PADDLESPORT BOATS
Paddlesport boats such as canoes and kayaks are a fast growing segment of the recreational boating industry. A study released by the Outdoor Industry Foundation found participation in kayaking rose 23% in 2005 alone. As gasoline prices rise and people look for alternative leisure activities, the non-powered boat gives many people a great opportunity to enjoy the water without spending too much money.
 Paddlesport boats only require human power to get them moving. If an engine is installed on these types of boats, they become “powerboats” and are subject to more strict requirements such as registration and increased equipment requirements. However, installing an electric outboard or small gasoline engine does allow greater flexibility with these boats.
Characteristics of paddlesport boats
- Lightweight and easily transported.
- Rounded and flat bottom styles.
- Some with flat stern for small motor.
- Easily tipped.
SUPs
The U.S. Coast Guard recently ruled that Standup Paddlecraft (paddleboards, windsurfers, etc) are “vessels” and must now follow the same safety requirements as all other paddleboats.
Transporting and launching
Most vehicles can easily carry two kayaks or one canoe, on the roof. There are a wide variety of cargo systems (roof racks, brackets, etc.) available that make transporting these boats rather easy. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use good quality tie-downs.
It’s not a bad idea to stop the vehicle and inspect the tie-down system after you travel a few miles. Checking the straps to ensure the boats are securely held in place may prevent serious problems down the road.
Once you are at the launch site, ready all of your gear. Most launch points are either a traditional boat ramp, or a “slide”. A boat slide is an inexpensive alternative to a boat ramp and is usually no more than a well constructed pathway from the road to the water. Take a few extra minutes to inspect the ramp or the slide. Look for slippery areas. Plan ahead and take your time.
Using a long length of rope to help ease the craft down the slide is a good practice. Attach the rope to the craft and loop the line around a strong tree. Slowly and cautiously ease the boat down the slide to the water using the rope. Once the boat is at the bottom of the slide, retrieve any remaining gear and transport it to the boat.
Once the craft is in the water, tie the bow line to a tree, or if at a dock, to a cleat. Getting into and out of paddle boats is tricky. These type boats are unstable because of the narrow beam and shallow draft. When getting in, bend your knees and grab onto the gunnel. Once you have a firm grip, and staying bent over, slowly step into the center of the craft. As you step, reach to the other gunnel with your free hand. As soon as you are balanced, sit down.
When loading gear into the craft, place the gear into the craft first, and then get in. If boating with others, have them hand the gear into the boat once someone is already seated.
Safety Tips for PaddleSports
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, more than 15 percent of the total of all recreational fatalities in the U.S. in 2007 involved canoes or kayaks. Knowing, and following a few basic safety tips will make your paddlesport day on the water a safer, more enjoyable event.
- Rule number one: Do not paddle and consume alcohol.
- Always wear a properly fitted life jacket. Special life jackets are designed for the paddler, and for those who paddle on flat water (lakes, ponds, slow moving tidal waters) the inflatable life jacket is a good choice.
- Since there is a good chance you will end up in the water at some point, paddlers must know how to swim well.
- If your canoe or kayak capsizes and dumps you in swift (moving) water with rapids, float on your back with your feet pointing downstream. Floating with your feet pointing downstream allows you to use your feet and legs as “shock absorbers” to fend off rocks. As you move downstream, try to maneuver to the nearest riverbank.
- There are areas in swift moving water call “eddies”. An eddy is an area of relatively flat, or calm, water and are found on the downstream side of large rocks or boulders. When looking for a place to catch your breath while paddling in swift water, look for an eddy!
- There may be times when you are called upon to help rescue someone who has capsized in swift water. All paddlesport boaters who boat in swift water should take a river rescue course to increase their knowledge on how to affect a river rescue. Having a “heaving line” in your paddleboat is a good idea. A heaving line is a length of line with a weighted, floating, ball at one end. The rescuer throws the line to the person in the water who grabs the line and is swung to shore or shallow water.
- Other areas to be aware of when paddling are strainers and debris fields. Strainers can easily put a paddler into an unsafe situation and debris fields can trap boaters who have fallen out of the paddleboat.
- Learn from an experienced paddler. Take professional hands-on training.
- Paddle with a friend or a group of other boaters if you can.
- Standing up or moving about in a canoe/kayak increases the chance of capsizing. Maintain 3 points of contact while moving around. To maintain 3 point of contact, always keep 3 parts of your body in contact with the boat, such as: sitting down (1 point of contact) while both feet are on the deck or, if moving, having hold of the boat with both hands as you keep one foot on the deck while moving the other.
- Don’t overload the boat and always maintain adequate freeboard.
- Load the boat properly by keeping the weight centered both from side to side and bow to stern. The lower, and closer, the load in the boat is to the centerline, the more stable the boat.
- Keep your shoulders inside the gunnels of the boat. When retrieving something from the water, reach with your paddle or guide the boat close enough to the object so you can reach it without leaning over the side of the boat.
- Don’t take unnecessary risks. Pick an activity level that matches your ability, and progress logically to more challenging waters.
- Stay off the water during extreme weather or water conditions. Floodwaters or fast currents often are beyond the limits of even the most skilled boater.
- Portage (take the boat out of the water and hand-carry it) around low-head dams, unusual water conditions, or if you just feel uncertain about the water.
- File a float plan with friends or family.
- Bring appropriate safety and rescue gear (lines, throwbags, etc.). Have adequate food, water, and extra protective clothing.
- Know and follow all local, state and federal laws.
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Remind your powerboating friends to slow down when operating around non-powered boats as the wake from a powerboat can easily swamp, or capsize, a non-powered boat.
- Carry a bright white light and whistle to signal your position.
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