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The joys of on-the-water paddle sports are many. Paddling your own canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or surfboard takes individual skill, where you set your own pace and experience a sense of calm and quiet serenity as you glide across the pristine waters. You will encounter fewer & wild parties with large, raft-up boat flotillas crowding the waterways.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand-up paddleboarding originated in Hawaii, and while it is a recent addition to the list of paddle sports, some believe that it has been around for longer. Experts say it has existed for decades but came to prominence in the 2000s, evolving into the recognized sport today. Its earliest roots trace it back to the 18th century when native Hawaiians paddled along the Pacific from island to island.
The modern applications of stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP as some call it, emerged in the mid-20th century with the extreme popularity of surf culture in the 1960s. The shores of California first welcomed SUP in 2005, where it caught on instantly among the locals. Today, SUP has spread across the country, with more than 22 million Americans participating in stand-up paddleboarding.
Simply put, stand-up paddleboarding involves getting on a surf-like board with a long SUP paddle which you will use to propel the board while standing up straight. This paddle sport is excellent for photographers as they can get a much better view while standing up.
There is more than one way on how to paddle a stand-up paddleboard. You can race, tour, and surf. Many marinas have partnered with yoga instructors to offer on-the-water stand-up paddleboard yoga classes. It is refreshing to watch a class of yogis as they attempt perfect balance in a headstand on an unanchored, less than steady paddleboard!
You can even turn your SUP into a kayak. More recent is white water paddle boarding for the thrill-seekers. Kayaking may have been the fastest-growing paddle sport, but stand-up paddleboarding has taken over this title.
New variations of stand-up paddleboards have hit the market. Some boards are inflatable, some can be folded up into thirds with hinged sections, and newer paddleboards include tall seats and pedals.
For SUP equipment information, click this link at CLR Marine. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports.html.
SAFETY FIRST and WEATHER ALERTS WHEN PADDLE BOARDING
While enjoying any paddle sport, such as paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking, be aware that weather can change in an instant. A calm stream can suddenly become a raging river if weather conditions suddenly change higher up at the stream's headwaters.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD)
Wearing or carrying a PFD on-board is essential to paddleboard safety. Stand-up Paddleboards are considered "vessels" under the United States Coast Guard regulations when used out of designated swimming, surfing, or bathing areas. Individuals 13 years of age and older must have a PFD on board, and those 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a PFD at all times on the water. Not only can a PFD save your life, but it can also make it easier for you to climb back aboard after falling or jumping in the water.
https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/marine-safety/personal-flotation-devices.html
WHISTLE
A whistle can be a simple, inexpensive item to carry that can make a huge difference in an emergency. You can use a whistle to alert motorized boats to your presence if needed or to get help from the shore if you have trouble on the water. A whistle can also be heard in the fog when visibility is at a minimum.
https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/10020--acr-survival-res-q-whistle-w-18-lanyard.html
PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON
Personal locator beacons are handheld devices that signal 406 MHz, the same frequency used for newer emergency locator transmitters. Activate a PLB—in most cases, simply by extending the antenna and pressing the On button—and it transmits a powerful distress signal with a unique digital code.
https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports/personal-locator-beacons.html
LEASH
If you fall off your SUP while in the water, the leash will keep your board easily accessible. Wind, currents, and waves can quickly sweep your SUP away from you. Fasten the cord securely & around your ankle.
WETSUIT
If you plan on going out on cold water, you should consider a suit to keep you warm. Hypothermia escalates rapidly. An accidental fall into a cold mountain lake or cold ocean water would ruin your trip. Remember that you won't have a stack of warm blankets or warm, dry clothing with you.
HELMET
If you're going to take your SUP down a river, you should consider a helmet for the trip. Kayakers wear them, and their heads are much closer to the water than someone standing on a paddleboard. Falling onto hidden or exposed rocks from a standing position could cause a devastating impact. Protect your brain. Wear a helmet.
WEATHER
Always be aware of the current weather conditions for your SUP outing and pay attention to the forecast for the day. Weather conditions can change rapidly in some locations, and getting caught in bad weather can be very dangerous. The wind is always a threat. The wind can quickly unbalance a paddle boarder, make it difficult to paddle, or even carry the board quickly away from a dismounted paddler.
Have a weather app on your phone, and hopefully a signal will transmit while you are on the water.
PADDLE with a PARTNER
The best way to enjoy your SUP is with a friend. It is also one of the best ways to stay safe on the water. Paddling buddies can double-check gear before heading out and watch out for each other while out on the water.
Let friends know where you will be.
Leave your itinerary with someone on land. If you don't return at your designated time, your land buddy will start the search. Should your itinerary change, get in touch with your person on shore.
Cell service may be limited on the water. Don't count on your cell phone to be your lifeline.
SUNSCREEN
The sun is known to cause cancer in all states, not just California. Protect any exposed skin.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Remember that you have that same distance on your return trip for every mile that you have traveled out. While the wind may be at your back on the way out, a headwind at the return will be a challenge as your energy is diminishing.
Paddleboarding is an excellent way for you to blend in with your surroundings and slide from one area to another. Be safe. Know the distance to your destination or how much exertion you want to make at each outing.
In addition, to stand-up paddleboarding, other paddle sports to enjoy are kayaking, surfing, and canoeing. We will explore these paddle sports in a future blog.
Fair winds and smooth sailing.
To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com
©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.
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Personal Flotation Devices
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Lets talk Personal Flotation Devices for family fun on the water.
A personal flotation device abbreviated as PFD has also been called a life jacket, life preserver, life belt, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket and buoyancy aid. It is a piece of equipment designed to assist the wearer to keep afloat in water. The wearer may be either conscious or unconscious.
PFDs are available in different sizes to accommodate variations in body weight. Designs differ depending on wearing convenience and the level of protection needed. They may take the form of a simple vest, a jacket, or their variations suited for particular purposes. They are most commonly made of a tough synthetic fiber material encapsulating a source of buoyancy, such as foam or a chamber of air, and are often brightly colored yellow or orange to maximize visibility for rescuers.
Some devices consist of a combination of both buoyancy foam and an air chamber. Reflective "SOLAS" tape is often sewn to the fabric used to construct life jackets and PFDs to facilitate a person being spotted in darkness when a search light is shone towards the wearer.
Most Personal Flotation Devices come in a vast array of colors including camouflage for the hunter and for the kid's, different characters.
The Sterns Puddle Jumper is recommended by a lot of swim classes to give the beginner the confidence they need to start learning. (Please contact us for school discounts). It is also the only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket of its kind that can be used on a boat.
The US, federal regulations require all persons under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket (PFD) when in a watercraft. State regulations may vary and must be followed when in that state's jurisdiction.
Infant/Child vest
This vest comes in a multitude of colors and characters.
Weight: Up to 30lbs (14kg)
Stearns Puddle Jumper
Learn-to-swim aid for beginners in the water
The Coast Guard-approved life jacket features a fun character on the front for more fun in the water,
USCG approved for use on a boat.
Weight: 30 - 50 lbs. (13.6 kg - 22.7 kg)
Youth Vest
Recommend forFishing, Sailing, Boating, Paddle Sports, Water Sports
Weight: 50-90lbs (23-41kg)
Collar Life Jacket
Yoke-style flotation device designed to turn an unconcious person to a vertical or slightly backward position
Weight: 90lbs +
Automatic or Manual Inflatable
This type vest comes in two models,
Automatic or Manual type inflation.
The Automatic type automatically inflates upon immersionin water.or when the wearer pulls the "Jerk to Inflate" handle.
This is best as the wearer could be unconcious.
Inflatable Belt Pack
Inflates to Full-Size Pullover Type III PFD Vest (second stage donning required)
CLR Marine carries personal floatation devices made by Mustang Survival, SOSpenders, Stearns, First Watch, Onyx Outdoor, Kent Sporting Goods and Full Throttle. They can be found under the Manufacturers name or MARINE SAFETY > Personal Flotation Devices at clrmarine.com.
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Marine Safety
It can be very enjoyable to be out on the water, but you do not want to forget about marine safety. Making sure you protect yourself as much as possible matters, and you also want to keep all of your boat's passengers safe, too. We have the accessories you need to raise your level of safety and increase your peace of mind anytime you take the boat out of the dock. Our options for personal locator beacons and safety lights can help protect you, and our waterproof bags & cases help you make sure you do not damage any of your personal belongings, either.
Make sure you remember to take an emergency weather radio, and we offer EPIRBs, Flotation Coats/Pants, Fume Detectors, Immersion/Dry/Work Suits, Life Rafts, Man Overboard Devices, Personal Flotation Devices, Personal Locator Beacons, Safety Lights, and Waterproof Bags & Cases and Medical Kits to protect yourself and the people you care about . Your passengers will thank you when they feel safe on your boat, and you will have less to worry about. Then you can have more fun out on the waterways, and really appreciate the beauty of nature and all the fun a boat can bring.
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Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland last week signed legislation to enhance boating safety on state waterways.
The new law establishes “failure to control” as an enforceable boat operator rule. Many accidents occur as the result of operator inexperience or the forces of nature. These are not the result of a “rules of the road” violation or caused by reckless operation, but may result in minor property damage or injury.
The law also increases the horsepower limit on Pymatuning Lake in northeastern Ohio to 20-hp. About two-thirds of the lake is within the boundaries of Pennsylvania, which passed legislation to allow for the increase several years ago.
Also, the Ohio law creates a “no wake zone,” requiring boat operators to reduce their speed when passing a boat actively engaged in providing public service, including law enforcement, fireboats, search-and-rescue teams, dredges and towing services. This is similar to the law requiring motorists to proceed with caution and change lanes or slow down when approaching a stationary public safety vehicle displaying an emergency light.
Additionally, the law permits boaters to “slow tow” ski tubes and other towables in no-wake zones and areas outside of the designated speed and ski zones, and requires children under 10 years of age who board a watercraft under 18 feet in length to wear a swimsuit-style life jacket. The children's Type V personal flotation device was approved by the U.S. Coast Guard several years ago and is designed to be more comfortable and better suited to the activities of children participating in family boating.
The law also allows for the transfer of electronic titles for outboard motors. This provision reduces the time it takes to transfer titles by preventing the need for a watercraft dealer to first issue a physical title.
Also in the news today;
Maine offers online renewals for watercraft registration
Maine Gov, John E. Baldacci last week signed a bill that allows state residents to renew their watercraft online.
“Since taking office five years ago, I have made it a goal for Maine government to be more open and accessible to her people and this includes making more government services available online,” Baldacci said in a statement. “I'm very pleased that we are helping Maine people access an array of such services, putting everything from volunteerism opportunities to dog licenses and now boat registration renewals, at their fingertips.”
The legislation allows Maine residents to renew watercraft registration through a safe and secure Web site. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will continue to administer the registrations both online and in person.
Officials estimate that 125,000 watercraft are registered in Maine.
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NOW IN STOCK! SOSpenders - Designed To Be Worn
Sospenders inflatable lifejackets (Personal Flotation Devices - PFDs) are lightweight and comfortable, allowing freedom of movement while providing maximum buoyancy so that users can safely enjoy most water-based activities.
NOW IN STOCK! Stearns - The Life Jacket Experts
When you hear the name Stearns, you understand the quality, leadership, and outstanding brand recognition they have to offer.
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MUSTANG SURVIVAL ISSUES VOLUNTARY RECALL NOTICE ON MD2010 & MD2012 model 22LB INFLATABLE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES.
In keeping with Mustang Survival's commitment to the highest levels of product quality and safety, we are voluntarily recalling all model number MD2010 and MD2012 inflatable Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) sold in the United States during 2011.
Please open or download this PDF for more information.
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PFDs for pets
Not only people wear personal flotation devices, they are also available for dogs and other pets.
While the USCG does not certify personal flotation devices for animals, many manufacturers produce life jackets for dogs and cats. Every year dogs and cats die from drowning, either because they do not know how to swim, or because they tire out from overexposure, old age, have a medical complication such as a seizure, or become unconscious.
Most life jackets on the market are designed with foam that wraps around the animal's torso and neck. They provide a basic amount of buoyancy for a dog, but may not provide enough support for the head. They are not ideal for use with heavy dogs. However, they often incorporate a grab handle, which may help to hoist the dog back into the boat.
ONYX NEOPRENE PET VEST
Designed to provide swimming endurance for your pet and security while in the water.
Neoprene construction for added warmth and comfort.
Smooth Span inner for comfort and drainage. Three adjustable body belts and quick release buckles for a secure fit.
Reflective material on handler's strap for easy recovery and night-time visibility.
Zipper closure with hook and loop cover flap on back for easy donning.
ONYX NYLON PET VEST
Designed to provide swimming endurance for your pet and security while in the water.
200 denier nylon and 150 denier poly-twill.
Durable nylon fabric to resist punctures and tears.
Three adjustable body belts and quick release buckles for a secure fit.
Handler's strap for easy recovery
Sizes Small, Large and X-Large Sizes X-Small to X-Large
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Type V Inflatable Belt Pack - Rasta
16 gram Inflatable Belt Pack
United States Coast Guard Approved Type V Personal Flotation Device with Type III Performance, Must Be Worn to be Legal.
Bombora's personal flotation devices deliver more freedom, ensuring less gets in the way of your adventure. We offer type V PFDs so you don't need to sacrifice safety for agility. Designed for versatility, comfort, and safety, our inflatable PFD belt packs are lightweight and ideal for water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking. Bombora’s Fade Out Collection of PFD belts, offered in 4 unique colors, is inspired by paddle boarding at dusk and dawn - right when the sun hits the horizon.
Features:
Approved for users 16 years and older and fits chest sizes 30-56”
Ultra-slim and lightweight design
D-Ring attachments for small accessories
Manual inflation with the pull of a cord
16.5 lbs of design buoyancy with CO2 inflation
29.5 lbs of design buoyancy with secondary oral inflation
Warning: Device is not armed upon purchase
Read instructions and arm properly prior to use
CO2 cylinder for arming is located in the spare cylinder pocket inside of the beltpack
Bombora is committed to providing passionate, active, on-the-water enthusiasts flotation products that make the journeys more enjoyable, safe and memorable. The “Fade Out” Collection of inflatable personal belt packs are designed to deliver more freedom, by ensuring less gets in your way.
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78.76 |
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Type V Inflatable Belt Pack - Tidal
16 gram Inflatable Belt Pack
United States Coast Guard Approved Type V Personal Flotation Device with Type III Performance, Must Be Worn to be Legal.
Bombora's personal flotation devices deliver more freedom, ensuring less gets in the way of your adventure. We offer type V PFDs so you don't need to sacrifice safety for agility. Designed for versatility, comfort, and safety, our inflatable PFD belt packs are lightweight and ideal for water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking. Bombora’s Fade Out Collection of PFD belts, offered in 4 unique colors, is inspired by paddle boarding at dusk and dawn - right when the sun hits the horizon.
Features:
Approved for users 16 years and older and fits chest sizes 30-56”
Ultra-slim and lightweight design
D-Ring attachments for small accessories
Manual inflation with the pull of a cord
16.5 lbs of design buoyancy with CO2 inflation
29.5 lbs of design buoyancy with secondary oral inflation
Warning: Device is not armed upon purchase
Read instructions and arm properly prior to use
CO2 cylinder for arming is located in the spare cylinder pocket inside of the beltpack
Bombora is committed to providing passionate, active, on-the-water enthusiasts flotation products that make the journeys more enjoyable, safe and memorable. The “Fade Out” Collection of inflatable personal belt packs are designed to deliver more freedom, by ensuring less gets in your way.
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78.76 |
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Type V Inflatable Belt Pack - Sunrise
16 gram Inflatable Belt Pack
United States Coast Guard Approved Type V Personal Flotation Device with Type III Performance, Must Be Worn to be Legal.
Bombora's personal flotation devices deliver more freedom, ensuring less gets in the way of your adventure. We offer type V PFDs so you don't need to sacrifice safety for agility. Designed for versatility, comfort, and safety, our inflatable PFD belt packs are lightweight and ideal for water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking. Bombora’s Fade Out Collection of PFD belts, offered in 4 unique colors, is inspired by paddle boarding at dusk and dawn - right when the sun hits the horizon.
Features:
Approved for users 16 years and older and fits chest sizes 30-56”
Ultra-slim and lightweight design
D-Ring attachments for small accessories
Manual inflation with the pull of a cord
16.5 lbs of design buoyancy with CO2 inflation
29.5 lbs of design buoyancy with secondary oral inflation
Warning: Device is not armed upon purchase
Read instructions and arm properly prior to use
CO2 cylinder for arming is located in the spare cylinder pocket inside of the beltpack
Bombora is committed to providing passionate, active, on-the-water enthusiasts flotation products that make the journeys more enjoyable, safe and memorable. The “Fade Out” Collection of inflatable personal belt packs are designed to deliver more freedom, by ensuring less gets in your way.
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78.76 |
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Type V Inflatable Belt Pack - Sunset
16 gram Inflatable Belt Pack
United States Coast Guard Approved Type V Personal Flotation Device with Type III Performance, Must Be Worn to be Legal.
Bombora's personal flotation devices deliver more freedom, ensuring less gets in the way of your adventure. We offer type V PFDs so you don't need to sacrifice safety for agility. Designed for versatility, comfort, and safety, our inflatable PFD belt packs are lightweight and ideal for water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking. Bombora’s Fade Out Collection of PFD belts, offered in 4 unique colors, is inspired by paddle boarding at dusk and dawn - right when the sun hits the horizon.
Features:
Approved for users 16 years and older and fits chest sizes 30-56”
Ultra-slim and lightweight design
D-Ring attachments for small accessories
Manual inflation with the pull of a cord
16.5 lbs of design buoyancy with CO2 inflation
29.5 lbs of design buoyancy with secondary oral inflation
Warning: Device is not armed upon purchase
Read instructions and arm properly prior to use
CO2 cylinder for arming is located in the spare cylinder pocket inside of the beltpack
Bombora is committed to providing passionate, active, on-the-water enthusiasts flotation products that make the journeys more enjoyable, safe and memorable. The “Fade Out” Collection of inflatable personal belt packs are designed to deliver more freedom, by ensuring less gets in your way.
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78.76 |
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Type III Inflatable Belt Pack - Quicksilver
24 gram Inflatable Belt Pack
United States Coast Guard Approved Type lll Personal Flotation Device
Bombora's personal flotation devices deliver more freedom, ensuring less gets in the way of your adventure. We offer Type III PFDs so you don't need to sacrifice safety for agility. Designed for versatility, comfort, and safety our inflatable PFD belt packs are lightweight and ideal for water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking.
Features:
Approved for users 16 years and older
Universal size fits chest sizes 30-56”
Ultra-slim and lightweight design
Soft breathable neoprene liner
2 D-Ring attachment points for small accessories
Front Attachment loop
Zippered front pocket
Manual inflation with the pull of a cord
Provides 25 pounds of buoyancy when fully inflated.
Warning: Device is not armed upon purchase
Read instructions and arm properly prior to use
CO2 cylinder for arming is located in the spare cylinder pocket inside of the beltpack
Bombora is committed to providing passionate, active, on-the-water enthusiasts flotation products that make the journeys more enjoyable, safe and memorable. The “Fade Out” Collection of inflatable personal belt packs are designed to deliver more freedom, by ensuring less gets in your way.
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111.00 |
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Type III Inflatable Belt Pack - Tidal
24 gram Inflatable Belt Pack
United States Coast Guard Approved Type lll Personal Flotation Device
Bombora's personal flotation devices deliver more freedom, ensuring less gets in the way of your adventure. We offer Type III PFDs so you don't need to sacrifice safety for agility. Designed for versatility, comfort, and safety our inflatable PFD belt packs are lightweight and ideal for water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking.
Features:
Approved for users 16 years and older
Universal size fits chest sizes 30-56”
Ultra-slim and lightweight design
Soft breathable neoprene liner
2 D-Ring attachment points for small accessories
Front Attachment loop
Zippered front pocket
Manual inflation with the pull of a cord
Provides 25 pounds of buoyancy when fully inflated.
Warning: Device is not armed upon purchase
Read instructions and arm properly prior to use
CO2 cylinder for arming is located in the spare cylinder pocket inside of the beltpack
Bombora is committed to providing passionate, active, on-the-water enthusiasts flotation products that make the journeys more enjoyable, safe and memorable. The “Fade Out” Collection of inflatable personal belt packs are designed to deliver more freedom, by ensuring less gets in your way.
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111.00 |
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Paddle your own Canoe
The history of canoes dates back 10,000 years to our forefathers, who launched dugout canoes made with animal skin and a skeleton frame of tree branches. More recently, there has been a discovery of a well-preserved birch bark canoe dating back 250 years.
Canoe rides are calm as you glide on rivers, altering your speed with your paddle as you are propelled along. Canoe rides are pristine. Of late, white water canoeing as a sport has become very popular and more challenging. Ocean canoeing falls under the white water category.
Tandem Canoeing
Canoeing with a buddy gives you someone to talk to, and gives you more paddle power for your vessel. These tips, provided by Voyageur Outward Bound School, will make your canoeing experience easier and safer.
Paddle on opposite sides of the boat-
To keep your craft from pitching back and forth and make the boat more stable under motion. For added stability, kneel if you’re in rough water or trying to gain ground in a headwind.
Paddle in sync with your partner. Find your rhythm. It is the bow (front) paddler’s job to set the pace, and it is the role of the stern (back) paddler to match that tempo.
The bow is where the speed comes in. Maximize your forward momentum. Call a “switch” regularly to change sides, which will help keep your boat going in a straight line.
Keep your paddle shaft vertical.
The alternative is called “lily-dipping” – if you’ve got an itinerary to keep and miles to make, a vertical paddle shaft will ensure that the blade of your paddle is vertical during the power phase of your stroke – maximizing forward propulsion each time.
Wear your PFD.
Safety first in all boating activities. Canoes are very unstable, especially getting in and getting out. Seventy-five percent of paddle sport-related drownings were found with no personal flotation device on. Twenty percent of paddlesport fatalities had alcohol as a contributing factor. Invest in a comfortable PFD, so you’re more likely to wear it. It won’t save your life if you don’t wear it.
Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. A person dressed in street clothes has a 50% chance of swimming 50 yards in 50-degree water. Hypothermia is the natural killer.
Know your limits.
Measure before you go. Novice paddlers typically cover about two mph on flat water. Experienced paddlers looking for a workout can cover 3-3.5 mph. Anticipate what river current might do to your speed and itinerary.
Check out the CLR Marine Ritchie K-TD.2 Tie Down f/Kayaker Compass S-59 - Black for better navigation.
Sunscreen in all the right places.
Sun reflected off the water will burn in some unlikely places – under your nose and back of your ears. In an aluminum canoe, there is added reflection off metal surfaces. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Both need to be attached with a keeper string.
Practice getting back in your boat.
If you are paddling solo, the best advice is to paddle close to shore and in the lee. Don’t be farther away from the beach than what you know you can swim with your boat full of water. The Canadian re-entry technique works well for the less-athletic and in choppy waters. Once you’ve T-rescued the capsized boat, have the swimmer get to one end of two boats held side by side by a rescuer. Put a hand on each gunwale, float on your back, and hook a leg over a gunwale of each boat. Then, arch your back and drop your bottom into one of the boats.
Beware of flat river-wide horizon lines.
These are often low head dams. They may look benign, with a modest 2-4 foot drop, but given how water hydraulics work, underwater currents trap and hold boats and humans. Learn to recognize these hazards and portage around them.
Pack good snacks.
In addition to ample water, consider packing power snacks or a picnic lunch, fishing poles, binoculars, extra chocolate.
Kayaking
Like canoeing, Kayaking allows the boater to glide across pristine lake waters and rivers. Most kayaks are made of roto-molded polyethylene resins. Kayaks have become very advanced, not only for the water but for ease of transporting, durability, and skill level. In 2021, you will find sit on top kayaks, folding kayaks, and inflatables.
Many of the same techniques used in canoeing apply in Kayaking as well. When going tandem in Kayaking, follow the same guidelines as canoeing tandem.
Check out https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports.html
Surfing
Movies and television shows have popularized surfing over the years with the likes of Hawaii 5-0, Gidget Goes Hawaiian, and more recently Rip Tide, Momentum and Take Every Wave. Whether this is your first opportunity to catch a wave, or you have been practicing, studying and surfing around the globe, there is a surfboard with your name on it. And, there is a price range for boards from inexpensive to custom-made just for you.
There are three specifications for beginning and intermediate surfers when looking for a good board:
Length (easy paddling and making speed, helps to catch smaller waves)
Buoyancy (the thicker the board, the better it floats, the more waves you catch)
Width (a wide board gives you more stability and will help you stand up consistently)
Getting started
If you are a beginner, the best way to learn is to be taught by an experienced surfer. Plan to get a wide board, and know that you will spend more time sitting and kneeling on the board, than standing. There are surfing classes at various resorts and beaches. They are worth the time and money.
Always think of safety first. Find a beach that is perfect for beginners with small waves.
Be aware of your surroundings. Spot landmarks that you can see from the water. Spend time on the beach before you enter the water. Take the time to check your leash and your board. Watch other surfers and see what they do. Their successes or failure are good teaching moments for you. Pace yourself. Don’t rush to catch the biggest wave.
Paddlesports are meant to be relaxing, fun, and a terrific opportunity to commune with nature. Enjoy.
Fair winds and smooth sailing.
To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please get in touch with CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/.
_________________________________________________________________________
Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten.
She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com
©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.
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