{"id":1273,"date":"2024-03-30T23:02:08","date_gmt":"2024-03-30T23:02:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/?p=1273"},"modified":"2024-03-30T23:02:09","modified_gmt":"2024-03-30T23:02:09","slug":"kayak-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/kayak-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Kayak Safety Tips & Accessories \u2212 Stay Safe At All Times!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While the sport appears leisurely, there are many kayaking dangers. In recent years, the number of paddling fatalities has risen with the U.S peaking in 2015 when 139 people perished<\/a> in kayak or canoe-related incidents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it\u2019s never been easier to practice good kayak safety habits. Taking the necessary precautions and bringing the proper gear can save your life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll discuss the tenets of kayaking safety. We\u2019ll show you what gear to pack, proper clothing to wear, and rescue techniques. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, be sure to take a lesson with a Certified Kayaking Instructor<\/strong> before going on the water for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basic Kayak Safety Rules<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Tell someone where you\u2019re going and when you\u2019ll be back<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Always wear a life jacket<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Bring more clothing, food, and water than you need<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Know how to use a paddle float or similar safety equipment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Paddle with someone unless able to do wet exit and re-entry recoveries<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Make safe, responsible changes to your trip if conditions or weather changes<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Kayak Safety – What You Need<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    At a minimum, you should wear a life jacket at all times. This is the most basic and most important practice. Bring along additional safety gear like a paddle float and know how to use them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Always let at least one person know where you\u2019re going and when you plan on being home. Make sure your gear and kayak are in good condition before heading out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Just following these simple rules will help you avoid the majority of incidents you encounter. Of course, there\u2019s much more you can do to be a safer paddler. We\u2019ll get more in-depth below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Best Safety Precautions & Accessories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Life Jackets<\/h3>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    No matter the weather, your paddling experience, or the water temperature, there\u2019s no reason not to wear a life jacket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    According to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), 80% of drowning victims weren\u2019t wearing a life jacket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Even if you consider yourself a strong swimmer, a life jacket can save your life<\/a> by keeping you buoyant if you have to swim some distance or are knocked unconscious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Float Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Picture<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    This should be part of your pre-trip routine. All you have to do is tell someone where you\u2019re going and when you plan to be back. Make sure they know the color of your kayak, life jacket, and any camping gear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Don\u2019t Drink and Paddle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A lot of safety habits you practice driving a car apply to kayaking. The most obvious being don\u2019t paddle under the influence. Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in boating accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Trip Planning<\/h3>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Picture<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    When planning your trip, whether for a day, a night, or a week, have an honest assessment of your skill level. What sort of water will you be paddling on? If the wind picks up, what direction will it come from? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If planning a river trip, ask how much it\u2019s been raining and what the current water level is like. If you\u2019re paddling in a region with prominent tides and currents, have a thorough understanding of their characteristics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bear in mind that distances look shorter over water than over land. Calculate your projected mileage and how long it should take. A good baseline in a sea kayak is about 2.5 miles an hour in neutral conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If traveling with someone, ask their opinion. If there\u2019s a disagreement, defer to the more conservative option. There\u2019s always time for the more challenging endeavor as you gain experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Spray Skirt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    (Image Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is for those paddling sit-in kayaks. Spray skirts are made of water-resistant fabric and worn beneath your life jacket. A bungee cord is stitched into the \u201cskirt\u201d perimeter and wraps around the lip of the cockpit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The skirt \u2212 or \u201cspray kilt\u201d as some gentlemen may prefer to think of it\u202f- keeps splashing waves and rain from filling the cockpit. The more water in a boat, the less stable it becomes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    They\u2019re a necessity for any ocean paddles where waves or surf can swamp your boat. The same can be said for river paddles with the potential for rapids and whitewater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Helmet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    While the odds of needing a helmet in a sea kayak or on a lake are slim, they\u2019re as important as a life jacket for whitewater trips. Even the best paddlers can make mistakes, misjudge a rapid, flip, and strike their head on a rock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First-Aid Kit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    (Image Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The further from help you\u2019ll be, the more exhaustive your first-aid kit. Make sure you have several pairs of latex gloves so you can safely administer care to others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moleskin or a similar anti-blister band is invaluable where your hands rotate and chafe around the paddle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Basic anti-inflammatories like Tylenol help with most aches and sores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An ace bandage and assortment of band-aids should be a staple of any first-aid kit. Medical scissors, gauze, tweezers, and antibiotic cream will help with most cuts or abrasions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If someone has allergies, make sure their medication is readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you plan on building a fire, bring along some anti-burn cream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paddle Float<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s how to self-rescue using a paddle float<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    No bigger than a t-shirt, a paddle float is the best tool for re-entry. When inflated, the float fits over your paddle\u2019s blade and makes it buoyant. It works as an outrigger, providing stability and a brace to help you re-enter your kayak. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Flotation Bag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Most sea kayaks have spacious bow and stern hatches to store gear for long trips. While their hatch covers are designed to keep water out, a capsize can still fill them. If there\u2019s nothing in the hatches, these waterlogged compartments make re-entry harder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Flotation bags are placed in empty hatches and filled with air, providing buoyancy and keeping water out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bilge Pump <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    These handheld devices remove excess water from your kayak\u2019s hatches and cockpit. Depending on your recovery technique you may be able to empty a lot of the water from your cockpit before re-entering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The pump will remove most of the remaining water which improves stability and helps you get to shore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tow Lines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Towing<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s how to tow a kayak<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Great if your paddle partner gets in trouble or is tiring. Tow lines come connected to a belt worn around your torso and the line coiled in a bag. If needed, the line can be tossed to the stricken kayaker who can either hold it or secure it to their boat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    NEVER tie a tow line to your boat. In case of an emergency you want to be able to release the belt to disconnect from the towed kayak. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Knife<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A staple for any outdoor activity. You never know when you\u2019ll need to cut a line, a bandage, kindling, or anything else that requires a blade. Many life jackets come with special tabs where you can holster one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Whistle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Another accessory that can be easily attached to your life jacket. Great for either signaling help or getting the attention of your fellow paddlers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Signaling Device<\/h3>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Picture<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    This can be any number of items and it\u2019s not a bad idea to carry several. Marine radios are monitored by nearby boaters and the coast guard. Reflective mirrors, flares, and similar tools can be used to wave down nearby mariners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paddling Attire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    No matter what the day\u2019s weather looks like, remember you\u2019re dressing for the water temperature. If you\u2019re planning on paddling in cold water and have access to it, a wet or dry suit extends the amount of time you can be immersed before hypothermia sets in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bring extra layers. Splashing water and unexpected windy conditions can make you cold even if you don\u2019t capsize. Wear wool or similar materials that wick water and keep it off your skin.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paddle With a Friend<\/h3>\n\n\n
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    \"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    I understand this isn\u2019t always possible. And if you\u2019re going to the protected local lake for a quick paddle it may not be necessary. If you plan on doing anything that challenges your experience level, bring a friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Assisted rescues are infinitely easier than solo ones. Having someone to tow or assist you to safety can make the difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s also nice if you\u2019re deliberating where to go or what the conditions are like. Having another perspective and opinion can make the decision easier and prevent you from making a foolish one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Local Weather and Hazards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There\u2019s no such thing as too much information. Even if you\u2019ve paddled the area before, consult with anyone who\u2019s paddled it recently. Waterways are dynamic and change quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re paddling somewhere new, learn as much as you can about the area. If there\u2019s a guide or rental shop nearby, ask their opinion, what they\u2019ve been seeing, etc. Even if you\u2019re not renting from them, most guides are happy to talk about paddling and water conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wet Exit & Re-Entry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Learning how to wet exit and re-enter your kayak is paramount to stay safe even if you capsize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The best way to learn is to practice it yourself. Watch the videos below, and go to a protected area with a friend to work on your recovery techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n