05/10/2022
Some Basic Safety Skills You Should Know
Firstly, thank you for shopping at
Paddlezone Belmont
I wish you much enjoyment on or in your kayak of SUP
Knowing some simple safety precautions should keep you safe.
Still no system is foolproof
General Safety
Always wear a PFD. Personally I’m not a big fan of inflatable PFD’s. As if you are unconscious, you don’t inflate them.
Wear bright coloured gear and clothing. Be aware of whatever is going on around you. Watch your surroundings and the sky.
Don’t go for a paddle if you even suspect you would be out of your comfort and ability zone.
Should the weather change for the worse, paddle to the nearest shore. Call someone to come and get you or you may be able to wait until the bad spell has passed.
Do not try and paddle back to where you came from. If the conditions are going to put you out of your comfort and ability zone.
Be aware of the distance, and what the wind and tide are doing. Because an easy paddle out can turn into a nightmare paddle back if you then find the wind, tide and distance are against you.
Always tell someone where you are paddling. Your departure time and your ETA back. Text the person you have told and let them know you are back safely. Advise them before you set out if you haven’t contacted and let them know that you are back safely. To call you. If you don’t answer, alert the respective authorities. Thais may seem extreme, but it could save your life.
Always check whatever you are taking out for any new damage or problems. Check your safety gear.
Your phone is great to have. Keep it in a waterproof case or a dry bag. It could serve you well in an emergency but not as well as a PLB (Personal Location Device) this will notify Marine Recue that you are in need of assistance and your position. At the press of a button. A marine radio is also great to have. If you paddle a lot on your own. I strongly suggest having a PLB anywhere you go and if you paddle offshore. I would recommend a marine radio as well. If someone has a go at you for having a PLB or anything to do with safety. They are the fool not you.
The sea is quite demanding and requires good kayaking skills, a good knowledge of the weather and predicting it and excellent re-entry and safety skills. NEVER UNDER ESITIMATE THE SEA. Or any body of water for that matter.
Sit in Kayak Safety
Know how to exit your upturned kayak. Practice it with someone watching. You should have an understanding of it. Instead of a fear of it. In a rescue course I did they ask you to tip over. Put your hands on the bottom of the boat so they can see them, and they know you are ok. Then count to twenty before taking your skirt off and floating out. It is important you realize you have plenty of time and you don’t have to panic.
This is very important because if you are panicking you won’t remember one of the MOST important rules. Never lose your boat. You must be looking for the best place to grab your boat. Upside-down or right way up it is important to you.
Learn both single and assisted re-entry methods. Remember with anything to do with these procedures. TAKE YOUR TIME. Prepare yourself physically and mentally for what you are going to do. In situations where you are in the water, watch for hypothermia. Gauge your strength, too many single attempted solo re-entries will tire you very quickly. An assisted rescue is the best way back into a boat. Check with your fellow paddlers if they know these methods before you paddle out.
Try to carry some basic safety things in or on your PFD. Whistle, space blanket, mirror, utility knife, light. A PLB is a great addition. Have it on your person. Not in your boat.
Should you come in contact. with a shark. Try to stay calm. If you are with other paddlers group together. If you are on your own, make for the shore. You may need a toilet also to clean yourself up once you are there.
ALWAYS HYDRATE AND CARRY PLENTY OF WATER.
SIT ON TOP KAYAK.
Practice getting on and off in water where you can’t reach the bottom.
Sunburn needs to be watched as so much of your body is exposed.
Don’t overload your boat.
If you paddle with someone in a fast kayak, be aware they will be feeling it easier than you and don’t paddle too far.
A lot of the points above can also be applied to sit on top kayaks.
SUP’s
A leg rope is great, but it doesn’t beat a PFD as well.
Same safety as above mostly applies.
