I would like to see a video on how to get a kayak and canoe off a log with high current. I have come across several people with this problem who needed assistance. They didn't understand the weight of water.
When I started kayaking about 12 years ago I came from a waterski background which included taking off my pfd when I was in the boat and not skiing. So, I did not wear my pfd when paddling in my kayak and resisted doing so - plus I am a strong swimmer. Had a few unexpected incidents in my kayak over the years including getting flipped into cold water (disorienting) and I quickly became a firm advocate for wearing a pfd at all times. Where I live locally, most deadly kayak and SUP accidents in freshwater lakes result from not wearing a pfd.
Yep. I almost drowned in Mexico on a placid little piece of lake. Got separated from my kayak and thought my swimming was strong. I was mistaken. Over the years, my endurance has hit dirt. I began to panic, feeling my strength fading. (They say "don't panic" lol. You are definitely gonna panic! I tried floating, rolling on my back to float... just kept getting pulled lower. I remember specifically thinking before I went under "this is why people drown! Exhaustion!". I yelled "help" to some girls sunning themselves on the shore but they didn't understand English and in my panic I forgot to speak spanish. Just as my head went under my toes touched the bottom and i was able to claw my way into shallow water. Lesson learned. PFD ALL THE TIME!
I like wearing a long sleeve shirt for UV protection and splash water on it to cool off. A bandanna folded up wet around the neck also protects against UV and really cools down the body. GREAT VIDEOS!!
I do the same and now only my legs are permaburned lol might have to wear some tights under my shorts lol Arizonas rough for a genetic red head. But the hoodies are great even in 100+, keeping it wet like you said it’s quite refreshing
@@nunzioification I also take a very light towel with me. When I feel my legs getting burned I just wet the towel and lay it over my legs. My wife is English so she has taught me all of these fair skin ideas. LOL
Thanks Ken. When I rode a motorcycle on street and track the mantra was “Don’t dress for the ride, dress for the slide.” With kayaking, dress for the dip.
Be mindful of soft bottoms (I don't mean the kayak, I mean lake, creek or river bottom), especially near shore when stepping or getting out of a boat, canoe or kayak. It can suck you down like quicksand. Cause you to lose your balance and be a victim of shallow water drowning. I've also learned to get in and out of a kayak when the whole length is parallel to the shore.
Neither quicksand nor mud sucks you down. Its just a myth. Also quicksand, in the way its portrayed in the movies, does not really exist at all. Since the sand/mud is denser than water you float even better than in water. You should only avoid panicking and instead immerse yourself into the stuff: its the same like with water: if you try to swim with your mouth far out of the water and the head high, you will loose a lot of energy and eventually drown. If you keep your cool and roll onto your back with only your lips sticking out, the water starts carrying you. If you do not try to stand and fight the mud and instead you lay down with the upper body onto/into the mud it will carry you and finally give your limbs free. That said: there is one kind of quicksand that actually exists and is really dangerous: you will only find it in the far north and very, very seldom: in some parts of Scandinavia and Kamtschatka for example. And this are shallow, fast streaming and cold river with a sandy bottom with very tiny grains of sand. The sand is kind of floating in the strong current without being carried away. Once you step in to wade through, the current get interrupted by your feet, finds itself another path, and stops keeping the sand afloat. The sand sinks down in half a second and settles around your food. Even if the foot is in a rubber boot: you cant get your foot out of the boot any more. Like in dry concrete. Even so the same stuff felt like pure water without any resistance a second before. But of course you can dig yourself out. Still some people die because in water around zero degrees you dont have forever to do so because of the temperature. And if you are immersed to the hips you have to b daring enough to get your head wet to do so....
most of times getting parallel is a waste of time, i often just pop my skirt, stick out my legs to the sides, cowboy style and get up when my feet can touch the ground
This is so important. Between last Monday and Tuesday in my region 4 people drowned. None were paddlers, but the first rule here was not followed, none were wearing PFDs. Some tried to swim in rivers. One tried to use a jetski on a lake when he couldn't swim, without a PFD. (the other two, yes there were three non swimmers on a jetski without PFDs, were saved by some women on SUPs.) I am a strong swimmer but still always wear a PFD because an accident is an accident.
100% the first thing someone should do, is. take the "Transport Canada Certified" Paddle course or take the "ACA/Coast Guard American" Paddle craft course Theyre both free, and either will probably save your life at some time in the future. Pick one.
I capsized in water over my head with just a mild 1 foot swell. It was terrifying even though I had my PFD on and had practiced assisted rescue. Luckily it was a training session and after many attempts I was able to get back in the boat, however, it was a terrifying lesson that I will never forget. Please, Please, wear your PFD and never just strap it to the deck, you will never get it back on after a capsize.
Having been involved in numerous rescues. It’s so frustrating that what you’re talking about is even an issue. But there it is. Along with the resistance of many people to accept advice. Unfortunately, you can’t fix stupid.
Took my first swim and self rescue(sea kayak) in open water on Wednesday. My PFD was so valuable. It actually took me a few minutes of treading water while trying to configure my paddle float and pump out the cockpit to remember that I could just float. All your videos are great, Ken, this one is fantastic.
I too forget that I can just float. I think I float just slightly lower in the water than I do when treading water without a PFD, so my brain just tells me to kick a bit. Not a panic thing, just a learned habit I guess.
UGH, i walk across my river in 2-4 ft of swift moving current quite often... Never really considered catching my foot. Is there techniques for self rescue if the foot is only trapped by the angle and not due to a rock or log moving? My river is small rocks, mud, and sand. I don't typically go across until flooding has settled and water is clear enough to see all "new" obstacles. I did start wearing my PFD while just walking across but never considered that might not be enough. SPOOOOKY. thank you for the video.
Hi Ken As a fellow fresh water paddler something I wouldn't have thought until recently of and you missed. Is the danger of tidal currents. A peaceful body of water can end up with very high currents potentially out to sea as the tide changes. If going in the ocean make sure you get local knowledge about tidal currents.
What concerns me a lot is some of these folks who post there kayak river camping trips here on RU-vid. They are usually in overloaded sit on top kayaks and it seems like they are never wearing a PFD. Just sets a bad example for someone just getting into kayaking.
A small add-on to #4 - when you don't have right paddling skills and techniques, don't be a show-off in bad weather for the sake of recording it and looking for attention. Thank you Ken for pointing out these dangers clearly and briefly. 👍
Foot entrapments/shallow water drownings are very dangerous, and very difficult to rescue. When floating on your back in current, keep your toes at the waters surface downstream from your body. You want to be able to see what's coming. When on your belly swimming normal, it's best to just cross your legs, or bend at the knees so your feet are completely out of the water. Swimming with legs in the river zaps your energy instantly, and river currents can suck your legs down. Let the PFD do it's job, and swim with the arms.
I’ve got a 600 pound weight limit and always bring some gear and sometimes too much for an unexpected night out, strong wind is my concern, but at minimum I bring water filtration and purification because I’m just not drinking lake water, I bring emergency blankets and bivies, extra snacks and water, fire kit, and a hand gun because mt lions, and skunks are no joke of course dry clothes are a must in cold weather and even a wool blanket. I should have a garmin but I don’t. I honestly have a foolish fantasy of having to finally use my emergency kit lol
Newbie here. I have a fear of deep water so I'm still confused as to why I love paddling so much. But my local lake where I learned how to paddle, there's some sort or drainage thing in one corner. Don't know what it is but you can hear it a good ways out. I avoid that at all costs. I don't know what it is but the sound spooks me off and I don't plan on investigating.
Thank you, I am a beginner in fishing from my KAYAK, so these rules, that could lead to dangerous situations will be incredibly helpful, I have apatite Watercraft KAYAK, so, I am starting outwit the right KAYAK. I will definitely check-out your KAYAK safety links, thank you, MSG Leum
I have learned so much from watching Paddle TV videos. How to paddle...Where to paddle... Where Not to paddle....learning how to choose the proper gear...and things to consider including weather....In Florida we must consider stormy weather that moves in quickly....and how to deal with wildlife...like alligators. We paddle all year long... During summer months boat traffic is a real issue. Kayaks and paddle boards are slow so make sure you can be seen.
Self rescue and assisted rescue are very hard to do and should only be the last choice. Paddling within reach of shore and always wearing your PFD is a far better plan.
Strongly disagree! If you learn and practice self-rescue, it is foolish to abandon your kayak. If the paddler is not physically able to learn or practice self-rescue, they should NEVER paddle alone. Of course, I'm speaking about flat water (lakes and ocean), not rivers.
@@garysapper8716Agree. And yes, it may be hard, especially in waves. That's why you should practice. Several times a year. First in calm water, moving on to more tough conditions. Always with a buddy or two.
@@garysapper8716 I would generally recommend against paddling alone anyway, so much can cause a self rescue or swimming to shore to fail even if they would usually be capable of it.
I'm 6'5" so I stayed with IK's and rafts. All the manufacturers say they have kayaks that "fit" people my size, but I never found one that I could comfortably get into, let alone get out of in a dangerous/emergency situation. For every world class whitewater kayaker who is over 5"8" or so, and I'll show you an NBA all star who is less than 6." It's fine with me, and I love watching Dane Jackson videos, but he and his best mates,, Bren Orton. one of whom drowned recently, I would guess average around 5'5" . Big people and extreme kayaking do not mix.
I'm 6'8" and the seafarer by nimbus fits me well and is a fantastic kayak for ocean kayaking. Now that I am over seventy I too am having trouble getting in and out of the kayak. The best advice is to learn how to roll, so if you do capsize you can roll up without having to get out of the kayak. Also before you learn to roll, learn how to do a wet exit, which is slipping out of the kayak while it is turned upside down. And do your learning with a qualified instructor, or at the least, another experienced paddler.
More great information Ken. While I was watching I was ready to say a cotton shirt is great on super hot days if you wet it first. But then right at the end, you mentioned that. I had one arrow in my quiver and you pulled it out Haha
As for pfd, the big misconception is people think they can swim and in most cases, I agree.. if your are awake. Pfd are made to keep your head up in case of when you flip or an accident occurred that if you get knocked out the pfd will keep you afloat. This is what I tell people don't be stupid, i don't care if your an Olympic swimmer, him too if unconscious he will sink and drown without a vest.
Good video as always and very important information! These reminders save lives. Thanks for putting the information out there. Best wishes from Swedish paddle waters.
2:10 Swimming becomes easier, if you squat down ahead of the swim on land and lift your dry suit a little bit off the neck to release the air from the suit.
If you wear a dry suit, you need to bleed that excess air. Hold the neck seal open and do some squats. Also they are deadly in a river environment stuck in a low head dam.
I'm new to kayaking .. if you're in current rough windy water why not just put a rod tether or sumthin around the leg so if you go swimming your kayak is always within reach ?
Entanglement hazard. If you're tethered and flip over you could get entangled, especially if disoriented. Definitely a good idea to keep hold of your paddle and kayak if you get dunked, but I'd advise against tethers.
I am a total novice and I have a question about PFD use. On Pawleys Island in South Carolina the tidal creek is a popular place to paddle or float on inner tubes. It is not over your head even at high tide. I have floated it on a cheesy inner tube at mid tide. Please help me make a case for my family for wearing a PFD when kayaking or Sup use on the creek. I'm a horse trainer and I always wear a helmet when riding so I agree with being prepared for the unlikely need for these types of protection. People on the creek seldom if ever wear a PFD. Thanks in advance for any insight or advice.
You forgot to mention tucking the spray skirt handle underneath so you can't reach it. That shit gives me the heeby jeeby and I like to obsessively check and recheck the handle is sticking out.
I feel like reentry practice is not really neccecary witrh most whitewater kayaking. If you flip you should flip back. Exiting the kayak is incrediby dangerous and shouldnt be done in the water and there is no good reason to. Except maybe for smaller children who cant roll yet. I and havent left my kayak once in years of kayaking. Neither has anyone of my friends. Fully being able to roll to both sides, in rough water is important. Reentering a kayak not so much.
You're right. In 99% of situations when whitewater kayaking, it's easier to swim to shore with your gear, empty out and reenter there. Here's something I would suggest to you, if you haven't swam in years... swim a few rapids on purpose (safe ones) so when the time comes that you do swim - which will probably be in significant whitewater - you're used to swimming and catching eddies.
I wear a dry suit kayak fishing for Cod here in Eastern Canada. I agree you should wear it when water temperatures are extremely cold. I was wondering what other kayakers do to stay cool in their dry suit. In my dry suit it’s unbearably hot in summer time while the water is unbearably cold. Both are very dangerous heat stroke or hypothermia. Any suggestions please I am geared up to go cod fishing.
You're describing the toughest scenario to dress for... You have to dress in a way that you can survive an unexpected, extended swim... but you don't want to overheat the rest of the time. I don't use a drysuit in the summer, unless the water is glacial fed (freezing), because I overheat in them. I use neoprene instead - like the NRS Hydroskin. in4adventure.com/uby7
It's amazing the number of people you'll run into on social media who are adamant that they don't need a PFD - they're 'always in safe conditions and never had a problem, so why do people overreact' and say they need one? They're immune to persuasion...which is why there'll always be people drowning, b/c there's always going to be people out there who are convinced they know better than all of the best advice. As I said to one, I'm not the one to argue with - its the water you need to convince that you don't need a PFD.
Good points - all of which, well covered! That said, I will argue that life jackets are not always necessary. Just like seat belts in a car or bicycle helmets. Someone who does not know how to swim and gets on a kayak for the first or second time and paddles through fast rapids will, obviously, benefit from wearing a life jacket: the probability that something goes wrong under such situations is extremely high; but the average swimmer on an inflatable boat, of any kind: raft, kayak, or canoe, on reasonably flat waters in slow winds will certainly not need to put a life jacket on. Where there is an accident, it's mostly because of recklessness, not because of anything else; a life jacket might save you when you do something irresponsible, but not always. Does a life jacket increase one's chances of staying alive? Yes! But so does not getting on the water and doing something rash. Most of the times, a life jacket is bothersome or takes up precious space on a boat; when it is useful, it is so only because it could act as a confidence booster - which can have negative consequences itself. That said, those with vulnerabilities - lack of skills or abilities, an inclination to get intoxicated and do crazy things, certain medical conditions - should definitely wear a life jacket if they get on the water; everyone else should never do anything they are not able to control the details of if their carefully-taken decision is not to wear a life jacket. Weirs and low dams could be extremely dangerous even to he who wears a life jacket - as well as other pieces of safety equipment. Most careful assessment is required of any such river obstacle; when hesitant about running over it, choose to portage; when choosing to move past the obstacle, have a friend stand by, recovery line in hand, ready to take action the minute he sees that something is beginning to potentially go wrong.
I also want to add, not paddling correctly. When paddling, you need to engage your torso when you go from side to side. It doesn't have to be dramatic, but the torso gives you the strength and stamina to forge ahead and helps reserve energy for an emergency. Using just the arms, will use up more energy that you might need in case of a situation on the water.
I paddle kayaks in coastal tidal rivers which have fast-moving waters twice a day with the tide changes. A couple of years ago I invested in a "Spare Air" compressed air cylinder that I keep clipped to the side of my kayaking PFD (which is always on from before I get in to after I get out). This is the same family of products that are used to provide emergency air to divers. The model I carry provides up to 100 breaths which could come handy if I got hung-up during a wet exit if my kayak got rolled unexpectedly. I decided it was better to pay for this part of my "insurance" policy up-front.
Something i see very often..people kayaking out in the middle of bodies of water...that's just not smart...no reason to be out in the middle, unless to cross....a kayaker was hit & killed by a barge recently....NO REASON TO BE OUT BY A BARGE IN THE MIDDLE
Oh give over! 🙄 Life *always* has an element of danger and risk to it. Perhaps wrap yourself in cotton wool, never leave the house, and live an unexplored life. Leave others to do what they do. Cars are dangerous, planes are dangerous, alcohol is dangerous, sex is dangerous, cooking is dangerous, DIY is dangerous... You're one of those who would ban people from doing anything other than sit reading a book just because you "fear for their safety". Meanwhile everyone else just feels sorry for you that you never truly lived. So done with the busy-bodies ruining people's fun just because of the rare instances where things can go wrong in life. Regardless of the majority of things that go right all the time.
Always wear a PDF and train to swim with full river equipment! I never go on (wild) water with people without a PDF! In case of river accident, you get in desastrous situations on court, if you are the oldest/most experienced guy. So I have a 2nd PDF in my car/with me.
Never ever paddle in a storm, regardless of where you are. The visibility quickly gets real bad, the wind is very strong and unpredictable, the thunders might be a real problem (especially if you're fishing or have a carbon fiber paddle). Always try to find a cover as quick as you can.
I worked in Sea rescue, and this personal flotation aid is not really helpful when you fall down somewhere. Because they can slip up and hinder you from breathing. I would wear one for padeling in water < 15°C but above this thing is more of a hindering object to movement than it helps. I would recommend a helmet. For sailing sportive always necessary to have a proper lifewest with a string between your legs.
Thank-you for this informative video, ok, now trying to avoid water ways that have lots of wind, is a tough one, most water ways are avenues.for winds to follow easy, that wind pivots off the mountains, and changes fast, especially with these static freak storms we all have been experiencing. This was a good class, ill know what to look for and avoid danger. TU
Covered the most important one right off, the PFD! I won’t go out with anyone who doesn’t. I want to have fun, not watch people drown or get involved in a body recovery.
the only problem I have with a pfd is I find it much easier to right my viking kayak and get back on without the pfd on as it get's in the way..practice I guess
The standing in current part is a really important point, some places have a current that just looks flat stationary water but it’s actually moving with a lot of momentum over a smooth ridge with 0 interference like water coming from a hose
I made the mistake of putting a small dry box between my legs once. I flipped lost my paddle and couldn't wet exit because of the dry box. I nearly drown
Great that someone with such a big platform is putting out videos like this. Anyway my 2c; 1) It boggles my mind how many people I see on the water (paddle craft or otherwise) that aren’t wearing their PFD. Not going to do you much good if it’s floating down a river or with the waves 20m away from you. Also make sure it fits properly as an ill fitting one will end up around your eyes if you go in the water. 2) I’ve got a bit of a mental chart of water temp to layers. Normally “upgrade” if it’s windy to compensate for the Coolgardie effect. If I start to overhead a little bit I can always slow down, consume more water or even splash/wet myself. I’m also pretty lucky that the water temperature doesn’t fluctuate *heaps* throughout the year where I am compared to other places. 3) I’d add not having several forms of calling for aid (PLB, phone in case, VHF, flare/s etc etc) if you can’t swim or re-enter (as sometimes shit does just go sideways). 4) Nothing really to add! I’m just ultra conservative about when/where I paddle if there’s even any chance of a major storm as I’m a bit of a chicken 😂. 5) Typically paddle on lakes/oceans so not really relevant to me but sound advice regardless! Spotting blind corners would also be a good recommendation. 6) I feel the heat more than cold so this is a big one for me. Will always wear a long sleeve top/shirt and a legionnaire style cap even if the air temp is 40*C (run a spray skirt so legs are always covered anyway).
Great video and had never heard about log jam dangers on rivers, even slwer rivers. We hit them last and this year on lake that is actually damed steep canyon stream. It was difficult last year to push logs and stumps out of way, this year blocked us until rec kayak shived a way thru for us ..but still caught some sideways and started going over. High country stream was cold, but we dressed for hot day.
Also: STOP USING A PADDLE LEASH! I've seen more than one recreational paddler almost drown when their paddle leash got caught in something in the water. As a whitewater kayaker, I hate seeing these knowing how dangerous they are for real. Things can go south quickly, even in class 1-2 rapids on creeks.
Other hazards that I learned the hard way. I do not go in the ocean, but Barnegat Bay I do. My first trip I was out at the inlet at low tide on a paddle kayak (Wilderness Ride 135), where it becomes a magical place with sand bars and new islands. Then you notice the channel markers are being pressed down and almost submerged by the flow of water to the ocean (in this case Loveladies channel). I should have just waited a few hours for the tide turning. Instead I fought it at a standstill, but I had sand anchors so when I got tired I dropped it and caught a few fluke, but it was brutal. I now have a Hobie so I can use my leg power but still the current is tough. I also fish the Hudson. Striper season in cold water with drysuit. All is calm as you leave the tributary after catching river herring as bait. You arrive at the Hudson and the wind is blowing straight down and its almost gale. Droping anchor in deep water with a kayak I knew the parameters but being blown around I lost my last anchor and had to cut it loose. I continued fishing and had people cursing me for getting blow close to land where they were fishing. Could not stay in position.
Awesome tips! As an outfitter I totally agree and will share this safety video on my site. Stay safe everyone! Stacy MAD MUSKY WATER SPORTS McMinnville TN
I live on the BC coast and watch a few outdoorsy RU-vid channels from this area. It amazes me the amount of people who post videos of their outdoor water-based trips showing them not wearing a PFD. 99% of the time comments on those videos are regarding the beauty of this area and not questioning the lack of a PFD. It drives me nuts. Wearing one is so easy.
Good advice. I paddle white water in the Alps. In summer outside it.s up to 35° and amore, the glacial water about 10°. To have a swim without pdf means to sink like a stone, the icecold water avoids one to breath and you'r done in a few minutes - I experienced it (even WITH pdf in class V ww... I saw pictures of my 2 yo daughter under water, until Maradonas "gods hand" saved me!!! Never ever go out without a PDF!!! I always have a second one in my car!
I agree 100%. I live close to you in the PNW and I am blown away at how many people don’t wear PFD’s and don’t dress appropriately. The water here is 40F or lower year round.
1) Straw Hat with brim. UV protection and can get wet for cooling. 2) Long sleeve water shirt that gets splashed on when hot. UV protection 3) Bandanna folded up wet around neck. Also UV protection on neck where my hat sometimes doesn't cover. 4) Very light towel to cover legs when they start to burn. UV protection only used when sun is strong. And wet when getting hot. I'm a Geneticist and Microbiologist. UV can really upstart cancer in cells. Please protect yourself. My wife and I go on 8 hour river floats. 🙂
PFDs are recognized by law as problematic and not required in big surf (paddle)board activities, where you need to duck under oncoming van sized dumping or curling waves without being buoyed out of your craft. There is a compromise by using a co2 inflatable vest that doesn't automatically inflate when wet. I will use this in future on my sitdown-paddleboard-kayak or sit-on-top one but I have little patience with repacking it to dry or replacing cartridges by expiration dates. Ducking surface wave carnage lets you avoid being dragged to shore; I hold my paddle fore and aft like a jouster to prevent wrenching away underwater.
As I understand it in that situation the craft should have a tether, so the board itself is there to grab on to as a buoyancy aid (while a canoe/kayak will easily have floated out of reach)?
I have been canoeing for years and only recently picked up kayaking. I am an older paddler so my knees don't allow me to sit in a canoe comfortable anymore so kayaking is the way to go for me now. I am still very much a beginner in a kayak but I thought I knew my way around a river having been in a canoe since I was a kid. While I have been lucky and have not taken that many dumps in a river, it would seem that I have also been ignorant of what a strong current can do. Maybe I did it naturally without thinking but I have never just stood up in a strong current even though I could have but it's not because I thought of getting my foot suck and going under. It was just because, for me, it seemed like the right way to get to the shore, swim with my canoe in tow. But honestly, I don't think I ever thought of drowning in shallow water but now that I know about the risks, I feel more prepared. Just goes to show that you can teach an old dog new tricks! Thanks Ken, love your reviews and other videos!
Thanks Andrew! Glad this was helpful. I agree too... this old dog continues to learn all the time. That's one of the things I'm loving about trying so many different types of boats.
Ken, thanks for this vid. As always, great tips. I especially enjoy your humor! I want to get into kayaking but don't swim. Is wearing a PFD enough to let me do it in calm waters, i.e. not flowing?
