Paddling Safety
Life Vests
Life vests can be found in many
sizes and colors. Kokatat and
Old Town are two of the many
popular brands among paddlers.
Life vests can be found in many
sizes and colors. Kokatat and
Old Town are two of the many
popular brands among paddlers.
SHELTER ISLAND PADDLER CLUB
Paddling the waters of Shelter Island are not as dangerous as paddling the
Colorado River whitewater or paddling over waterfalls in Hawai'i. The Shelter Island
Sound and the island's bays, creeks and inlets aren't the roughest waters in the
world, but safety is the most important aspect to think of whenever you're paddling
nonetheless.
Colorado River whitewater or paddling over waterfalls in Hawai'i. The Shelter Island
Sound and the island's bays, creeks and inlets aren't the roughest waters in the
world, but safety is the most important aspect to think of whenever you're paddling
nonetheless.
Life Vests (Personal Flotation Devices - PFDs)
When you're paddling your life vest is your lifeline. Vests come in many shapes,
colors, sizes, and some are even gender-specialized and are available at many
boating and outdoors retail merchants.
When choosing a life vest, your best bet is to get one that affords you free-flowing
arm movement with a lot of arm space. Life vests made especially for paddling are
available on the Internet and at local paddling shops. Popular brands are Kokatat
and Extrasport. Make sure the PFD is Coast Guard approved, Type III or better.
When you're paddling your life vest is your lifeline. Vests come in many shapes,
colors, sizes, and some are even gender-specialized and are available at many
boating and outdoors retail merchants.
When choosing a life vest, your best bet is to get one that affords you free-flowing
arm movement with a lot of arm space. Life vests made especially for paddling are
available on the Internet and at local paddling shops. Popular brands are Kokatat
and Extrasport. Make sure the PFD is Coast Guard approved, Type III or better.
Wearing Your Vest
Put on your life vest before you get into your kayak or canoe. Waiting until you are in
the vessel will only cause you to rock, miss your foot braces and may even lead to
the much dreaded capsize.
Life vests have many adjustment straps and clips. You can adjust your vest to best
fit your upper body so it is snug and does not get in your way.
Outfit your vest with a whistle. If you are in danger for any reason, boaters or those
on land will be able to hear your distress signal.
Put on your life vest before you get into your kayak or canoe. Waiting until you are in
the vessel will only cause you to rock, miss your foot braces and may even lead to
the much dreaded capsize.
Life vests have many adjustment straps and clips. You can adjust your vest to best
fit your upper body so it is snug and does not get in your way.
Outfit your vest with a whistle. If you are in danger for any reason, boaters or those
on land will be able to hear your distress signal.
Handling a Capsize
If you capsize for any reason, the most important thing to keep in mind immediately
is to avoid panic. This will only make matters worse. If you are not an experienced
paddler, you must learn the basic re-entry techniques before taking to the water.
There are solo re-entries and assisted re-entries which you should be familiar with.
For additional information, check out the following link:
www.oceankayakingsafety.com
If you capsize for any reason, the most important thing to keep in mind immediately
is to avoid panic. This will only make matters worse. If you are not an experienced
paddler, you must learn the basic re-entry techniques before taking to the water.
There are solo re-entries and assisted re-entries which you should be familiar with.
For additional information, check out the following link:
www.oceankayakingsafety.com
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |