Self Inflicted Portages Sometimes you may determine that paddling or sailing around a point or other obstruction will take more time or effort than taking a short portage. This is OK if the distance portaged is less than ¼ mile. However, you may not do this at checkpoints when doing so would bypass an intentional filter

During the EC portion of the UFC my aka broke.  I was able to recover and land without dumping.  After I stowed all gear, I attempted to a beach launch as a class 1.  Because of the deteriorating weather, I could not get off the beach.  Following a delightfuly debate with a local homeowner I was allowed to portage over his 10 foot wide stip of private land onto the public road.  I then portaged about a mile to the ICW where I launched and continued.  The above rule would have DQ'd me for my efforts. 

If the intent is to prohibit portages around filters, then identify the filters in the rules.  If the issue is making portaging Snore's Hills illegal, then declare the upper St. Mary's a filter that all must do. 

However, portaging between the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean and the ICW should be allowed.  One incurs a significant time penalty for doing that portage and it is an option of last resort, making it illegal is illogical.

Bill