respect those that live on or near the canal and along the minor roads you use during the race.
•    Behave towards the local community as you would expect to be treated at or near your home
•    Be polite and considerate
•    Allow those going about their daily business to travel along the roads and towpaths.
•    Respect the shared space and those inhabiting or using the canal waters such as boat houses and fisherman. 
•    We do not accept any rude behaviour towards the public, regardless of situation.

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On the Towpath
Remember these are serious races for many competitors

•    Try to limit the numbers of support crew that are present on or alongside the portages where competitors are running with boats. You only need 1 person to feed 1 paddler..
•    Know your crews speed and time your arrival at feeding stations etc.
•    Feeding/fuelling of crews can be done as they portage but if your crew stops, move off the main portage route
•    Unless the towpath is very wide do not run alongside your crew. This could block the space available for an overtaking crew.
•    Always be aware and mindful of what is going on around you. 
•    Do not stand on the main towpath at portages
•    Never get between any crew’s boat and the water at a portage. 
•    Do not bring pets with you to the water’s side whilst supporting your crew. 
•    If other crews appear to be in difficulty ask if they need help
•    Take all litter and personal items with you.

Supporting your crew
•    Know your crew’s speed and plan your support and route accordingly. 
•    Limit your support provisions to a basket, tray, carrier or just bottles. If you put them down ensure they are well out of the way of anybody passing, including the public.
•    Feeders should wait near the get in away from the canal. Ensure you can see other crews coming so as not to get in their way. Only step forward when your crew actually arrives. Feed, then move back out of the way.
•    You may need to adapt to where you crew gets out/in and so need to find the system that works best for you to adapt. You can feed your crew as they run/jog or as they get in. You 
•    If your crew must rest or feed out of the water then stand out of the way. Keep the noise down.
•    Do not stop and eat/chat once the boat is in the water as this may block the portage space for other paddlers. 
•    If supporting on a mountain bike, it is advised you dismount to feed your paddler and put your bike away from the path. Leaning over a bike to feed in a boat may block the towpath for other users and might result in an injury to you, your paddler or others.
•    Never support with a dog.

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PADDLERS ETIQUETTE
Fundamentals
•    Canoeing is a non-contact sport.
•    Paddlers must race in a fair manner at all times.
•    It is the duty of overtaking craft to do so safely, respectfully and responsibly.
•    If you see any crew in safety related difficulties it is your absolute duty to help them.

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On the water
Always follow the ’River Rules’ unless overtaking: Keep to the right !
This especially applies to Waterside B as crews pass each other going in opposite directions as they head back. 

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Know your boat and be realistic about your boat handling skills. 
•    Act and steer accordingly to the route ahead.
•    Where possible, steer a straight  line and don’t zig‐zag across the canal. If asked, please move across to allow crews to pass. If you are having difficulties then politely advise the others of this.
•    All crews should have checked their boat and ensured it has a working rudder. 
•    If your rudder has broken and is causing you to crash into other boats then you should leave the race. 
•    All crews should avoid paddling alongside other crews and chatting, 

          This may distract your attention to what is going in around you.
           This limits the space available for overtaking crews. 
•    If you are going to approach a portage, low or narrow bridge at the same time as slower paddlers, the faster paddlers are likely to have the better skill set to adapt. Don’t expect slower crews to be able to get out of your way. 
•    Crews should talk to each other to ensure each knows what the other will do.

 

Water community
•    Respect other users of the canal at all times. You must not presume priority.
•    Respect that the water is the home for many people and also the natural habitat. You are just passing through. 
•    Avoid crashing against canal boats
•    Keep noise and shouting down to a minimum.
•    Negotiate your path with any upcoming local fishers
       •    Do not paddle through their fishing lines. 
       •    Thank them for their cooperation. This will put them in good stead for remaining paddlers.
•    Hold your line to the right to assist other water users coming the opposite direction.

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Overtaking
•    Slower crews should expect to be overtaken so ensure to keep well to the right to allow space.
•    If overtaking, it is your responsibility to overtake safely, responsibly and respectfully.
•    Be courteous to slower paddlers
•    Call out politely as you approach slower paddlers to ensure they know you are coming and your intentions. 
•    There will be times when there are 2 or 3 or more boats across the canal. On these occasions, the fast boats must not barge through.
•    Consider that skill levels vary so be patient and allow time for the slower paddlers to respond and make room for you to pass safely.
•    Appreciate that your wash might cause them problems.

Portaging
•    Be aware of surrounding boats aside and behind of you that you will have to navigate the portage with.
•    Talk to those around you. 
•    If two boats approach at the same time, the one behind might say “you go short, we’ll go long”.
•    Do not clamber over another crews boat
•    Once at the bank, as quickly as you can, get out, get the boat out and move away. Do not linger with the boat in the water or with the boat left on the waterside ‐ you are blocking others from getting out.
•    Keep your paddles close to the boat. Do not leave them across the towpath. They could get trodden on and broken or trip someone up.
•    If you need a rest before walking/running to the other end, then do so in an out of the way position.
•    When running or walking the portage, NEVER stop on a road. Get across the road to allow the traffic to flow.
•    When you get to the other end, reverse the getting out process. Put the boat in and get in it as quickly as you can and then move away.
•    Respect the directions and word of the marshals. You may like to thank them for helping the race run smoothly for you.

 

Feeding
•    Please avoid putting your boat in, getting in and then sitting there having food and drink. 
•    If you are stopping for a rest, food or drink before getting in then make sure your boat, paddles and support crew are not obstructing anyone. Do this away from the canal edge.
•    You may feed on the run but ensure this does not obstruct anybody else.

•    If you do accidently find yourself in someone’s way it is safest for everyone if you stand still and allow the fast people to go round you rather than make a sudden movement that may cause a clash.
•    All paddlers should make every effort to avoid contact with other boats, paddles, paddlers and support crew..