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[00:00:00.00] Text, L. L. Bean, 5 Tips for Paddling Safely
[00:00:03.93] Kevin
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[00:00:04.91] Today we're going to be talking about five tips for paddling safely. When you're out paddling, whether you're kayaking standup paddling or canoeing, a type III vest is really comfortable to use. They're a little bit more adjustable, they're more comfortable to wear. And these are inherently buoyant, so when you have them on and they're properly fitted, they're the best ones you can have.
[00:00:26.24] This is a men's vest, and this one over here is the women's vest. They now have them in different cuts. This is a little bit less foam in the front, a little bit bigger armholes, and more comfortable for women. So this is also a type III life jacket or PFD that's a lower profile. This is great for paddling, for kayaking, or especially standup paddling, where you're a little bit more movement oriented.
[00:00:46.94] What makes it a low profile life vest is that it's a little bit smaller, more compact, flotation on the front and the back, and bigger openings on the sides so it's more comfortable to move around. When you're standup paddling, another option that you may see people use is a waist belt life jacket.
[00:01:01.64] When you're using those by law, that has to be on the individual at all times. And the best way to wear a PFD or a life jacket is to have it on and properly fitted.
[00:01:11.43] This is my own personal life vest that I use for work and every time I go on the water. It is a type III life vest for paddling, for canoeing, kayaking, and standup paddling. Let me show you how I put it on.
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[00:01:21.53] Clips in front.
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[00:01:22.41] First I click the waist belt, and this inner buckle here. Next, I zip up the front. And then this life vest has six side adjustments, three at each side. And I start pulling forward on each one until it's nice and snug. And the last two are by the shoulders and it pulls down and forward.
[00:01:40.74] When the life vest is properly adjusted, it won't come up off my body at all. And remember, life vests don't work if you don't have one on. Sometimes when you're out kayaking, people can capsize. So here's some great rescue equipment that you can use to get you back in the boat.
[00:01:55.08] This is a paddle float, which we use for our paddle float self-rescue once you've capsized. The blade of the paddle goes into the float and then you blow it up through the tube, and that creates a kickstand that'll help you be able to get back into your boat. Once you're back into the boat, this is a bilge pump that can help empty the water out of the boat, and this is a sponge to get even more water out.
[00:02:15.27] This is a rescue sling. It's a piece of 1 inch tubular webbing, has also a float so don't lose it in the water. And basically, I can pull this out and it will create a stirrup that I can help people get into a kayak or a back on a standup paddleboard.
[00:02:29.04] The next piece of equipment I'd like to talk about is a tow belt. They're really great if you're out paddling with a bunch of people, and somebody might get a little bit injured or tired, or maybe the weather changes and they're having trouble getting back. If somebody has a tow belt, they might be able to assist them getting back to where you started from.
[00:02:44.01] Another great piece of safety equipment is flares, especially when you're out on the water to have that visual distress aid, only to be used in an emergency. And these are not waterproof. So putting it in like a Nalgene bottle will make it very easy to keep it safe while you're on the water. One of the most important things when you're out on the water is to know where you are and know how to get home safely.
[00:03:04.24] This is a chart, which is a map that covers water when you're out in the ocean, or else you'd have a map if you're more inland. And also a handheld compass. These are really important for knowing where you are and how to get home. This is a deck mounted compass which is great when you're out on the ocean paddling.
[00:03:18.84] GPS are also a really nice tool to use. You have to learn how to use it, and look for the ones with the features that you want. This is a handheld GPS, and my watch also has a GPS too.
[00:03:29.40] One of the essential items to bring with that group when you're out paddling is a first aid kit. They're great for the unexpected things from little cuts and scrapes to little bit bumps and bruises, you always want to be prepared. One of the nice things is you could also make your own.
[00:03:41.71] I also make sure to put it in a dry bag so it's 100% waterproof when you're out there. It's always great to have some extra essential items. Clothes. So if the weather changes, the wind picks up or somebody goes in and gets wet, now you have things to make them warm and comfortable, extra water, food, and a lot of extra sunscreen.
[00:03:59.88] Now that you have these tips to keep you paddling safely on the water, I hope to see you out there soon.
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[00:04:04.29] A pair of kayakers paddles over smooth water.
[00:04:06.99] Logo, L.L. Bean, Be an Outsider
[00:04:09.99] An image shows hikers arriving at a summit as the sun sets behind them.
1. Wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
There are lots of choices when it comes to choosing a PFD or life jacket and it’s not always easy to know which is best for you. When you’re out paddling, whether you’re on a kayak, stand up paddleboard or canoe, we recommend a type 3 PFD vest. Not only are they adjustable and more comfortable to wear, they’re inherently buoyant so when you have them fitted properly, they’re the best choice for the water. They also come in men’s and women’s styles to ensure the right anatomical fit for both.
In addition to vests, there are also life jackets with a lower profile. These are smaller and more compact with bigger openings on the sides for more comfort when moving around. Low profile PFDs are perfect for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or any on-the-water activity where you need more mobility.
When you’re stand up paddling, another option is a waist belt life jacket. Keep in mind that when using those, it has to be worn at all times. It’s the law.
When putting your PFD on, make sure all belts and buckles are connected and all zippers (if your life jacket has them) are zipped. Finally, make sure you adjust all straps to ensure a snug and secure fit. When a life vest is properly fitted and adjusted it won’t come up off your body at all.
And remember, the most important thing to know about PFDs is they only work when you have them on.
2. Bring Rescue Equipment
Sometimes when you’re out kayaking, people can capsize. So, here’s some great rescue equipment to help you, or someone else, get back into the boat.
Paddle Float – with this tool, the blade of the paddle goes into the float and you blow it up through a tube to create a kick stand to help you get back in the boat.
Bilge Pump/Sponge – Once back in the boat, the bilge pump will help empty the water out of the boat. And a sponge is always handy to absorb excess water.
Rescue Sling – this is a piece of one-inch tubular webbing with a float, so you won’t lose it in the water. What this does is create a stirrup to help people get back into a kayak or stand up paddle board.
Tow Belt – If you’re out paddling with a bunch of people and someone gets tired, injured or the weather changes, this is a great tool to help someone get back to shore.
Flares – Only to be used in an emergency, flares are a great piece of safety equipment to have on hand when you need to show visual distress and require help. Not all flares are waterproof so putting them in a container, like a Nalgene bottle, is an easy way to keep them safe and dry.
3. Always Know Where You Are
Knowing where you are and how to get home is an extremely important part of paddling safety. Here are some navigation tools to help you stay the course.
Chart or Map – A chart is basically a map that covers water when you’re out on the ocean and a map is something you would use more inland. You’ll need a compass of some sort to use these tools.
Deck Mounted Compass – This is a compass that goes on top of the deck of your kayak or board. It’s a great tool to have when paddling on the ocean.
GPS (Global Positioning System) – If charts and compasses sound too complicated, another option for finding your way around the water is a GPS. While a GPS may be easier to use than a chart or map, it’s still very important to know how to use it properly before heading out on the water. And when you do choose one, make sure it has all the features you need (and want). GPSs come in a variety of sizes and styles, from handheld devices to watches.
4. Keep a First Aid Kit Handy
It’s always better to be prepared. That’s why a first aid kit is one of the most essential items to bring on any paddling trip. It’s great for the unexpected, from cuts and scrapes to bumps and bruises. We’ve got some excellent first aid kits available with everything you’ll need. Or grab some first aid supplies and a waterproof bag and make your own.
5. Don't Forget the Extras
It’s always great to have some extra essential items on hand like water, food and sunscreen. Bringing extra clothes or an additional layer is also a good idea for when the weather changes, the wind picks up or you’re wet and need to get warm and dry. After all, the more comfortable you are while paddling, the more fun you’ll have.
Now that you have these tips for paddling safely on the water, we hope to see you out there soon.
