Use the
right boat for the conditions.
If you are paddling a pond, a small lake, or a protected harbor,
a recreational kayak is probably fine. This is generally a 10'
to 14' kayak with a large open cockpit. It is not designed for
windy and wavy conditions. If you are paddling in whitewater,
use a whitewater kayak. If you are on a large body of water like
Lake Michigan, you need a sea kayak with bulkheads providing floatation
fore and aft. Sea kayaks are generally 16' to 19' feet long with
doubles being up to 21.' Choose a color that will make you visible.
Get some
professional instruction and learn proper paddling technique,
bracing and rescues.
It's better to learn good technique right from the beginning rather
than have to break bad habits later. Knowing how to get back in
your boat and help get someone else back in theirs is absolutely
essential.
Dress
for the water, not for the air.
It is not surprising that most fatalities are water-temperature
related. In the Spring, the air temperature can be 70-80 degrees
but the water may very well still be 40-50 degrees. So what do
we do? We put on our favorite T-shirt and head out to our favorite
island. What happens if we go upside down? The shock of cold water
immersion can make us involuntarily gasp for air but we wind up
with a lung full of water instead. If we get lucky and that doesn't
happen, we have about 5-15 minutes depending on water temperature
and our overall health to get ourselves back in the boat (assuming
we have the skills to do so) before our hands and fingers become
useless. The answer? Wear a wet suit or a dry suit regardless
of the air temperature. This will buy you some more time.
Wear
a PFD! Wear a PFD! Wear a PFD!
A PFD (personal floatation device) can save your life. Your life
jacket will do you absolutely no good if it is neatly tucked under
your deck bungies. If it's super-hot outside, learn to live with
it. It's better than to die without it! You should also carry
3 flares and a whistle on your PFD. While you're at it, choose
a color that will make you visible on the water. A PFD has the
added benefit of providing some insulation against cold water.
Paddle
with a partner.
You can help each other in a tight situation. Three is even better.
Know
the skill level of all paddlers in your group.
Never go into conditions beyond the skill level of the weakest
paddler in the group. Never go faster than the slowest paddler
in the group.
Carry
a VHF radio.
A cell phone is O.K. as a back-up but there are many places where
it will not operate and it can vary from one bay to the next.
With a cell phone, only one person can hear you whereas with a
VHF radio anyone within a 5-10 mile (or more) radius will hear
your distress call. Help may be closer than you think. The kind
of VHF radio that we carry no longer requires a license to operate.
Just buy the thing, learn how to talk on it properly, and start
using it.
Learn
something about navigation.
Many of us believe we always have the right-of-way because we
have no motor. Not true! There are many channels where we absolutely
do not have the right-of-way and if we cause certain boats to
run aground due to our ignorance of the navigational rules, we
are legally responsible for damage and/or loss of life. And, of
course, there's always the "Rule of Gross Tonnage."
If he's bigger than you, give him the right-of-way. Carry a chart
and compass and know how to use them. Always know where you are
on the chart and you won't get lost. Carry your GPS only as a
back-up. Don't use it in place of learning navigational skills.
It may stop working when you need it the most. Your compass will
always work but you need to know how to use it.
Listen
to your weather radio before you head out.
Know what the weather pattern is for the day. Which way is the
wind blowing? How hard? On shore? Off shore? If it's off-shore,
know that if you are not conscious of your progress, the tendency
will be for your boat to be pushed constantly out toward open
water. The two kayakers in Door Co. who sadly lost their lives
in 2001 paddled out in strong offshore winds and without wetsuits.
It was early June and the water was still quite cold. They knew
how to rescue each other and were familiar with the area but were
not dressed properly and either didn't listen to or didn't pay
attention to the strong offshore wind forecast. Other outfitters
in the area canceled their trips that day because of high winds.
Practice
your skills especially rescues and towing.
Don't think that because you took one class you are now proficient
at rescues. These skills need to be practiced on a regular basis.
Leave
a float plan.
Let a friend know where you are going and when you plan to return.
If, after a certain time and day, you have not returned, then
the agreement should be that they call the proper authorities
(Coast Guard, etc.). Don't forget to call your friend when you
return and let them know you have safely arrived!
Know
when to sit on the beach and read a book.
If it's too rough for your skill level or for the skill level
of anyone in your group, then admit it and stay put. If in doubt,
then the conditions are probably too rough for you. Know when
to say: "Today is not a kayak day for me."
Ask the
locals for information on the waters in which you plan to paddle
if you are in unfamiliar territory.
They can tell you of certain dangers, currents, weather patterns,
wildlife that might make a meal of you, etc.
