Boating Basics: Specifically for Paddlesports

Paddling on Rivers

• Always wear a life jacket. Also wear a helmet when paddling on rapid waters.
• Don’t overload the craft with passengers or gear.
• Fasten down all ropes so that there is no danger of becoming entangled in case you overturn.
• If capsized, stay at the upstream end of the craft. If carried by the current, float on your back, keeping your toes up and your feet together. Never try to stand up unless the water is too shallow to swim.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Get out of the water before a storm hits.
• Before paddling on a river, make sure you understand the special challenges you may encounter.
  • Consult a map of the river before your trip, and know where any low-head dams are located. Water going over a low-head dam creates a strong recirculating current at the base of the dam, which can trap you against the face of the dam under the water. Always carry your craft around a low-head dam.
  • When approaching rapids, go ashore well upstream and check them out before continuing. In dangerous conditions, carry your craft around rapids.
  • Be alert for strainers, which are river obstructions that allow water to flow through but block vessels and could throw you overboard and damage or trap your craft.

Click on the image at left to review a PDF diagram about safe paddling on rivers.