We may earn commissions if you shop through the links below. One of the first self-rescues that many kayakers learn is the paddle float rescue. The paddle float rescue (reentry) uses an inflatable bag, called a paddle float, on the end of a paddle to act as an outrigger that helps stabilize the kayak as the swimmer gets into it. The paddle float itself is simple and is easily stored bungee-corded to the back of a sea kayak’s backband. With practice the technique can be fast and effective even in rough water. In the Midwest, where I live, it’s becoming increasingly popular to claim that the paddle float rescue is a relic of an older era of sea kayaking and something that we, as instructors, don’t need to teach anymore. See Paddle Float or No and Top Ten Alternate Uses for Paddle Float Contest. While I think the arguments being made against it make some sense, I couldn’t disagree with the idea more. The main arguments that I read are that there are better ways to get into a boat; the popular suggestion is reenter and roll with or without a paddle float and the second main argument that I hear is that beginners can’t use it in rough water, so don’t teach it to beginners. I’ve heard silly secondary ones, such as the British don’t use it and others. The main argument for it is, the more tools in the shed the better. But, what I think makes the most sense is that it isn’t only just one more way to reenter a the kayak, but it is also a great confidence builder for a beginning kayaker. When a beginner is by herself, the three basic self-rescues options are swimming to shore, the scramble or the paddle float. It’s doubtful that a beginner will have a roll, and it’s unrealistic to believe that the first thing a modern recreational kayaker will learn is the roll (although the roll was taught before other skills traditionally in Greenland). The paddle float rescue is less exhausting than swimming the kayak to shore. It’s easier than the scramble for people who don’t have great balance. I’ve personally seen beginners succeed at reentering their kayaks with a paddle float rescue, but constantly fail at the scramble. For a beginner, the confidence comes from knowing that she can go out by herself on a calm lake or sea, practice edging and other maneuvers without worrying about having to swim a kayak to shore should she capsize. This reason alone is enough of a reason for me to continue to teach the paddle float rescue. But I think that there are more reasons. As mentioned above, one of the main arguments against is that a beginner couldn’t go out in conditions likely to capsize him and be able to perform a paddle float rescue, therefore we shouldn’t teach it. I think this is basically a bunk argument, because if we apply it to other skills, such as the sweep stroke or bow rudder or roll, we see how silly it is. Of course, we can’t expect a beginner to be able to go out into rough water and have a skill succeed without practicing the skill in rough water. Practice. Practice. Practice. A beginner can’t expect to practice a paddle float rescue once during a safety and rescue class and then go out into six-foot chop on Lake Superior and expect it to work, just as you wouldn’t expect a beginner to be able to paddle in choppy Lake Superior waves after an ACA Intro to Kayak course and have his forward, reverse and sweep strokes work perfectly. Or have a roll work in the surf after getting it during one pool session. The key at getting better with the paddle float rescue is using it in progressively harder situations in a controlled environment with a skilled paddler around to act as a safety net — just like other kayaking skills. We don’t throw a beginner into surf and expect his stern rudder to work perfectly, and that’s why as instructors we recommend that paddlers hire us to teach them how to use basic skills in rougher water, such as surf. We shouldn’t expect anything different from the paddle float rescue. After it is practiced in progressively rougher water, it becomes worthwhile and effective in larger conditions when needed. Perhaps, the people against teaching the paddle float are setting silly expectations for beginners instead of telling them that the paddle float rescue probably won’t work for in choppy conditions unless practiced in choppy conditions. It’s even easy to come up with scenarios where the paddle float rescue might even be useful for advanced kayakers. Here’s one from the top of my head. The kayaker dislocates his shoulder, misses a roll, can’t use his arm for a reentry and roll and needs to get back into his kayak. Using a paddle float and a rescue stirrup, the kayaker could get back into his kayak. After he’s back in his kayak, the paddle float could provide stability until a rescue arrives. So, to sum up my points (although I may have more to say about this in the future): a) it builds confidence for beginner kayakers, because it makes it easy to get back into the boat in the conditions they should be practicing in, b) practicing the paddle float in rough water makes it effective in rough water, c) don’t set expectations that don’t add up, i.e. that you could use the paddle float rescue in rough water without having practiced it there, d) it’s easy to come up with scenarios where a paddle float rescue would be worthwhile for advanced paddlers, e) it’s another tool in the chest, and f) it’s easier for some beginners than the scramble and less exhausting that swimming the kayak to shore. How to Do the Paddle Float Rescue Wet exit the boat and then stuff one leg back into the cockpit to keep in nearby and free up your hands. Put the paddle float onto the end of your paddle, inflate the bag and secure the paddle float to the paddle. Flip the kayak rightside up. If you go to the bow, push and scissor kick just before you flip it, you can drain much of the water out of the cockpit. Don’t let go of the boat as you make your way to the bow. Go back to the cockpit and position yourself behind the cockpit with the paddle between you and the cockpit. With the hand that’s nearest the cockpit, grab the paddle shaft and the cockpit coaming. Reach across the rear deck with your other hand and grab the perimeter deck line. Let your legs float to the surface and then lunge up onto the rear deck. If you need extra support, hook the angle closest to the paddle shaft over the shaft to gain leverage. After you’re on the rear deck, hook the ankle of the foot furthest from the shaft over the shaft. Slide your leg nearest the cockpit into the cockpit. Take the hand hold the perimeter deck line a slide it under the leg that’s still on the shaft to grab the shaft. Swing your other leg into the cockpit. Stay low and slide into the cockpit until, you’re butt is even with the seat. Spin around in the direction of the paddle shaft until you’re sitting forward in the cockpit. Stuff the paddle shaft between your lifevest and the cockpit coaming and lean slightly forward to trap it there. Use the float for stability. Get your spray skirt on. Make a gap in the skirt big enough to put your pump into and pump out any water in the cockpit. On calm water, deflate the bag by opening the valves and pushing the float into the water with your paddle. The pressure from the water will squeeze all the air out. On rougher water, unclip the bag from your paddle, while still using it for support, partially or fully deflate it and put the bag under your bungee cords or paddle to shore with the bag still on one blade and use it for stability when needed. For the reasons that I mentioned above, I think it’s a worthwhile skill to learn, to teach and to practice. I hope you agree, and whether or not you do, I’d like to hear your thoughts. Note: Learning and teaching the paddle float doesn’t mean that as a kayaker progresses that he won’t or shouldn’t learn the roll. The paddle float isn’t an all-and-nothing-else technique. Good Paddle Floats There are lots of great paddle floats on the market. I personally like Seattle Sports Dual Chamber Sea Kayak Safety Paddle Float.
A relaxing float or paddling on some classic whitewater runs -- whatever floats your boat, you'll find it in the Roanoke Region of Virginia.
Paddling Trails — Florida Paddling Trails Association
Getting into whitewater paddling? Well we've got all the information you'll need to get into the sport. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to contact the PSC and put your worries to rest. Remember, the best way to stay safe is to be informed. Know before you go. Books 1. Soggy Sneakers by Pete Giordano 2.
Lake Tenkiller, Eastern Oklahoma, in a wetter time. Even then you could see the waterline on the rocks was down several feet. ...
Lakes, streams, and of course the river afford kayakers, canoeists, and recreational boaters an abundance of publicly accessible facilities in all parts of the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area. In this section you’ll find information about where you can paddle legally and safely, important safety and access information for river paddlers, water level and quality in the river, resources for further information, and clubs and organizations you can join. About our New Schuylkill River Water Trail Guide We recently published a brand new comprehensive Schuylkill River Water Trail Guide that is a must-have for anyone who is planning to paddle on the river. It includes pull out maps and extensive up-to-date information on landings, rapids, cautions and much more. Click here to learn more or purchase a copy. Please note: Because our online water trail maps are outdated, we have removed them. We are working on creating new online maps. WHERE TO PADDLE In addition to the Schuylkill River, there are numerous facilities across the Heritage Area that provide access to lakes. French Creek, Tuscarora, and Locust Lake State Parks have lakes of varying sizes for flatwater paddling. Canoes, rowboats, and pedalboats can be rented at these facilities. Blue Marsh Recreation Area is a favorite flat water boating facility in the Western Berks region. For those seeking a little more movement, several of the river’s tributaries are navigable seasonally. Please note that the tributaries can be narrow, fast moving and more challenging than the river itself. These sections are recommended for experienced paddlers only. Many of the tributaries lack public access points. Please do no trespass on private property while putting in or taking out. SRHA advises you to access the river and its tributaries only at marked locations. The Little Schuylkill and the West Branch in Schuylkill County are navigable during the spring. Both feature public access points and are part of the Schuylkill River Water Trail. Tulpehocken Creek below Blue Marsh Dam is navigable with public access areas. Take out locations are under development in the City of Reading. THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER WATER TRAIL Paddling the Schuylkill River can be a fun way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Public access points to the Schuylkill are marked as stops on the Schuylkill River Water Trail. These locations are publicly owned and maintained and meet Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission standards. Look for the oval medallion at these launch points. The river can be shallow and rocky at spots, so please be sure to check the water levels in the area you wish to paddle before putting in. Also, please note that there are several dams on the Schuylkill, and paddlers are required by law to portage around these dams. Portages can be lengthy in unimproved locations. To gauge how much time it takes to paddle from one landing to the other, consult the water trail map to calculate the river miles from point A to B. Typically 4 river miles will take a little more than an hour under normal flow conditions. Or, visually gauge the speed of the river. The average person walks at 3 miles per hour. Is the river moving slower or faster than you can walk? Water Trail Maps Click here for information on our new “A Paddler’s Guide to the Schuylkill River Water Trail,” published December 2016. STAYING SAFE ON THE WATER Rivers, streams, and lakes can present unexpected challenges to recreationalists. For a safe and enjoyable experience, it is important that you remember these basic rules and guidelines; Always wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and make sure it is secured properly. Be sure you have the proper equipment and know how to use it Check the weather and water levels before getting on the water. Never paddle alone, and leave a float plan with a friend or family Carry a whistle and use it if you are in distress. Cell phones may not work in the remote sections of the upper Schuylkill The American Canoe Association provides paddlers with a lot of useful information about safety on the water. Read the ACA’s Top 10 Safety Tips. What Kind of Equipment will you need? There are a variety of canoes and kayaks available at major outfitters and sports centers. It’s just a matter of finding the one that’s right for you. Consult with the sales staff at these locations about your options. When on the water, proper accessories and clothing are important . Again, outfitters are the best source for your equipment needs, as it varies according to the type of craft you buy.
Become a member and enjoy 12 exciting sessions across three beautiful and breathtaking locations: The Pearl, Museum of Islamic Arts, and the serene Al Majfar Mangroves.
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Russell Bierke surfing overhead waves at Cape Solander. 2min surf video created by Andrew Kaineder in 2022.
GSUSA created the Paddling badge in 2015. Paddling takes a mix of knowledge and skills, and a dash of daring. It also delivers one of the most unforgettable experiences you'll ever have on water. In this badge, there are three paddling activities to choose from: canoeing, kayaking, and stand up...
Portage Alaska
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