Umbrella Etiquette in Vancouver
So yes, we’ve all had our share of umbrella etiquette posts, but mainsteam media’s caught up with us. News1130 has just posted their own rules for umbrella use, which echo previous statements and pet peeves:
1. Size DOES matter. Using a golf umbrella walking down Robson street will likely make you a few enemies.
2. Hold on tight. If the wind is blowin’ so is the brolly! Watch you’re not letting those pointy corners knock around your fellow pedestrians.
3. The awnings are off limits, especially is someone without one approaches. Seriously, you’ve got an umbrella.
4. The cross path ‘duck n’ lift’. Taller person raises, shorter person takes the low road.
5. Shake away from traffic. Tossing off the stowaway raindrops towards passersby only leads to awkward exchanges with your fellow man.
6. Use plain ol’ common sense. It goes a long way on a rainy day.
Any more to add to the many lists? Besides, if you’re a true Vancouverite, you’re skin and everything you wear is made of Goretex and you don’t even need to use an umbie…right? I’ll end by using a line from the Craigslist posting, “If these rules are not followed, then any fellow [Vancouverite] has the right to take your umbrella, patio or otherwise, and beat you with it.”
Update: A quote from this post appeared in the Vancouver Sun today, January 14, 2008 - here’s the article in PDF form.
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October 18th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
I hate getting hit in the head with an umbrella.. You staying dry is less important than me keeping my eye.
October 18th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Maybe a bit bitchy, but I will bump into people on purpose on the sidewalk if they use a wide berth with their umbrellas or walk under the awning with a golf umbie. I have a friend who, quite literally, will grab an umbrella out of an offender’s hand and throw it down on the street.
October 18th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Thank you Duane! I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I remember having this exact problem while attending “Camp QE”
October 18th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
Umbrella? What is that? Gore-tex jacket is the way to go!
October 18th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
When you get on a bus with a wet umbrella, make sure it doesn’t drip on fellow transit riders.
And you’re right, I am a true Vancouverite. After yesterday’s down pour, I was at MEC today looking for a new jacket for the new season so I could do away with the umbrella.
October 18th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Amen to the rules! I don’t understand why this isn’t common sense! It really shouldn’t have to be so difficult! Keira, I totally bump people who don’t obey the rules too. I usually go with a hood over an umbrella just to avoid extra conflict. I secretly love the rain and my pretty new rubber boots are going to be arriving any day now
October 18th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
i once had someone with an umbrella like the Penguin from the old school Batman series stop and spin it like they were tying to hypnotize me. iiiiiiiiit was a little awkward.
October 19th, 2007 at 12:27 am
Are hoodies out of fashion? Who needs an umbrella when you look like a thug =D
October 19th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Learned from childhood:
While walking through Chinatown, do not piss off a woman of smaller physical stature armed with an umbrella.
Who needs a stinkin’ umbrella … bre … ella … brella …
October 20th, 2007 at 1:02 am
@Andrew: what? just scare off the raindrops? threaten to take their lunch money?
My other guideline is, unless it’s raining hard enough that water runs down my face and into my eyes… no ‘brolley needed.
October 20th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
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May 21st, 2008 at 12:51 pm
unite