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Paddle Sports

Preventing an Accidental Capsizing:
  • Maintain at least 3 points of contact with your boat when moving around
  • Load the boat properly and never exceed the boat’s capacity rating
  • Keep your shoulders inside the gunwales (sides) of the boat
  • Avoid poor weather, rough water and the wake of other boaters

Paddlers are also closer to the water, which makes them more susceptible to cold water temperatures in the event of a spill, so cold water deaths, especially in northern regions, are more common with paddlers. And finally, surveys indicate paddlers tend not to consider themselves boaters, and often pay little attention to learning and observing traditional boating safety rules.

Accidents Don’t Just Happen:

Statistics show that over 80% of the paddlers who died in the United States were not wearing a PFD. However, 98% of paddlers report that they own one. When examining all known accident cases, including capsizes/falls overboard, it was reported that 90% of the victims go in the water unexpectedly and had no time to grab a PFD. Simply put, wearing a PFD save lives.

Hazardous water or weather conditions were cited as the primary cause in more than 40% of paddlesport accidents, pointing to the importance of consulting weather information and scouting the area first. Surprisingly, operator inexperience accounts for only one in four paddling fatalities, suggesting that the more experienced paddler often becomes complacent with safety procedures or takes unnecessary risks. 

Be Safety Conscious and Know Your Limits!

Tragically, as many of 25% of reported paddler deaths were alcohol related. Save the alcohol for when you are back ashore safely. In a paddlecraft, you need good balance and a clear head. If you are an experienced paddler, think about these statistics and lead by example. Unfortunately, the statistics have one thing in common – they’re all things that a smart paddler can plan for and, in most cases, avoid!

 

Something for Everyone:

Participating in paddlesports offers something for everyone. Choosing your craft wisely, planning your outing and preparing for the inevitable will provide for maximum enjoyment whether you are participating for exercise, excitement, or a relaxation. As you go paddling, there are a number of things you need to take into consideration. The following will help you to have a safe and enjoyable time on the water

  • Take a Lesson & Get Started
  • Learn Safety & Rescue Procedures
  • Wear Proper Gear & Protection
  • Know the Rules & Regulations
  • Practice Good Environmental Ethics
  • Advanced Technique

Getting Started:

Taking a Class – Taking a class is a great way to get an introduction to the sport. A class will not only teach you the basics of boat handling, safety, and technique, it will also expose you to some of the widely available types of paddlecraft. Contact the American Canoe Association at www.aca.net or call (800) 929-5162 for a class near you.

Selecting a Boat – Paddlecraft come in all sorts of shapes and sizes – some can be paddled solo, while others are meant for tandem paddlers.  Shape and size determines speed, comfort, stability, maneuverability and overall safety.  Ideally, the safest boat is one that remains afloat, even when fully swamped.

Know Rules and Regs – In some states, you must register you paddlecraft and some states require that you have certain equipment aboard. Regulations can vary so check with your state boating organization. Also, since you are not the only type of water craft out there, it is important that you know basic navigation rules and can recognize aids to navigation, especially white and red informational or regulatory markers that indicate known dangers.

Be Prepared – Always be informed about the weather and the body of water in which you are boating. Be prepared to deal with weather changes, other boat traffic, low light conditions, minor medical emergencies and always have a way to contact help.

Help Yourself – Before heading out, know your own limits, practice self rescue techniques, and always travel with a group - never travel alone. However, a good rule is to assume that no one else will be there to help. Always wear your PFD.

Have Fun – When learning, always start close to shore, boat in shallow water and learn and go with a group. Never boat alone and expect to get wet. It’s inevitable that you’ll capsize at some point in your learning career – plus, its part of the fun. If you are prepared for that dunking, it won’t startle you as much.