Lesser Slave Lake Sea Kayaking Club

Safety

Sea Kayaking Safety

The following are excerpts from "Transport Canada's Sea Kayaking Safety Guide." To browse Transport Canada's website click here

Table Of Contents

  1. Kayaks
  2. Equipment
  3. Dangers Inherent To The Sport
  4. Planning

Kayaks

The sea kayak has the same general tapered appearance as its Inuit ancestor as well as its main qualities: speed and stability. But, that's where the comparison ends.

Apart from certain foldable models, the internal structure has completely disappeared. Modern kayaks have a rigid, one-piece moulded hull and deck. This makes it possible to build kayaks long enough to seat two.

Although sea kayaks are available in models ranging from 3.5 to 6.7 meters (11' 6" to 22'), a minimum of 4 metres (13') is recommended for better handling in swells as well as superior tracking control.

Two types of material are used: polyethylene (plastic) and composites (fibreglass, Kevlar and carbon fibre). Moderately priced polyethylene provides excellent impact resistance and average glide, but is quite heavy and has a low stiffness rating.

Composite materials, on the other hand, provide relatively good impact resistance and good glide, are average in weight, and are very stiff. The high stiffness allows for the construction of more sophisticated models. Composite materials cost more, however, and the price increases when high tech materials and techniques are used.

Choose a kayak suited to the type of water you expect to use it on. When capsized, a kayak can float thanks to watertight flotation compartments or specially designed airbags. Watertight deck hatches provide access to the compartments, which can be used to store and protect your gear. This ingenious system makes it possible to bring along all the gear and equipment you need for day outings or multi-day expeditions.

Many sea kayaks are equipped with a rudder. This provides beginners with good tracking control and allows more experienced paddlers to correct drift caused by wind or waves. The rudder can retract upward onto the deck in shallow water or when transporting the kayak. Rudders are controlled by the feet using a system of pedals and cables.

Sea kayaks generally have a tapered nose for good cruising speed and a fairly high bow (front) to prevent ploughing in waves. The bow and stern are equipped with lifting toggles. Basic equipment generally includes bungee cords to keep safety equipment and maps close at hand. Kayaks may also be equipped with a lifeline around the edge of the deck. For ocean expeditions, it is important to add a deck-mounted compass and to know how to use it.

Kayak stability is directly linked to three things: the centre of gravity, the cross-section, and the width or beam.

Equipment

Mandatory equipment

Sea kayaks are subject to the Small Vessel Regulations. The equipment to be carried on board depends on the length of the kayak.

Essential Equipment

The sprayskirt provides a watertight seal around the kayaker, preventing water from getting in the kayak. Sprayskirts are made out of coated nylon and/or neoprene and must be well fitted on the cockpit rim and around your waist. Certain models come with a mesh storage pocket.

A paddle bladder or float is a very important piece of safety equipment. After a capsize, it enables you to get back into your kayak without help. The floater has a bladder that fits over a paddle blade. By resting the other blade on the deck, the kayaker can use the paddle as a brace to climb back into the cockpit. This manoeuvre is fairly straightforward but requires some practice.

A spare paddle. A two-piece take-apart paddle is perfect. Store it on deck for easy access. Make sure you have at least one spare paddle for your group (1 for every 4 people). A chart or topographic map of the area being visited is your most reliable guide. Learn how to read and orient it. A transparent, watertight chart case will let you consult it easily. Select a model with eyeholes so it can be attached to the deck bungee cords.

A chart ruler Or a spare/second compass with a transparent base plate designed to assist in the direction determination can be used as a course protractor with the map. Use it to determine a heading or bearing when planning your trip or en route. A first aid kit suitable for the group should be brought along and stored in a waterproof container.

Recommended Equipment

Waterproof gear bags provide additional protection in the event water gets into a compartment. They are made of soft, vinyl-coated nylon so as to fit into any of the various compartments of a kayak.

Rigid, waterproof cases are well suited for storing fragile items (camera equipment, binoculars, etc.). Binoculars are extremely useful. Waterproof 7 x 50 models are a popular choice for water sports.

A spherical glass marine compass is more suitable for navigating than a conventional hiker's compass. The compass rose is equipped with a magnet and floats freely in a sphere; and a lubber line lets you keep track of your heading at all times.

If the kayak is not equipped with a spherical compass, a conventional hiker's compass can be helpful if you stay close to shore. Be careful with objects containing iron; they can disrupt compass readings if stored too close.

A VHF radio is one of the best ways of communicating with other ships and Canadian Coast Guard stations. Kayak models have a range of several kilometres and also receive weather channels. Choose a watertight model. VHF radio operators must hold a restricted marine radiotelephony operator's certificate (lifetime certificate). Cellular phones are not an adequate substitute for VHF radios. Even though they may work near large urban centres, you have to know the local emergency number (911, *16, etc.). On large lakes and remote reservoirs as well as in the far North (Zone 4), use a radio satellite link or an Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB) in place of a VHF radio.

Radar reflectors. Since kayaks (non-metallic) are invisible to radar, a radar reflector is required to avoid collisions in foggy weather or when there is heavy shipping traffic. Effective lightweight models are available in plastic covered with an aluminium film. To be detected, the reflector must be installed as high as possible (1.8 m or more). You can use a guyed tent pole as a mast.

A GPS (Global Positioning System) will give your position to within 100 metres or so at all times. Despite its usefulness, it is a complex electronic device that can break down. It cannot replace your map or compass, but can be a very handy piece of additional equipment.

On sunny days, flashes from an emergency mirror are visible for several kilometres.

A smoke flare (Type D) will produce a thick cloud of orange smoke for several minutes and can only be seen during day light hours. A container of fluorescent dye will produce a fluorescent green spot. These two signalling devices must only be used when rescuers are in sight to help them spot you.

Clothing

Should you choose clothing based on air or water temperature?

A compromise between the two is best. Take into consideration weather conditions, your skill level and the type of kayak. Determine the consequences of a capsize (time spent in water, proximity to the shore, outside help, etc.) when making your choice.

Kayakers often get wet (waves, spray, splashing). Cotton clothing, which does not retain heat and dries slowly, should be avoided. Instead, opt for synthetic fibres (polyester, polypropylene), which dry quickly, or wool, which retains heat even when wet. In cold temperatures, a wetsuit is strongly recommended. Opt for slim fitting models that hug the chest and hips.

Dressing appropriately for sea kayaking requires constant adjustment. Multiple layers of thin clothing give you the flexibility you need to confront wide variations in temperature and weather. A waterproof anorak or a good windbreaker should always be part of your gear. Don't forget to cover your head, whether to protect yourself from the sun or to keep yourself warm.

Always wear your lifejacket or PFD. It will also help keep you warm. Sunglasses are often indispensable. Use a lanyard so you won't forget or lose them. You should always bring along a change of dry clothing in a watertight container.

Dangers Inherent To The Sport

Safety starts with knowledge. Many factors related to the marine environment and the climate of large waters increase the risk of sea kayaking. These factors pose difficulties that kayakers must understand, be able to identify, and above all, learn to foresee in order to avoid accidents. The following are the main guidelines.

Coastline Topography

The form and shape of a coastline influences the facility of launching and landing. Sometimes a coast consists only of inaccessible cliffs, prohibiting any kind of landing. Other times the low tide leaves behind extensive muddy stretches in which it is uncomfortable to wade before launching. Islands, capes, bays, and fjords can also complicate navigation both on the ocean and on large lakes. Having a good map at hand is thus a basic essential.

The Marine Environment
Maritime Traffic

Cargo ships, fishing vessels and pleasure boats: traffic can be dense on large, navigable channels and along certain coastlines. Cargo ships in these areas are obliged to adhere to exact routes, leaving them with no room to manoeuvre around you. It is your responsibility to steer out of their way. The crew of these huge ships cannot detect you on their radar, cannot spot you when beyond a distance of two miles (and that in clear weather), and lose sight of you again when you are closer than a half mile to their ship.

Know your rights and obligations as a pleasure boater and respect the navigational regulations in order to avoid collisions. Make sure that you are well seen and heard. To this effect, the colour of your kayak and your PFD can play an important role. Yellow, orange and red are the colours that are the most visible on water. Signalling devices should always be within hand's reach.

Communication

Travelling in more inhabited regions means that it will be easier for you to get emergency help and to launch, if necessary, search and rescue procedures. For Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces, all zones above the 51st parallel are designated as remote areas, cut off from any resources.

The natural environment in which an excursion takes place should not be taken lightly. Camping conditions, the presence of animals, evenness of terrain, and its remoteness can each trigger or influence minor incidents that could take on catastrophic dimensions.

Capacity and reliability of communication: verify which medium of communication is most suitable for the region. Remember also that cellular telephones cannot be trusted to function reliably everywhere.

Weather conditions

Weather conditions on water are often very different from, and usually more difficult than, those encountered on land. Make sure to familiarize yourself with and to understand these and, prepare for the worst.

Waters are not spared by thunderstorms. A sudden squall can disrupt a body of water within minutes. If lightning hits water, it always seeks contact with the highest element. Do not stay in gravitational water when a thunderstorm builds up. Fog usually dissipates quickly on lakes; however it can appear quite suddenly and can stay several days in maritime zones.

Prevention will always be your closest ally. Kayakers wishing to make multi-day excursions should be very knowledgeable of weather patterns, map reading, radio communication, as well as emergency procedures. In addition, they should have solid navigational skills.

Always begin your journey together with at least one other kayak and leave a copy of your trip plan with a reliable person. Should this person not hear from you within a certain time, he or she will initiate search procedures. When planning your itinerary, make allowances for potential dangers and make sure you have the necessary skills and equipment to deal with them.

Planning

Sea kayaking is the ideal sport for getting off the beaten track. However, your choice of destination could take you to a remote location exposed to high winds, rapidly changing weather conditions or water that stays icy cold all year round. In such areas, the consequences of an oversight or accident can be compounded tenfold. So whether you are just going out for a short paddle or off on an expedition that will last many days, careful planning and preparation is essential. It could make all the difference in ensuring an enjoyable and memorable trip.
Three-Step Planning
  1. Assessing your needs and deciding on a destination
  2. Finding information and resources
  3. Putting it all together