Boatball, Wed, June 1, 6:30 PM at West Fork

[Eric Esche]

Ah, Shep - I used to play boat ball ball until my neck finally said no more.

Unless the rules have changed or been modified for those with half the paddle, you are not allowed to grab or restrain other paddlers or their boats, or to flip them. I know, they take away all the fun with too many rules, but they try to make it safe AND fun for everyone. They want folks to come back and they tend to let anyone play at any level they want to play at. IF things get too rough, some folks stop coming and then they have not enough players. Boatball is a great substitute for whitewater and excellent skill honing for anyone at any skill level. Great excuse to get together with other paddlers and maybe go eat afterwards.

Have a paddle leash or three if you want to try one. Lets you let go of the paddle to use your hands. Lessens chance of someone throwing away a loose paddle.

Wrestling for the ball is allowed to some extent, but no poking with your paddle when it is in someone else's hands or "endangering" others.

In case they did not tell you, Ramming is very illegal, but bumping with the side of your boat is mostly legal. Running over the deck of another boat was discouraged as it was too close to ramming, and could turn some folks over.

and remember - you can not paddle while the ball is in your possession.

Eric Esche

[Regud]

Umm...

Restraining paddlers by gaining boat position is very much ok. Paul was very good at this last night!

The unofficial rule is that people will play you as rough as you play them. This applies to veteran and new players.

As for ramming and running over the decks of other boats... see the unofficial rule above

[Shep]

I didn't actually flip Richard, but it did force him put his hands on my boat instead of my ball! :) And yeah, I got the paddle leash advice from another guy today too.

Shep