5 Safety Tips For Kayaking In A River

When looking at five safety tips for kayaking in a river, it’s important to know that every situation is different. Every river is a little different, and so is every safety-related situation that you’re going to run into while kayaking in a river. As long as you follow these five tips, your kayak experience will be both safer and more fun.

1. Life jackets. To some of us, life jackets are a no brainer when it comes to kayaking. But every year, more and more people die while river kayaking because they don’t have the common sense to wear a life jacket. While a life jacket might not save your life in every single situation, it’s definitely a great life-saving idea to wear your life jacket at all times while you’re river kayaking. Some life jackets these days are so slim and comfortable that you won’t even notice them.
2. Know your limits. The next tip involves both experience and common sense. Before attempting any kayaking that might be considered dangerous, you should be well-experienced in the operation of your kayak and your limits. Every kayak is different. Don’t push your limits in attempting kayaking in areas that you aren’t familiar with. If you do run into issues though, at least you’ll be safe while wearing your life jacket.
3. Don’t be a loner. When river kayaking, one of the most important tips to follow is to always kayak with buddies. It’s very dangerous to go kayaking by yourself and frankly, it usually isn’t as fun. If you do run into problems, you’ll have your buddies with you to help you out. Even if you’re an accomplished veteran kayaker, you still shouldn’t attempt kayaking in a river by yourself. It could lead to the loss of equipment with swift currents or even your life.
4. Doggy paddle. While a life jacket may help to keep your afloat, what happens when your kayak has capsized and the river is taking you for a quick ride down the river? You don’t need to be Michael Phelps to go river kayaking, but you should have the ability to swim to shore or a specific safe spot while you’re river kayaking. Don’t rely on the thought of your buddies being able to paddle their way to help you out. You should be able to take care of yourself while you’re kayaking.
5. Bring a float. Our last safety tip focuses on both your own safety and the safety of others while river kayaking. Bring a soft, padded flotation device with you anytime you’re in your kayak. This flotation device can also serve us a cushion if you’re limited on space. The advantages to this cushion are endless. If you’re close to a buddy who has fallen in the river, throw them this device so they can help themselves keep afloat and swim towards you or their kayak. This device is also easy to grab in case you capsize your own kayak and need an easy device to grab while you’re in the water.