Exploring unknown waters
A safe and enjoyable trip into unknown waters requires a lot of careful planning.
Paddling and heat stress
In August 2011, I went on a kayak trip with Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers. We launched in the morning at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs. …
Vessel safety checks and National Safe Boating Week
For years, I have been presenting recreational boating safety programs to boating, sailing and paddling clubs during meetings, symposia, picnics, training, on-water trips and other …
Transporting and launching
Most paddlecraft average 6 to 20 feet in length and weigh 20 to 100 pounds. They can usually be handled by one person—or two for …
Performing risk assessments
“Warning: Abandon all hope ye who enter here.” The sign posted at the upper entry point to the “17 Runs” section of the Hillsborough River …
Night paddling
Night paddling can be fun, but it’s important to be prepared when paddling in darkness. Many paddlers enjoy the beauty and peace of moonlight paddling. …
Should paddlers take a boating safety course?
Early on March 26, 2024, the container ship Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing the catastrophic collapse of the bridge and …
Paddling rivers and creeks
Paddling inland rivers and creeks can be fun as it offers changing scenery in a more protected environment than open water, and the current can …
Paddlers and the U.S. Aids to Navigation System
A group of experienced sea kayakers were paddling northbound on a sound near the Intracoastal Waterway when they came to a crossing channel. The channel …
AUXPAD: USCGAux paddle safety program
Paddlesports have surged in popularity in recent years due in part to the increased market availability of inexpensive paddlecraft. The sport’s growth has also contributed …
Rescue in the washing machine
In almost 30 years of sea kayaking, I have been involved in many capsized-paddler rescues. Serious paddlers regularly practice rescues to be ready when called …
Paddlecraft navigation
Having a basic understanding of marine navigation allows paddlers to know where they are, where they are going and how to return safely. Paddlers can …
