Safety when paddling – life jacket, weather and cold water
Paddling is simple to start, but the water sets the terms. A safe trip starts before you push out the canoe, kayak or SUP: check the weather, pick the right water and have the kit on the body instead of packed away.
A quick check before you start
Do the same short check before every trip:
- Do wind, gusts and waves match your experience and craft?
- Are the clothes chosen for the water temperature, with a dry change in waterproof packing?
- Does the life jacket sit right and is the phone reachable in a waterproof case?
- Does someone on land know where you are going and when you should be back?
- Where can you land or turn if conditions change?
On a trip where someone is in immediate danger you should call 112. Plan with a margin and abort early when weather or energy no longer feel right.
Wear a life jacket the whole time
The life jacket is not spare kit. It should sit on from the jetty until you are back on land. Choose a jacket that fits your weight, can be tightened properly and gives free movement for the paddle strokes. Children need a jacket in the right size; one that is too large can ride up in the water.
Plan for wind, not only distance
A short trip can become heavy if the wind sits wrong. Check the forecast, wind direction and gusts. On lakes and archipelago reaches a headwind can make the way home much longer than it looked on the map. Start therefore in the lee, stay close to shore and pick a route where you can abort easily.
Take cold water seriously
The water can be cold well into summer, especially in the sea, mountain water and larger lakes. Dress for the water temperature, not only the air. Wool or synthetics next to the skin are better than cotton, and a dry change should sit in a waterproof drybag.
Be seen and say where you are going
Kayaks and SUP boards sit low in the water. Prefer bright colours, reflectors and a light if the light is poor. Avoid fairways when you can and paddle as a group if you are several. Tell someone on land where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Have a simple emergency plan
The phone should sit in a waterproof case and be reachable. Pack a whistle, first aid and extra energy. Think before you start: where can I land, what do I do if someone capsizes and how do we get back if the wind turns?
Safe paddling is mostly about margins. Pick quieter water than you think you can handle, turn in time and make the first trip short. Then the next trip is much easier to plan.