Equipment

• know how to use it
• know how to not abuse it
• know its limitations

• see Rescue

Paddling Skills

• Learn good technique and effective strokes
• Use large muscle groups and skeletal system
• Know the limits of your own skills and endurance

• see Rescue

Reading the Water

• Consider the effects of chop, swell, waves, current, bottom, eddies, holes, and shoreline

• see Rescue

Weather

• consider the forecast, weather systems, and the prevailing winds

• see Rescue

Navigation

• know how to use charts, compass, and topo maps
• know the rules of the road
• know landmarks, water levels, and put-ins and take-outs

• see Rescue

Fatigue

• be in good physical condition
• eat a high calorie diet – fats, proteins, carbs, sugars
• keep refueling food handy

• see Rescue

Hypothermia

• control the effects of the wind, water, and temp with layers of clothing – wool and synthetics (polypro, etc.) or wet or dry suits

• see Rescue

Rescue

• cover all the above and avoid needing rescue!
• Carry PFDs, spare paddle, hand-held radio, pulley system, sea anchor, EPIRB
• Don’t paddle alone
• Know how to cope

• see Rescue