Traffic & Rowing Pattern

Traffic Pattern

NC Fish & Wildlife defines the legally binding traffic rules for Jordan Lake. In case of an accident, these are the only rules that apply.

On a lake, everybody can go everywhere. There are no “lanes”. The following rules define what must happen when boats meet. Keep in mind that rowers go backwards (means left and right in below chart are switched): “Meet” by rowing towards starboard(left), when “Crossing” the vessel coming from starboard (left) has the right of way:

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The NC Fish&Wildlife rules also define that you mustn’t stop within 100 yards of a bridge for an extended period of time (we know, the fishermen and fisherwomen do not seem to know this rule - but we should follow it).

Rowing Pattern

  • Internationally accepted circulation pattern for rowers: starboard (=left) shoulder to the shore. This means:

    • if your port (=right) shoulder is closer to shore: pay extra attention

    • only rowers are (or at least should be) aware of this pattern. They may or might not follow it – nobody can force them to (see above)

  • The intuitive, customary traffic pattern for SUPs, kayaks, canoes, and open water swimmers is exactly opposite the rowing pattern. They launch at the Fishing Dock and follow the North shore to The End. Please pay extra attention especially at Nelson’s Point and Richard’s Landing since they use those as navigation markers and rest points. The wakeboarders also have mapped their infinity course between the Fishing Dock and Richards’s Landing – using rowers as a welcome challenge to wakeboard around.

  • During rowing club practices (UNC, JLRC, CHaOS), be prepared to encounter rowers everywhere in every direction. That is why it is called “practice”. These rowers are still learning to steer and navigate. When they practice racing, they will need the entire width of the back half of White Oak between Tim’s Landing and The End. They will also come at full speed through the middle arch of the bridge in BOTH directions when practicing for head races.

landmarks & Hazards

  • There is a rock jetty from Tim’s Landing to the middle of the lake. It makes for shallow waters and the most dangerous turn to scratch/damage your boat. It is also where you are most likely to encounter an anchored/trawling fishing boat in full camouflage.

  • Nelson’s Point is the beginning of a sand bank reaching several hundred feet into the lake. If lake levels drop below about 214 feet, you can run aground unless steering towards the middle of the lake.