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Before You Go...
A GUIDE TO SAFE PADDLING
ON LAKES & OCEANS
We'd like to welcome you to kayaksport with a word of caution. Paddling can be a safe adn rewarding activity if common sense prevails and certain precautions are taken. So before you put in for a day's paddle, check that you have the following:
ALWAYS TAKE TO THE LAKE
- a kayak in good, servicable condition (with plenty of secure floatation in the bow & stern)
- a kayak in good, servicable condition (with plenty of secure floatation in the bow & stern)
- a paddle
- a spray skirt that fits your boat
- a life jacket (personal floatation device)
- a whistle (that works)
- drinking water
- personal synthetic paddling wear suitable for the conditions
- rescue gear: bilge pump and paddle float
- a tow or throw rope (25 feet)
- a tow or throw rope (25 feet)
- an accessible spare paddle: minimum of 1 per group
IN ANY OF THE MOST BENIGN CONDITIONS, ALSO CONSIDER
- find out what the weather forecast will be before you go...
- find out before hand if there is a jetski or fishing tournament at the lake
- get a weather forecast each day you are out
- a compass
- a knife
- topo and maps of the waterway
- charts, coastal maps and tide tables (if sea kayaking)
- a waterproof bag with the following items:
- first aid kit
- first aid kit
- VHF radio or cel phone
- 25 feet of tow line
- spare synthetic paddling wear
- a flashlight or headlamp (even if you are only planning a day trip)
- 7 green or yellow light sticks
- duct tape
- rain gear and extra warm clothing
- waterproof matches and a lighter
- a weather radio
- cel phone
- packages of honey and cubes of sugar
- emergency blanket
- candle lantern, with extra candles
- aluminum cup
FILE A FLOAT PLAN
- A Float Plan lists what waterway you are going to. Waterway manager, phone number, district (if possible), person(s) you are paddling with, their phone number, padle date, time you plan to launch, time you plan to get off the water.
- leave a Float Plan in your house taped to the inside of your front door, and leave one with at least 2 friends and 1 neighbor
Reprinted with permission from the Trade Association of Sea Kayakers