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Before joining one of our activities, we want to make sure you understand a little about who we are, what we value, and what we expect of everyone who chooses to paddle with us. These guidelines help create a safe, supportive, and fun experience for all participants.
Before joining one of our activities, we want to make sure you understand a little about who we are, what we value, and what we expect of everyone who chooses to paddle with us. These guidelines help create a safe, supportive, and fun experience for all participants.
Who Our Events Are For
Who Our Events Are For
Most club activities are women-centered. Show-Me Women Paddlers welcomes women, including trans women, and femme-aligned non-binary individuals who support the organization’s mission and community values. Our events are designed to foster a supportive, shared-learning environment where participants can grow, learn, and paddle with confidence.
From time to time, we host friends and family events where men are welcome. These events will always be clearly labeled in the event description.
Community Expectations
Community Expectations
We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected and supported.
Bullying, harassment, or creating a hostile environment will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to remove individuals whose behavior undermines the safety or well-being of others.
Always respect the property of others.
Every participant is expected to approach others and club activities with goodwill, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Within the scope of our mission, all participants have the right to take part in an environment free from discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Harassment may be verbal, visual, or physical in nature.
Safety & Paddle America Club (ACA) Requirements
Safety & Paddle America Club (ACA) Requirements
Show-Me Women Paddlers is a Paddle America Club, which means we follow specific safety and risk-management standards. Participants are expected to follow these rules, and we reserve the right to remove individuals who do not comply.
Life Jackets (PFDs)
All participants in ACA-sanctioned on-water activities must wear a properly fitting, serviceable, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times. Inflatable PFDs are not permitted for moving-water events. Event organizers are responsible for enforcing this requirement, and failure to comply may jeopardize insurance coverage for the club and its members.
Clothing & Preparedness
We’re all between swims. Participants must dress appropriately for the venue, conditions, and both air and water temperatures. Be prepared to get wet. If you don’t have appropriate clothing for a particular event, we respectfully ask that you join us another time.
Alcohol & Drug Use
The ACA does not allow individuals under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs to participate in on-water activities. Anyone who appears impaired will be asked to leave immediately. We also ask participants to refrain from paddling while under the influence of prescribed or recreational mind-altering substances, including opiates or marijuana. During dry-land events, members are expected to avoid excessive alcohol consumption that could impair judgment or behavior.
Equipment Safety
During events, board members or safety volunteers may identify participant equipment that they believe poses a safety risk. We reserve the right to require that the issue be corrected before participation continues.
Weather Considerations
Event plans may be modified, delayed, or canceled due to weather, water conditions, or other safety considerations at the discretion of event organizers. Refund policies are event-specific and will be disclosed during event registration.
👉 Click here to review the full risk-management requirements we follow.
Skills & Self-Assessment
Skills & Self-Assessment
Not every event is appropriate for every paddler. We use reasonable screening techniques and may deny participation based on known skill levels. Participants are strongly encouraged to conduct honest self-assessments before registering to ensure the event is a good fit.
Participants are also responsible for ensuring they are physically and medically capable of participating in an activity and for managing any personal medical needs during events.
Stewardship & Leave No Trace
Stewardship & Leave No Trace
We love snacks and gravel-bar lunches — just please pack responsibly.
In accordance with Missouri and Arkansas law, glass containers are not permitted.
Some areas prohibit Styrofoam, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Please help protect the natural and cultural resources of the places we paddle. Don’t pick plants, collect artifacts, or leave litter.
If you capsize, make a group effort to retrieve as many items as possible.
Always plan to pack out all trash.
And Finally…
And Finally…
The most important rule of all:
Have fun!
We’re glad you’re here and look forward to paddling with you.
Show-Me Women Paddlers, including its board members, guides, trip leaders, and designated volunteers, reserves the right to deny or end participation in any activity when necessary to protect participant safety, uphold community standards, or comply with applicable policies and requirements.
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