Top tips when kayaking and canoeing

Before beginning kayaking or canoeing, you should take a training course to learn the basics. Once you’ve completed your training, you can make your trips safer by following these guidelines.

Clothing

• always wear an approved buoyancy aid
• wear appropriate clothing to prevent becoming too cold or too hot. It’s always cooler once on the water
• pack some extra clothing in a waterproof bag if you’re going out for longer periods
• if paddling near caves or in surf, wear a safety helmet

Equipment

• take some means of attracting attention, eg flares
• use a paddle leash (cord or bungee) to prevent loss of your paddle in the event of a capsize
• fit airbags into your boat to provide reserve buoyancy
• take a drink with you, ideally fresh water, on all trips and possibly some food for longer trips
• take a VHF or mobile phone in a waterproof case or bag

Weather

• only go out in conditions that are suitable to your level of experience and skills
• get a weather forecast and tidal information for the time you intend to be out
• keep a reference point on the shore to check how your position is being affected by wind or tide drift
• visit the Jersey Meteorological Department website or call +44 (0) 900 669 6666 for a six day forecast

Other information

• Never paddle alone
• Log a traffic report with the Coastguard and tell someone on-shore your intended destination and expected time of return
• Remember to register it with our free Coastguard Safety Identification Scheme. When you have registered, we will send you a sticker with a unique number to put on your equipment, which will quickly allow us to identify and contact the owner or emergency contact number should a registered item be found.