Getting out on the water is good fun if done safely. Paddlesports is something that we want everyone to enjoy, but its important that it is done safely for everybody’s benefit. In this blog, we’re going to look at some points for safe and fun on the water.
Here’s some simple things to keep safe…
1) Buoyancy Aids – Always wear a correctly fitted buoyancy aid when out on the water and on a pontoon / near the waters edge. A correctly fitted buoyancy aid will correctly perform if you end up in the water. But an incorrectly fitted buoyancy aid will only hinder you and cause a hazard. In some environments, you may want to consider wearing a helmet too!
2) SUP Leashes – For those on Stand-Up Paddleboards, ensure you wear the correct type of leash for the environment and know how to use them.
3) Paddle with others – Paddling with others, whether it’s friends or family is much more fun. But it’s also safer, especially with a change in weather conditions, as well as being able to help if you get into difficulty or get help in an emergency.
4) Suitable Environment / Trip – Pick somewhere which is safe for you to paddle within your capabilities and others in your group. Think about everybody’s experience and ability. Ensure you plan it appropriately too. Also think about hazards such as weirs, faster flows, portages, locks, etc.
5) Know your limits – Don’t push the boundaries when you don’t have to. Paddle in areas you know and are suitably experienced for. If you want to push on further, why not take a few courses or join a club first to get the skills you need.
6) Check the weather – It’s forever changing and can never quite make up it’s mind. Check the weather forecast on the run up to and just before you paddle to make sure the weather is appropriate and safe for the paddlers going afloat. Think about air temperature, and the feels like temperature.
Also the wind speeds, gusts and direction, sunrise and sunset times, and the UV and pollen ratings during summer. For coastal paddling, check the tide times and offshore winds. For inland rivers and canals check water levels and flows, as well as flood warnings. Getting caught out in poor weather is neither safe or fun on the water.
7) Clothing and equipment – Before you set off, ensure you are dressed appropriately with a suitable buoyancy aid and check your canoe, kayak or SUP board over for any issues. Also plan for the weather later on, is it going to rain or get colder for example? So pack some kit just in case. Don’t forget your paddle too! Pack your kit in a dry bag to keep it protected and all together. A first aid kit could be a wise thing to carry as well!
8) Stand-Up Paddleboards – Have you inflated your board to the correct pressure? Most boards need to be inflated between 18-25 PSI, but make sure you check yours beforehand!
9) Canoe and Kayak Airbags / Buoyancy Blocks – Airbags and foam blocks are very useful… they help prevent your boat from sinking or filling with water!
10) Mini Repair Kit – Unfortunately there’s not quite a breakdown recovery service for paddlers, so you’ll have to pack your own mini repair kit just in case you need to do a quick fix. Although you don’t expect things to go wrong, but its sensible to carry a few bits. Some boats come with repairs kits, but simply carrying some duct tape can be really handy.
11) Tell someone where you’re going – Make sure you inform someone about where you’re going on your paddle, who with, and what time you expect to be back.
12) Carry a means of communication – Carry your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch with a lanyard attached to it. Keep it on your person and not with the craft, so if you become separated you still have a means of calling for help. If you can’t reach it, it’s no use. Think about taking a charging power pack with you too, just in case you run out of battery on longer paddles. Some coastal paddlers will also carry licenced Marine VHF radio which they have taken special training to use, as well as distress signal flares.
13) Hydration! And Food! – Take enough water with you for your planned trip, plus a bit extra just in case you over run or want some more. However, paddling under the influence of alcohol can be a deadly combination so its best to completely avoid it around paddling. Everyone loves food! So make sure you take plenty enough to eat for trip, including some snack too.
14) Licence and Access – Don’t forget your British Canoeing membership card if you’re on a licenced waterway! If you need to access a certain body of water, do some research to check if its private or owned, and don’t trespass! Use websites such as PaddlePoints to find places to get afloat.
Want to know more?
We hope you have enjoyed reading this blog and now know what it take to be safe and fun on the water.
If you have any questions or need recommendations and advice then feel free to get in touch with us here at Canoe2 by emailing [email protected] or connecting with us on social media.
Or give us a call on 01933 522 223.
You could even pop into our shop here at our site here at Rushden Lakes to have a chat.
We are in The Boathouse, Boardwalk, Rushden Lakes, Northamptonshire, NN10 6FA.
