A Course for Safe Boating

California Boating

A Course for Safe Boating

Chapter 3

Vessel Operation

PADDLING

Paddlecraft—including canoes, rafts, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, utility

boats and rowing shells—are each used in a different manner and in different

waterways. Flatwater paddling includes lakes, bays, and low current rivers

with few obstructions. Whitewater paddling includes faster flowing rivers with

turbulent water and steep terrain. California coastal paddling can include the

surf zone with its own set of safety hazards. Like any sport, paddling education

is key to safety and mastery. Hands-on beginning paddlecraft courses are

available throughout California and are recommended before launching out

on your own. See the Division of Boating and Waterways website for a list of

aquatic centers in your area offering on-the-water paddling courses.

FLATWATER PADDLING IN A UTILITY BOAT,

CANOE OR KAYAK

Utility boats are usually used in harbors to travel between a moored boat and

the shore. These boats must meet all safety requirements. Canoes and kayaks

also are often paddled on flatwater among other marine traffic. You should

know that it may be difficult for other boats to see and avoid paddlecraft. If

you find yourself in a utility boat, canoe or kayak before taking a safe boating

lesson, remember these basic safety points:

Always

wear a properly fitted life jacket and avoid alcohol use. Be prepared

to enter the water, know how to swim and self rescue in river/current.

Nothing says “amateur” like a paddler without a life jacket.

If you paddle any paddlecraft at night, you must carry a flashlight and warn

other boats of your presence to avoid a collision.

Standing up or moving about in a canoe or kayak greatly increases the

chance of capsizing. Keep your center of gravity low.

Maintain three points of contact while moving around in a canoe or utility

boat. (As you move a foot to step forward, you should be holding onto the

boat with

both

hands, then with both feet down, move one hand at a

time, etc.)

Load the boat properly: keep the weight centered both from side to side and

bow to stern. The lower and the closer the load in the boat is to the boat’s

centerline, generally the more stable the boat will be, assuming there is

adequate freeboard. Stay with the limits of the boat’s capacity rating on the

capacity plate if one is present.

Kneeling is the most stable position for canoe paddlers.

Keep your shoulders inside the boat’s gunwales. When retrieving something

from the water, reach with your paddle or guide the boat close to the object

so you can grab the item from the water without leaning your shoulders

over the gunwale.

Never

paddle alone. There is safety in numbers.

Avoid extreme conditions including weather, distance from shore, water

conditions, current beyond your skill level.

Utility boat

Rowing shells

Canoe

Kayak