Planning a Safe and Engaging Paddling Adventure for Youth Part 1

by Valerie Mendez Stansly | Mar 21, 2024

Setting off on a paddling adventure with youth, whether it involves canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), offers a wonderful opportunity for them to get active, connect with the outdoors, and learn the value of teamwork. These activities can leave a lasting impression on the young people involved, fostering feelings of accomplishment, resilience, and fellowship. However, the responsibility on the adults leading these trips is significant. Ensuring a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience requires meticulous planning, a focus on safety, and a commitment to engaging each participant. Through this blog series, you will be provided with the insights and tools necessary to organize a successful paddling event for youth.

Securing Kayaks

Safety is the foundation of any successful paddling adventure, especially when involving young people. A critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of this safety is the secure transportation of your kayaks. Begin by firmly attaching your kayaks to your trailer using suitable straps. Before hitting the road, double-check that the straps are tightly fastened, the ends are securely tied off, and the kayak doesn’t move when you gently rock it.

When loading a kayak, always position the straps in advance. It’s a team effort to safely lift the kayak by its bow (front) and stern (back) handles—remembering to bend at the knees to protect your back. Once the kayak is evenly placed on the trailer’s crossbars, secure it properly by using the appropriate ties. Although ratcheting straps are commonly used, they can potentially damage your kayak due to excessive pressure. As an alternative, the use of buckle bumper straps offers a safe and user-friendly solution for both novices and experienced paddlers alike. Ensuring your kayaks are safely secured not only protects your equipment but also ensures the safety of everyone on the road.

Planning is Essential – Crafting a Float Plan

The backbone of a smooth paddling adventure is a detailed float plan. This document should outline your route, expected weather conditions, participant list with emergency contacts, and a timeline of the trip. Utilizing resources such as the Coast Guard Float Plan Central website ensures you don’t miss any critical planning steps. Your float plan should include not only the basics but also specific details such as the equipment each person will bring, health forms, expected departure and return times, access points, and the driving route. It’s also vital to assess and document the day’s weather, tides, water flow, and temperature, alongside local regulations, necessary permits, and the nearest emergency services and outfitters.

In addition to creating a comprehensive float plan, it’s essential to pack necessary items like water, snacks, sunscreen, and first-aid supplies, while encouraging lightweight packing to minimize the physical load on paddlers. Ensure that agents and other adults in charge involved are well-informed about the float plan, current and forecasted weather conditions, and the personal skills and comfort levels within the group.

Remember, the float plan is not just a list; it’s a snapshot of your group’s capabilities, equipment, and safety resources. Items not directly related to trip planning and participant safety should be recorded separately. Always leave the float plan with someone on shore who is familiar with the trip details, participants, and local area. This person’s responsibility is to alert local authorities should the group not return as scheduled. Typically, float plans are best entrusted to an agent and/or county extension director.

When you are out on the water, pay close attention to changing weather conditions. If the weather gets challenging, ensure your group stays together and maintains steady communication. In the case of unexpected thunder, lightning, heavy rain, or strong wind, find a protected area on land for the group to escape the elements. If the group gets off the water, be sure that boats or boards are far away from the water’s edge. Make sure to take all paddles and any food, water, and personal gear are with youth.

Choosing the Right Gear

Personal gear and preparedness are crucial for the success of your paddling trip.  When choosing a paddling outfit, prioritize versatility, durability, and protection against cold, and wet conditions. Here are some key guidelines:

• Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Always wear a PFD while on the water. Ensure it fits snugly without riding up over your face or head. If adjustments are needed, do so safely onshore.
• Temperature Considerations: Youth and adults should dress for potential immersion. Hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature, can occur in water temperatures as “warm” as 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to U.S. Coast Guard. Conversely, hyperthermia results from overheating, often due to hot, humid conditions. Dressing in layers will help adjust for body temperature changes during the trip.
• Sun Protection: Applying sunscreen is critical for preventing sunburn and overheating, even on cloudy days. Due to the reflective nature of water, apply sunscreen often. Mineral sunscreen, with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, forms a barrier against UV rays with a reduce risk of irritation or allergic reaction and is favored by many paddlers.
• Avoid cotton and restrictive clothing: Steer clear of cotton clothing such as jeans and hoodies, which retain water when wet. Instead choose garments made from quick-drying, moisture-wicking synthetics, or wool, which provide insulation even when wet. Fortunately, outfitting yourself appropriately doesn’t have to break the bank—many of these items can be readily found at affordable prices in secondhand stores like Goodwill.

By following safety guidelines and preparing with the right gear, paddlers can enjoy a safe and comfortable experience on the water, ready to face varying temperatures and conditions with confidence. In the next blog, we will discuss group management and safety considerations to take while on the water.

Introducing youth to the joys of paddling can create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime. At the same time, it’s crucial that we, as adults, prioritize their safety above all.

Resources:

Want to learn more? Check out Paddle TV on YouTube which has made great videos in partnership with the American Canoe Association (ACA) by following this link: https://americancanoe.org/education/youth-paddling-development/educational-videos/

Consider using the Paddle Safe Paddle Smart (PS²) curriculum that has been created by ACA when implementing a paddling component during day camps or workshops.