Do you have to have a life jacket when you paddle?

The most important advice is to always wear the life jacket or paddle-developed on the water. It should fit the body, be the right size and sit on throughout the tour.

What is the most dangerous for beginners?

Cold water, wind and paddling too far from land are common risks. Start with protected water, stay close to the land and turn before you get tired.

Can you paddle alone?

It is safer to paddle in company, especially as a beginner or in cold water. If you paddle alone, someone should know the way back and approximate time.

Safety at paddling – life jacket, weather and cold water

Paddling is easy to start with, but the water determines the conditions. A safe tour begins before you fire out canoe, kayak or SUP board: check weather, choose the right water and have the equipment on your body instead of packed.

Wearing the Life Jacket all the time

Life jacket is not reserve equipment. It should sit on the bridge until you are back on land. Choose a west that fits your weight, can be tightened and gives free movement for the paddle. Children need the West in the right size; one too big west can slide up into the water.

Plan by wind, not just distance

A short trip can be heavy if the wind is wrong. Check forecast, wind direction and village winds. On lakes and archipelago springs, the counter wind can make the home road much longer than it looked on the map. Start in the leather, stay close to the country and choose a route where you can can cancel easily.

Take cold water seriously

The water can be cold far into the summer, especially in the seas, mountain waters and larger lakes. Dress after the water temperature, not just the air. The wool or synthesis closest to the body is better than cotton, and a dry change should be in waterproof pack bag.

View and tell me where to go

Kayaks and SUP boards are low in the water. Please use clear colors, reflectors and lamps if the light is bad. Avoid the paddle as it goes and paddle collected 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 mobile should be in waterproof case and be accessible. Pack whistle, first aid and extra energy. Think before start: where can I go ashore, what do I do about some capsules and how do we get back if the wind turns?

Safe paddling is about margins. Choose calmer water than you think you can, turn in time and make the first trip short. The next trip will be much easier to plan.