Skip to main content
Home
The Sturgeon
Why Choose a Sturgeon?
Paddling Safety
Suggested Reading List
Photos
Reviews
Home
The Sturgeon
Why Choose a Sturgeon?
Paddling Safety
Suggested Reading List
Photos
Reviews
Paddling Safety
Some thoughts for kayakers & canoeists on oceans, rivers, or lakes.
Preparation & Prevention
Coping with Problems
Equipment
know how to use it
know how to not abuse it
know its limitations
See Rescue Below
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 Below
Reading the Water
Consider the effects of chop, swell, waves, current, bottom, eddies, holes, and shoreline
See Rescue Below
Weather
Consider the forecast, weather systems, and the prevailing winds
See Rescue Below
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 Below
Fatigue
Be in good physical condition
Eat a high calorie diet – fats, proteins, carbs, sugars
Keep refueling food handy
See Rescue Below
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 Below
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