7 Tips For Safer Paddling

Safety comes first when you’re out on the water. Whether you’re in a kayak, canoe, SUP or fishing kayak, it’s imperative to know the rules and have the right safety gear in your vessel. We’ve put together a list of past articles to help keep you and your friends safe on the water.

1 What If I Flip?

In partnership with the U.S. Coastguard and the Water Sports Foundation, instructors Paul and Kate Kuthe of the American Canoeing Association instruct what to do if you flip your kayak in Safer Paddling Series: Episode 7. Paddlers often say that we’re all between swims. There are many ways to get back into your kayak if you flip. Read the full story here.

2 Traffic Rules for Paddlers

In partnership with the U.S. Coastguard and the Water Sports Foundation, instructors Paul and Kate Kuthe of the American Canoeing Association give the how-to on navigating harbours and marinas in Safer Paddling Series: Episode 6. Read the full story here.

3 Manky PFD? How To Know When It’s Time To Replace

Rapid’s staff spend a lot of time wearing PFDs. Some of us are guilty of using the same manky PFDs on every single river outing for years on end. Some of us get sentimentally attached to our PFDs, holding onto them much longer than we should. We found ourselves debating when exactly we should be replacing them. Do PFDs have a best-before date? What are the red flags that warrant a replacement? We spoke with experts in the PFD industry to find the answers. Read the full story here.

4Top 5 Ways To Stay Visible And Safe On The Water

When sharing waterways with larger vessels, being highly visible can reduce the chance of collision. It also makes it easier for rescuers to locate you, especially in low-visibility conditions kayakers know well, like foggy mornings or glaring sun. Follow these five expert tips for staying visible on the water and reduce your chances of dangerous encounters with other boats and vessels. Read the full story here.

57 River Safety Essentials To Take On The River

Responsible river runners usually take some formal swiftwater rescue training. At the end of the course they then purchase rescue gear to carry on the river. Most commonly, I see paddlers carrying around a pin kit for rescuing wrapped boats. While this kit is valuable, it shouldn’t be the only emergency gear paddlers carry on the river. In addition to essentials like a PFD and spare paddle, there are a few other basic and often forgotten items every whitewater paddler should carry for safer boating. Read the full story here. 

6 Key Safety Skills For Whitewater Paddlers

Whitewater paddling is one of the most exciting and fun activities you can do, in our completely unbiased opinion. Close calls, bad swims and river mishaps can take the enjoyment out of whitewater faster than a runaway kayak on a steep creek. To maximize good times on the river and mitigate the consequences of things not going to plan, it’s imperative to take a river rescue course and ensure you feel comfortable in the areas you paddle. Over the years at Rapid, we’ve compiled an extensive collection of key whitewater skills we think everyone should know. Read the full story here.

7 How To Choose The Right Kayak

What kayak should I buy? It’s the first question a kayaker asks—and the hardest to answer. The trick is finding the boat that’s perfectly suited to your specific needs. With dozens of companies producing hundreds of different models, there’s a kayak for every style of paddling and every type of paddler. If you can’t decide, buy two. There is no better way to grow kayaking than taking a friend.

Read the full story here