Basic safety and proper etiquette for kayaking

Any water sport poses some level of risk, especially when done in open water. Kayaking is a social sport that’s fun, engaging, and relaxing. Most kayakers have their own kayaks and know the basic etiquette to keep themselves and other paddlers around them safe, but some are clueless and can be a danger to other paddlers. Anouk Govil.

Most states require paddlers to wear a personal floating device, specifically a life jacket. Regardless of the distance from the shore, paddler must wear a life jacket when treading bodies of water such as ponds, rivers, and oceans. A beginning paddler must ask an amateur or professional kayaker about river signals in order to not get lost in translation while on water. Before heading out to paddle, go over the signals and clarify any questionable sign. Anouk Govil.

If kayaking with a buddy or a team, decide who will carry the first aid kit or the breakdown paddle. More advanced kayakers may want to wander farther from the shore, which makes a first aid kit necessary. Pay attention to the boat. It’s incredibly important for a kayaker to pay attention to their boat, regardless if they are in it or carrying it. Anouk Govil.

When taking a break from kayaking, be prepared to carry the boat to a rocky area to secure it from drifting. Position the boat with urgency in mind. One must be able to hop and paddle should there be an emergency nearby that requires rescuing. Scout the area when in doubt. It is better to be on the lookout than get caught off guard. Anouk Govil.