Boating Safety for Kayaks/SUP

Stay Safe On Your Next Paddling Adventure

Paddling is a fun and safe activity, especially if you pay attention to these common-sense rules — always wear a life jacket, don’t paddle alone, dress for water temperature and don’t mix alcohol and paddling.

Bargain Kayak (Remember a Life Jacket!)

If you go to the box store for paper towels and end up with a kayak, make sure you also pick up a life jacket. Because nobody wants to pull a Brad.

Learn to Get Back On Your Kayak BEFORE You Flip

Getting back on your sit-on-top kayak isn’t that hard – if you know how. That’s why it’s a great idea to take a paddling safety class BEFORE you flip.

Don’t Forget the Leash and Lifejacket

You can pick up a new SUP anywhere these days, but you can’t buy common sense. Always remember to wear your life jacket and leash when you paddle your standup paddleboard. And if your honey asked you to get TP at the Big Box, don’t forget that either.

Video Series: Safe SUP Choices

This series of humorous videos covers a range of important SUP topics, like paddling while impaired, staying within your limits, paying attention to the forecast, and more.

Video: Paddling Shorts Ep. 1 // Life Jackets

Paddling experts Kate and Paul Kuthe describe how to choose and adjust the most important piece of boating gear — your life jacket.

Video: Paddling Shorts Ep. 2 // What to Wear

Paddling experts Kate and Paul Kuthe help you dress for paddling success.

Video: Paddling Shorts Ep. 3 // Essential Paddling Gear

Paddling experts Kate and Paul Kuthe run through a short list of essential paddling gear, starting with a life jacket.

Video: Paddling Shorts Ep. 4 // How to Paddle

Let’s start at the beginning. Paddling experts Kate and Paul Kuthe demonstrates the three basic strokes you need to go, turn and stop.

Video: Paddling Shorts Ep. 5 // File Your Plan

Let friends and family know where you’re going and when to expect you back. Paddling experts Kate and Paul Kuthe describe the basics of filing a float plan.

Video: Paddling Shorts Ep. 6 // Traffic Rules

Look both ways. In this 1-minute episode, paddling experts Paul and Kate Kuthe explain the basics of paddling in crowded waterways.

Video: Paddling Shorts Ep. 7 // What if I Flip?

It happens to the best of us. In this 1-minute episode, paddling experts Paul and Kate Kuthe explain what to do if you flip your kayak.

Video: Paddling Shorts Ep. 8 // Calling For Help

In this short episode, paddling experts Paul and Kate Kuthe describe how to use a marine radio to call for help from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Video: Stand Up Paddling Safety

Learn a few important ways to keep your stand up paddling experience as safe as possible.

Video: Kayak Fishing Safety Minute with Chad Hoover

Expert Chad Hoover takes one minute to talk a little kayak fishing safety.

Always Wear Your Life Jacket

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, basic safety practices apply to any paddler. The most fundamental of those rules is a single piece of gear: a Life Jacket.

Dress for Immersion

If you’re going to be on the water, you need to be prepared to be in the water. Following best safety practices starts with the right equipment.

Always Check the Forecast

Some planning is necessary for any outdoor adventure. But often overlooked is one simple, yet critical checklist item: Check the weather forecast.