The Baraboo River App on STQRY Guide
The Friends of the Baraboo River is excited to share our new mobile app, hosted by STQRY Guide, available on the Apple App Store and on the Google Play Store. The app is free. Once you install and open STQRY Guide, Tap the Baraboo River app to explore its features. Tap the Paddling the Boo Tour. The river tour has a one time download cost of $3.99, with unlimited uses and free updates. Purchase of this tour helps fund the initiatives of the Friends of the Baraboo River.
Once the tour is downloaded, it works without Internet service so that individuals paddling down the Baraboo River know exactly where they are on the river at all times. As they approach the next launch, information is provided about the next stretch of river as well as about the community. Additional free features of the app include a real time river gauge, a crowdsourcing form to report logjams, information about the Baraboo River, videos, photos, membership link, and more!
Know where you are at all times on the river map as you paddle the Baraboo River. Once the tour is downloaded to your phone it works without Internet service. Need help and have no service? Just text 911 for emergency services.
Knowing your location when paddling on an unknown river trail is crucial for several reasons, each contributing to your overall safety and enjoyment of the experience:
Preventing Getting Lost: Without knowing your position, it’s easy to lose a sense of where you are at on the river, especially during long river stretches.
Effective Planning and Time Management: Understanding where you are helps in estimating distances and the time it will take to reach your launch destination. This is particularly important to avoid being caught out after dark or in adverse weather conditions, which can be dangerous.
Emergency Situations: In case of an emergency, knowing your exact location allows you to give precise information to rescue services, significantly speeding up the response time and increasing the chances of a successful rescue.
Conservation and Responsible Use: Being aware of your location helps ensure that you are following laws that govern river use, and respecting protected areas, which can be critical for preserving sensitive habitats and minimizing human impact on the environment.
Enhanced Experience and Learning: Knowing your location can enrich the hiking experience. It allows you to identify landmarks, understand the geography of the area, and appreciate the surrounding nature and wildlife more deeply.
Please be aware that the shoreline is private land and can only be used for portaging around a logjam that obstructs river navigation. One concern among property owners along the river is that trash will be left on the shoreline by individuals who stop to picnic or just want to dispose of their trash. Please follow these rules of river etiquette while on the Baraboo River so it remains a Wisconsin treasure, valued by property owners and visitors alike.
When kayaking down a river trail, observing proper etiquette ensures not only your safety but also the enjoyment of others and the preservation of the natural environment. Here are some key points of etiquette to consider:
Right of Way: Generally, downstream paddlers have the right of way over those heading upstream. In narrow passages or rapids, the paddler in the more precarious position has the right of way. Always be ready to yield and communicate clearly with other paddlers.
Respect Other Paddlers’ Space: Maintain a reasonable distance from other kayakers to avoid collisions or disturbing their experience. This is especially important in crowded or narrow sections of the river.
Noise Levels: Keep noise to a minimum to preserve the peacefulness of the natural setting and not to disturb wildlife or other river users. Avoid shouting or playing loud music.
Assist in Emergencies: If you see another paddler in trouble, offer assistance if it’s safe to do so. Safety is a community responsibility, and helping others in distress is part of the paddling culture.
Leave No Trace: Practice leave-no-trace principles by taking all your garbage with you, including food wrappers and used gear. Be mindful of the local wildlife and their habitats; avoid disrupting them as much as possible.
Stay Sober: Avoid alcohol and drugs while kayaking. Impaired paddling is unsafe and can lead to dangerous situations or accidents.
Navigation and Passing: When approaching other river users or when needing to pass, communicate your intentions clearly. Typically, you should pass on the right, but local conditions or customs may dictate otherwise.
Launch and Landing: Be quick and efficient when launching or landing your kayak, especially in busy areas. Avoid blocking access points longer than necessary.
Environmental Considerations: Avoid paddling in ecologically sensitive areas unless it’s designated for such activities. Stick to established routes and avoid trampling vegetation at the water’s edge.
Respect Private Property: The Barraboo River passes through both private and public lands, and is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Do not trespass on shorelines unless you have no other way to manage movement around a river logjam.
By adhering to these etiquette rules, you contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone on the water, as well as help protect the natural environments that make kayaking such a rewarding activity.
