This article is one in a series offering tips on boating skills and seamanship prepared for The Citizen by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The fastest growing area of recreational boating is the Sport Utility Boats (SUB). These include kayaks, canoes, rowboats, pedal boats and other vessels not powered by an engine. Today, we will look at kayaks and canoes
Owning a kayak or a canoe is not for everyone.
Measured against the glamour boats, a kayak, this small primitive, hand-powered craft, seems almost Spartan. Yet the rewards can be great for those willing to exchange the comfort and luxury of a sail or power boat for the challenge and excitement of paddle power.
The kayak somewhat resembles a pencil that has been sharpened at both ends and is propelled by a double-bladed paddle. It can reach speeds over 15 mph.
The boat was once used by natives of Alaska and Greenland for fishing, but now serves a variety of recreational purposes.
Kayaking is becoming a popular water sport. The boat and the operator bond together to results not found in any other boat/operator relationship. These water crafts can support up to 1,000 pounds in passengers and cargo and only require 8 inches of water to run in. Kayaks are popular among bass fishermen and photographers because they offer silence, a low profile and greater accessibility to remote areas.
When riding a kayak one should expect to get wet. Kayaks are as safe as the operators who often ignore basic safety rules and precautions. It is imperative for a kayak operator to wear a PFD and to obey all the navigation rules. Kayaks are vessels and subject to all maritime regulations.
The Hans Klepper Corporation, the largest kayak manufacturer in the world, claims that kayaks offer greater safety than canoes with greater speed potential and maneuverability. They also have the advantage of being made in a collapsible form.
Allen Knofsky, a company representative, says it is nearly impossible to tip a well-engineered kayak. Just in case it happens, one should learn how to recover from a roll-over.
According to the U. S. Coast Guard and ACA statistics there are approximately 12 deaths per year associated with kayaks, from various causes. While this number is low if one was to consider the fact that it includes all kayakers, recreational, sea kayakers, fishermen, surfers and so on, it would be good if that number drops to zero.
Canoeing is also a quiet sport, restful and readily available to all who like this rather adventurous sport. It common to see canoes in inlets and rivers and on lakes. Some of the more skilled and adventurous canoe operators venture into open waters.
Unlike kayaks which usually have one operator, canoes may have room for two or even three. And there in lies the problem. Canoes are not very stable vessels. Extreme caution is required to balance the boat properly and to avoid any sudden moves. This happens because canoes have little or no keel and no rudder. If more than one operator provides paddle power, they should learn to work together.
On the lake, canoes not only have to deal with the lake waves, they also have to be mindful of the waves generated by power boats. The risk of capsizing is always present and people in a canoe should wear PFDs. It is also a good idea to have on board some kind of a distress signal in case you need to summon help. Stay close to shore and out of the way of cruisers and sailboats.
There are several canoe associations and organizations which can provide additional information. Among them, the American Canoe Association at www.acanet.org and locally the Cascadilla Boat Club at www.cascadillaboatclub.org, and the Ahwaga Canoe Club at www.ahwagacanoe.com and others.
Canoes and kayaks may be lunched at Stewart Park, Farmers Market, Allan Treman boat launch and several other places.
Many use kayaks and canoes during the daylight hours. There is something to be said though about going out in a canoe during the early evening hours and enjoying the quiet environment, calm waters and bright stars. However, since both kayaks and canoes are not required to display navigation lights and they lie low on the surface, they are hard to be seen by other boaters. If you plan to stay out after dark, it is a good idea to have a flashlight on board. When you see a boat approaching, wave the light back and forth, but never aim it at the operator of the approaching boat.
A SUB may undergo a vessel safety check. To win a decal, the SUB must comply with safety requirements. Among these are a sound producing device to signal for help; a distress whistle will work. Each person must have a Coast Guard approved life jacket, visual distress signals such as a mirror or a strobe light to facilitate both day and night distress. It is a good idea to attach these to each PFD.
There is nothing more uncomfortable than having the cockpit of a canoe or kayak filled with water from a passing boat wake or a natural wave.
Attaching a spray skirt will alleviate such a problem, but learn how to remove it in an emergency.
Some kayakers wear a hat to provide protection from the sun or a helmet for rough waters.
It is a good idea to practice exits from a kayak or canoe in safe calm shallow water. This allows the operator to gain confidence and the ability to recover in the event capsizing occurs in deeper waters.
Lastly, it is a good idea to bring a friend as it is safer to paddle in a group.
John E. Keshishoglou is the
commander of the Ithaca
Flotilla 22
Owning a kayak or a canoe is not for everyone.
Measured against the glamour boats, a kayak, this small primitive, hand-powered craft, seems almost Spartan. Yet the rewards can be great for those willing to exchange the comfort and luxury of a sail or power boat for the challenge and excitement of paddle power.
The kayak somewhat resembles a pencil that has been sharpened at both ends and is propelled by a double-bladed paddle. It can reach speeds over 15 mph.
The boat was once used by natives of Alaska and Greenland for fishing, but now serves a variety of recreational purposes.
Kayaking is becoming a popular water sport. The boat and the operator bond together to results not found in any other boat/operator relationship. These water crafts can support up to 1,000 pounds in passengers and cargo and only require 8 inches of water to run in. Kayaks are popular among bass fishermen and photographers because they offer silence, a low profile and greater accessibility to remote areas.
When riding a kayak one should expect to get wet. Kayaks are as safe as the operators who often ignore basic safety rules and precautions. It is imperative for a kayak operator to wear a PFD and to obey all the navigation rules. Kayaks are vessels and subject to all maritime regulations.
The Hans Klepper Corporation, the largest kayak manufacturer in the world, claims that kayaks offer greater safety than canoes with greater speed potential and maneuverability. They also have the advantage of being made in a collapsible form.
Allen Knofsky, a company representative, says it is nearly impossible to tip a well-engineered kayak. Just in case it happens, one should learn how to recover from a roll-over.
According to the U. S. Coast Guard and ACA statistics there are approximately 12 deaths per year associated with kayaks, from various causes. While this number is low if one was to consider the fact that it includes all kayakers, recreational, sea kayakers, fishermen, surfers and so on, it would be good if that number drops to zero.
Canoeing is also a quiet sport, restful and readily available to all who like this rather adventurous sport. It common to see canoes in inlets and rivers and on lakes. Some of the more skilled and adventurous canoe operators venture into open waters.
Unlike kayaks which usually have one operator, canoes may have room for two or even three. And there in lies the problem. Canoes are not very stable vessels. Extreme caution is required to balance the boat properly and to avoid any sudden moves. This happens because canoes have little or no keel and no rudder. If more than one operator provides paddle power, they should learn to work together.
On the lake, canoes not only have to deal with the lake waves, they also have to be mindful of the waves generated by power boats. The risk of capsizing is always present and people in a canoe should wear PFDs. It is also a good idea to have on board some kind of a distress signal in case you need to summon help. Stay close to shore and out of the way of cruisers and sailboats.
There are several canoe associations and organizations which can provide additional information. Among them, the American Canoe Association at www.acanet.org and locally the Cascadilla Boat Club at www.cascadillaboatclub.org, and the Ahwaga Canoe Club at www.ahwagacanoe.com and others.
Canoes and kayaks may be lunched at Stewart Park, Farmers Market, Allan Treman boat launch and several other places.
Many use kayaks and canoes during the daylight hours. There is something to be said though about going out in a canoe during the early evening hours and enjoying the quiet environment, calm waters and bright stars. However, since both kayaks and canoes are not required to display navigation lights and they lie low on the surface, they are hard to be seen by other boaters. If you plan to stay out after dark, it is a good idea to have a flashlight on board. When you see a boat approaching, wave the light back and forth, but never aim it at the operator of the approaching boat.
A SUB may undergo a vessel safety check. To win a decal, the SUB must comply with safety requirements. Among these are a sound producing device to signal for help; a distress whistle will work. Each person must have a Coast Guard approved life jacket, visual distress signals such as a mirror or a strobe light to facilitate both day and night distress. It is a good idea to attach these to each PFD.
There is nothing more uncomfortable than having the cockpit of a canoe or kayak filled with water from a passing boat wake or a natural wave.
Attaching a spray skirt will alleviate such a problem, but learn how to remove it in an emergency.
Some kayakers wear a hat to provide protection from the sun or a helmet for rough waters.
It is a good idea to practice exits from a kayak or canoe in safe calm shallow water. This allows the operator to gain confidence and the ability to recover in the event capsizing occurs in deeper waters.
Lastly, it is a good idea to bring a friend as it is safer to paddle in a group.
John E. Keshishoglou is the
commander of the Ithaca
Flotilla 22
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