CASKA: Kayak Safety Center

The disappearance and death of Walter Doroba in Lake Michigan waters near Waukegan, Illinois in late October 2007 is an unfortunate reminder that kayaking has inherent risks. Kayakers can never eliminate these risks, which include drowning and hypothermia, but they can take reasonable precautions against those risks.

Always wear a PFD. Take the time to get a PFD (i.e., lifejacket) that fits comfortably and wear it each and every time you are on the water. Keep it zipped/snapped closed the entire time on the water.

Dress for immersion. Hypothermia is a major factor in many kayaking deaths. Know the water temperature before you start paddling and use a wetsuit or dry suit as appropriate. Layering using synthetics like fleece and having a warm hat is important in cooler conditions.

Know how to get out and back in your kayak. There are techniques for getting back into your kayak by yourself or with the help of another paddler. Learn them and practice them. Get comfortable with tipping over, popping your sprayskirt and getting out of your cockpit efficiently. Don't let go of your kayak once you are in the water.

Visibility. Keep a variety of signaling devices in your PFD such as a whistle, flashlight, mirror, and flares. Put strips of marine reflective tape on your paddle and kayak.

Fuel and water. Keep yourself well fed and watered while paddling. Dehydration and hunger weaken you physically and impair your judgment. Eat and rehydrate at least once every 90 minutes.

Planning. Let at least one responsible person know where you are paddling and when you are expected back. Check the marine weather forecast before you put in.

Companions. It is generally safer to paddle with others.

Experience. Match your experience to the conditions. Err on the side of caution, especially when paddling solo. The greater your training and paddling experience the greater the range of conditions you should be able to handle with relative safety.

Match kayak to conditions. A recreational kayak with no built-in buoyancy is not suitable for big waters just like a sea kayak is risky in strong whitewater conditions where a nimble boat is required. Know the conditions for which your kayak was designed and respect those limits.

Resources:

Sea Kayaker's Deep Trouble: True Stories and Their Lessons from Sea Kayaker Magazine
by Matt Broze and George Gronseth

Sea Kayaker Magazine's Handbook of Safety and Rescue (Paperback)
by Doug Alderson and Michael Pardy

File a float plan! Sea Kayaker has a free float plan template posted for download.

Download CASKA's Sea Kayaking Safety Brochure. A summary, reminder, and checklist all in one. Read this before starting your paddling season & be safe!

Other Paddlers:

CASKA Yahoo Group. Post questions to a group of 350 paddlers. Research archived threads for detailed information and opinions.

CASKA Blog. Trip reports, photo galleries, gear and equipment information, and more.

American Canoe Association Paddling Safety Resources Center

Atlantic Kayak Tours Expert Center

Chicago Area Stores and Out fitters:

Many of these clubs/businesses/retailers offer lessons. Participate in these whenever possible - they are excellent ways to improve kayaking skills and techniques. See the organizations' websites for details.

Chicago Kayak

Geneva Kayak Center

Great Lakes Kayak

Kayak Chicago

Lincoln Park Boat Club

Still have questions? If you would like to discuss a paddling safety question with someone please email your name, contact information and issue to the webmaster and someone affiliated with CASKA will contact you. (Don't wait until you are on the water to ask your questions!)