Flipping your kayak or paddleboard in open water not always a laughing matter
Print
EmailKnowing basic safety skills will help paddlers stay safe no matter what type of water they venture on.
Do you know what to do if your kayak or paddleboard flips while you’re out on the water? Reduce the stress of that moment and learn how to have a safe kayak trip by checking out some of the free or low-cost resources now available.
Know before you go
Before you depart for your trip, you should:
- Check the weather conditions for chance of storms and the prevailing wind speed and direction.
- Verify the skill level of your fellow paddlers.
- Leave behind a float plan with someone who will act if you have not returned on time.
- Always make sure to wear your life jacket and ensure it fits well so it will stay in place if you are in the water.
- Learn how to rescue yourself or get help from a trained person in your group to empty the water from your boat and get back inside (even when in deep water) in case you flip your kayak.
There is a free Smart Start for Safe Paddling online course that takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and is scenario-based. You can also review A Beginner’s Guide to Safer Paddling pamphlet. If you’re interested in purchasing a book, there is a new Smart Start for Safe Paddling book available in print or e-edition.
Paddleboarders take heed!
We love when people explore the Great Lakes via paddleboats but also want their trip to end safely! Last month, two paddleboarders had to be rescued in Lake Superior as they had drifted two miles from shore and could not paddle back due to strong winds. One of the paddleboarders had never been on a paddleboard before that day and neither were wearing life jackets. Thankfully their story had a happy ending. By learning how to evaluate weather and other conditions, and how to respond if conditions deteriorate, you can increase your chances of a safe trip.
Learn more safety tips
Want to learn more? Since 2024, Michigan Sea Grant has been offering introduction to kayak safety classes. If you live within two hours of Detroit, sign-up to be notified of future trainings in southeast Michigan (including the Saginaw Bay and Lansing/Jackson area). This will include three-hour introduction classes, all-day skills classes, and a four-day training to become a Community Paddlesports leader. All trainings will be offered by American Canoe Association-certified instructors.
Looking to learn more this winter and live near Eaton Rapids or the Howell area? Check out the pool-based trainings hosted by Trey Rouss and partners at the Power of Water.
Subscribe to Michigan Sea Grant’s Upwellings e-newsletter or to the MSU Extension Water Trails digest to stay up-to-date on local trainings hosted by Michigan Sea Grant in SE MI!
Michigan Sea Grant helps to foster economic growth and protect Michigan’s coastal, Great Lakes resources through education, research and outreach. A collaborative effort of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University and its MSU Extension, Michigan Sea Grant is part of the NOAA-National Sea Grant network of 34 university-based programs.
This article was prepared by Michigan Sea Grant under award NA24OARX417C0157-T1-01 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce through the Regents of the University of Michigan. The statement, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Commerce, or the Regents of the University of Michigan.
