The RNLI has a list of facts and figures relating to kayaking and canoe-related callouts on its website. In 2020 there were 2016 lifeboat launches to assist kayakers and canoeists in trouble. 200 kayakers and canoeists were assisted by RNLI lifeguards in the same year.
In 2021 the RNLI saved 11 lives when responding to shouts about kayakers and canoe paddlers. This rose to 175 in 2022. And if you think it’s just beginners then think again. Even the best can sometimes get into difficulty. Which this RNLI news article highlights.
Any time we go afloat it’s our responsibility to assess the conditions, assess whether the equipment is worthy of going afloat, ensure plans have been laid to ensure safe sessions and generally observe good paddling safety etiquette.
We don’t want to sound like the police. And we‘re not trying to halt anyone’s fun. However every paddler – whether sit down or stand up – needs to be able to recognise potential hazards and understand their environment.
Before going afloat with your inflatable kayak give it a once over. If it’s an inflatable type then make sure there’s no sign it’s going to deflate when on the water. Check the valve and seal and ensure all seals are intact.
If you identify any damage then it’ll need repairing. Don’t risk paddling with something like a slow puncture for instance. We’ve seen this happen and that slowly has turned into something much bigger. If you pilot a rotomolded plastic kayak then sometimes holes can appear. These can also be patched. But possibly needs to be done professionally. Ensure all hatches and bungs are firmly secured.
Your paddle is key to propulsion and manoeuvring, It’s therefore worth checking things like the paddle shaft for cracks. And the blade itself to make sure it’s not damaged.
Connecting points, such as where the blades are attached to the shaft should be inspected. Glue can fail sometimes for instance. Especially if you leave a paddle in direct sunlight where it can melt. Adjustable shafts need to have any sand, grit or dirt removed so freedom of movement is maintained.
Checks and maintenance don’t stop with your hardware. Good practice dictates that all your paddling gear should be in good working order. This includes things like your wetsuit, which should be free of holes and tears. Your buoyancy aid – all clips and adjustments. A helmet, which can be a good idea to wear. And so on.
Ideally this ‘work’ will all be carried out prior to paddling. If you have a session in mind then a few days before, when you get a chance, carry out the aforementioned. That way you’ll be prepared well in advance.
Even easygoing recreational paddling sessions require some forethought. Experienced kayakers will subconsciously be assessing what’s going on before entering the water. Anything more hardcore will require more preparation.
Arguably, it’s much easier to plan some kayaking fun if you know the location you intend to paddle. For new spots, there’ll be more work needed to ensure safety.
Weather, and more specifically wind, can impact a kayaking session no end., In the best circumstances, wind and weather can help make your kayaking more fun. In the worst case scenario, you are fighting against one of Mother Nature’s elements that you’ve no hope of winning.
Other weather phenomena can also impact your session. Rain – when paddling on flowing river water for instance – can suddenly change the face of your previously placid location. A slow-moving stretch of water can become a raging torrent pretty quickly. It’s therefore worth knowing what the forecast has in store for location. And the surrounding area.
We mentioned buoyancy aids above but it’s worth reiterating. If you’re heading afloat then a buoyancy aid is a good idea. A BA can give more confidence when paddling. And, of course, if you should capsize then you’ll float!
It should be noted that buoyancy aids won’t help if you end up face down and unconscious in the water. Paddling with others who can help will be imperative in situations like this. But in all cases the correctly rated PFD/BA for the type of water you’re paddling on is important.
With SUP safety in mind, we suggest carrying a means of communication should you need to raise the alarm. A mobile phone held within a water-tight pouch can be a simple method. Or, alternatively, if you have a licence then a VHF radio can be a good option.
It’s the same with kayak safety. The described methods of communication are also good choices to keep on board stowed in your boat or on your person. With mobile phones it’s worth keeping in mind signal strength isn’t always guaranteed. And make sure it has enough credit.
This particularly applies if you’re heading off on a longer journey. Spares, such as an adjustable spare paddle, dry clothes stashed in a waterproof drybag, food, water, first aid kit, and so on.
You could also have a kayak repair kit and things like a Kelly Kettle for brew ups when you pitstop on your paddle. Obviously shorter, recreational sessions don’t require quite as much gear. But some will help your session go off properly instead of halting at the merest sniff of a hitch. For pre and post kayaking sessions a McConks change robe is also a good call.
Before any of the above it’s a good idea to get a lesson. Having a professionally qualified instructor show you the ropes is a quick way to progress from beginner to intermediate. You’ll be fast-tracked to a paddler in no time at all.
Plus, your coach will impart a whole load of valuable information which will help when planning your own sessions and going it alone. Worth checking out is the McConks recommended schools and instructors section. This details SUP schools we endorse but many also provide kayaking tuition.
Kayaking in a group is proper good, wholesome fun. As like minded people, you’ll be able to share your experiences on the water. We appreciate not everyone wants large group interaction but it can help with kayak safety.
Just make sure your group is fit for the task. Don’t take less skilled paddlers into environments where they’re going to come a cropper. That puts them and you at risk which isn’t great.
Being able to spot hazards, such as rip currents at coastal venues and fast flow at river venues is key. There are more which can be location-specific. So a recce is often worth conducting before going afloat.
Once you’re able to identify these potential pitfalls you have to interest this info into whether you can handle the conditions or not. This is a case of being honest with yourself about your own skills and that of your group. Leave the bravado at the door. Safety has no room for ego.
Communicating your kayak mission objectives to a third party is a good idea. Arming someone with your session itinerary means your session can be monitored from a distance. If you don’t arrive at your destination at the stated time then alarms can be raised.
It’s a good idea to have your contact relatively close so they can keep an additional eye on you. But we appreciate this mightn’t always be possible.
There’s no shame in canning a session if it’s not going your way. You may come across an unexpected obstacle during your session. Or Mother Nature’s mood may turn sour. Forcing you to abandon plans.
The bottom line is nobody’s judging. It’s better to be safe than sorry. None of us want any paddler to become another statistic. And there’ll also be another day to get amongst it and enjoy some kayaking action.
Kayak safety is essential. It should be a given that paddlers practise it. At some point, it just becomes second nature. But initially, you’ll need to stop and think. Also, encouraging others to be safe when afloat is important. Not all paddlers will be receptive but watching out for one another can also limit the amount of incidents that occur each year.
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