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Kayaking Articles
Whitewater Kayaking Safety
by Damon Z. Sweet
Kayaking is an exciting activity, but it's a sport that involves some basic safety rules to avoid accidents and emergency situations. After all, whitewater kayaking tests your judgment, quick thinking, stamina, and skills. Before you push your boat into the water and paddle off to face the wild river, consider all the aspects of safety involved.
Before heading to the waters for an adrenaline rush, know what you are doing. No one should practice whitewater kayaking without having learned how to actually steer your craft and get out of a tight spot or a dangerous situation. Kayaking clubs have experienced instructors that will teach you how to steer and manipulate your kayak through rapids. Never try this sport without basic training.
Always wear a helmet. The large stones in rapids are very dangerous and there is a risk of hitting your head on one if you tip over. A helmet is standard equipment for river kayaking, so always make sure you have one before hitting the rapids. Be sure that the helmet you have is one that is approved for the sport and that the adjustments have been made so that it fits correctly. Your helmet should be securely fastened. If you ever drop your helmet or have an accident and the helmet takes a knock, don't use it again. Discard your helmet in favor of a new one, as helmets are designed to take one blow.
Your next piece of standard gear is a personal flotation device. Lifejackets are designed to keep your head above water should you fall from your kayak. Never trust your ability to swim or have too much confidence that you won't suffer an emergency situation. Accidents happen to even professional kayakers. Wearing your lifejacket when you are kayaking can mean the difference between life and death.
One of the biggest safety considerations while river kayaking is knowing both the classification of the white water rapids and your own skill level. Being cocky about your ability while out on the water is a sure path to taking risks you shouldn't and could ruin the whole trip for the group. Know your limits and if you find yourself facing a difficult set of rapids or some wild white water you think you might not be able to handle, paddle over to shore and portage your kayak down to calmer waters.
Wear the right clothing for the activity. Synthetic fabrics offer lightweight portability and a good amount of warmth. A wet suit can be an option if the water is cold. The risk of hypothermia isn't worth dressing inappropriately. You can also bring extra clothing and stow it inside your kayak, but make sure any gear carried in your watercraft is tied securely.
Never go paddling alone. Kayaking is a dangerous sport and you should always hit the rapids with at least one other person. A group of kayakers is best, and make sure you know your position in the group. Groups of kayakers always assign a lead kayak and a sweep. Never pass the lead kayak and never fall behind the sweep. Their job is to monitor safety, so don't make the task any harder for them than it already is.
Damon Z. Sweet writes for ActiveKayak.com
(www.activekayak.com), where you will find free online basic kayaking lessons and the internet's most complete directory of schools and kayaking resources.
