Paddling Safety

	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