Here are eight tips for approaching private landowners and getting permission to access creeks and streams via their private property. After your visit, consider thanking the owner with a postcard, phone call, or even with some of your stories.

1. Be prepared. Write down your name, contact information, license tag, and car description in advance. Offer to the owner. Many owners will allow access if they simply know who you are and how to get in touch if there is a problem.

2. Be patient. Take your time to approach the landowner. Don't speed in or out of the owner's driveway, don't appear nervous or antsy.

3. Be courteous. Don't wake, startle, or frighten the landowner late at night or early in the morning. Think about approaching the owner now during the off-season and getting early permission to use their property next spring or fall. Don't wait for when it rains all night and the water is up at 6 AM.

4. Be clean. Dress neatly. Don't wear outlandish gear or inadvertently appear threatening. Wait to put on your wet suits, lifejackets, and helmets until you've spoken to the owner. Jeans and a polo shirt work well. Leave your paddles and sunglasses in the truck.

5. Introduce yourself and your friends if they are with you; only seek permission for a small group to access the property, and only ask to use the property once on your first visit. The owner may volunteer permanent access, but don't press too hard on your first approach. If the owner lets you in once, they are likely to let you in a second time if they see you respect their property rights.

6. Ask about where to park your vehicle, places on the property to avoid, and which trails you may use to access the creek.

7. Be interested. Ask about the owner and the area. Even if your access request is refused on your first request, it's possible the owner will recant and allow you to use their property if you express sincere interest in their community and land.

8. Be positive. Statistically, one in three owners allow access to their lands. If denied at your first choice, follow the creek up the road, and knock on the next door.

Originally published in the Nov/Dec 2001 American Whitewater Journal.