KAYAKING BEST PRACTICES

Being safe on the water always starts with wearing your lifejacket (PFD). In addition, please consider the following paddling best practices one should observe when kayaking:

• Wear a PFD (Lifevest)
• Never go boating while under the influence of alcohol.
• Do not stand up in a canoe or kayak and avoid weight shifts that may cause capsize. Whenever possible, keep points of contact with the boat when moving.
• Avoid paddling alone.
• Know your skill level and avoid weather or water conditions that exceed your skill.
• Constantly scan for potential hazards and changing weather conditions.
• Pay attention to signs and safety warnings.
• Set a reasonable pace so everyone can stay together.
• Avoid having loose rope in or dangling from your boat. They can rapidly become entrapment hazards.
• Never tie anyone in or to the craft.
• Recognize when others in your group are tired or having difficulty and adjust pace.
• Look out for everyone in your group.
  Designate a “sweep” boat to bring up the rear and make sure you don’t lose stragglers.
• Communicate effectively on the water.Wind and watersounds can make hearing others difficult. Whistles and hand signals can help.
• Always be prepared for the unexpected flip.
• Sun and wind can be very dehydrating – make sure you drink plenty of water.

BE PREPARED

Some advance preparation and knowledge will make a big difference in the quality of your trip and the safety of participants.

• Know waterway characteristics before launching, including distance to destination, water level, speed of current, tidal influences and the presence of hazards such as difficult rapids, downed trees, or low-head dams. Locals and other paddlers as well as the Internet are potential sources of good information.
• Be aware of any weather conditions that might impact your trip, including upstream rain, fog, wind, or offshore storms.
• When planning a trip, consider the paddling skills, fitness level, health, and swimming abilities of all participants. Assume a conservative pace.
• Be able to effectively control and propel your boat.
• Make sure you know how to right and re-enter your craft in the event of capsize.
• Plan for emergencies. Always know where you are and how to get help. Cell phones are not always reliable, especially in remote areas.
• Inform others (friends, family, resource manager) of your trip plan. Trip plans should include: name and address of trip leader, number in party, route information and anticipated time of return.
• On one-way trips, plan a takeout shuttle -typically a car placed at the final destination.
• Inspect equipment prior to EVERY trip.
• Load your craft properly. An unbalanced craft is hard to handle or difficult to keep upright. Keep weight low and centered for the best stability and craft handling.

Contents on this page taken from the American Canoe Association's (ACA) Best Practices for Paddlers and Paddlesport Programs

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