In my previous life I
spent many days on the Saranac River as a paddling instructor. Paddling
can be a fun and exciting life-long sport - if you practice it correctly! With
some help from my friends at the Town of Plattsburgh Parks & Recreation
Department, I have some quick
tips to make your next paddle one to remember.
Wear a Life Jacket
Life jackets,
or PDFs (personal floatation devices), are the most critical piece of safety
equipment to have no matter what kind of vessel you plan to paddle. Make sure
your PDF is:
- Coastguard approved and rated appropriately for your height and weight.
It should be tight
enough that you cannot lift it by the shoulder-straps. Remember, a PDF can only do its job if you are wearing
it and it is fastened correctly.
Check the Weather Forecast
ALWAYS check the weather reports for the area you plan to paddle in before
you head out on your water
adventure. The last thing you
want to do is get caught half-way between point A and point B when a
thunderstorm hits (not that I’m speaking from experience, but hypothetically
your arms would be burning, you would be soaking wet and you would be cursing…a
lot). No matter the weather, you should never go out alone and always tell
someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Dress Appropriately and Be Prepared
Wear:
- First and foremost – SUNSCREEN and a hat (whether it’s sunny or overcast).
- Clothing that is lightweight and quick drying. Consider packing a windbreaker.
- Shoes that are waterproof AND will stay on your feet. There is a yellow croc on the bottom of the Saranac River who will forever be missing his partner in crime.
Bring:
- A whistle or signaling device in case of an emergency.
- A dry-bag to keep your belongings safe.
- Water and snacks to keep you hydrated and happy J.
Stability
Typically, width =
stability. Canoes tend to be a standard size, but you can reduce the risk of
swamping your canoe by loading it carefully. A recreational kayak
is wider and more stable than a sea kayak and a wider paddleboard can also help
with stability. No matter the vessel, be sure it is ALL THE WAY in the water
before you try to get in or on – half in and half out is the worst spot to be for balance. I have
seen more people tip getting in or out than in the middle of the water.
Paddling Basics
Kayaks
- Stand in the water with one foot on each side of the cockpit and slowly sit down in the driver’s seat.
- To paddle go in at your toes and out at your waist. Alternate your strokes, one per side.
- Rotate your core with each stroke – if your arms are getting tired you probably aren’t engaging your core enough!
Paddle Boards
- Plant your hands and knees on the board just behind the board’s halfway point.
- Once stable slowly stand with your feet hip distance apart and your knees slightly bent.
- Reach your paddle forward and pull the water back; you will remove the paddle from the water just behind your feet. Take a few strokes then switch sides.
Canoes
- Bring a buddy and board your vessel, one at a time. The paddler in the back will want to enter in the middle of the boat. After the paddler in the front is in their seat, slowly scoot back into yours.
- The rider in the front is the workhorse – they paddle continuously. The rider in the back keeps track of where the boat is going.
- Take a few strokes on one side then switch. Get into a rhythm with your co-pilot.
Know your paddling limits
and remember, however far you paddle out you will also have to paddle back. Whether
it is on a paddleboard, in a kayak or canoe, a summer paddling adventure is great experience for the whole family.
Be sure to follow all of our safety tips and enjoy yourself! It is summer
after all!
Molly Flynn, Senior Public Health Educator
Division of Health Planning & Promotion
