Most of the articles commonly found today discuss the more exciting and thrilling aspects of kayaking: whitewater! It is widely understood that this area of the sport is rife with dangers. Not many writers, however, consider the hazards that lurk within a flatwater environment. They do exist and you need to be aware of them!

This article works from the assumption that you are at the point where you are ready to take your kayak out and go exploring. It assumes that you have already taken the time to study kayaking at great length and depth through books, magazines, informative websites, watching videos and etc. It also assumes that you’ve perhaps even taken some classes in kayaking and water safety (this, I highly recommend)...you’ve practiced under experienced supervision. Finally, it assumes that you know how to enter, exit and paddle a kayak and are at least fairly comfortable operating one and getting around.

My experience has been acquired primarily through extensive recreational flatwater kayaking on lakes and other contained bodies of water. Whitewater kayaking safety will not be discussed here as it sits (as of this writing) outside of my area of personal experience.

It is necessary, before going any further, to make clear what is meant by the term flatwater. Definitions might vary a bit from person to person, but for the purposes of this article, flatwater is defined as any smooth-surfaced body of water upon which a person might go kayaking that contains no whitewater/ rapids or large waves, (though large waves can and do develop in flatwater locations.) This includes most lakes, conservation areas and also many streams/ rivers. Broader definitions also include ocean environments in calm conditions, in this flatwater classification.

Though by now you should already know what a PFD is and own one, it deserves a special mention here because I’ve noticed a tendency in people to avoid wearing one for one reason or another. This is where I get to "nag" and "harp" on you. If you don’t have a PFD, get one.

Personal Floatation Devices (PFD’s), otherwise known as "life vests," are a very important part of your equipment. There are a great number of types and styles to choose from. Wherever you’re shopping, the outfitters should go over the suitability of a particular model for the type of kayaking you wish to do and also the pro’s and con’s of their products with you. If they don’t, ask. Get one that is coast guard approved. Make sure your PFD fits properly & comfortably. Proper fit is important. Again, your outfitter can help you select one appropriate for your size, shape, and purposes. Now that you’ve purchased a PFD, you really should wear that doggone thing when out on the water. It isn’t going to do you any good left in your truck or stuffed in a closet back home.

Target Area Research - Before ever setting out for your kayaking destination, it is best if you research it thoroughly, first. Some questions you should be able to answer...

What is the size of the area, what sort of traffic does it have, and what kind of an environment is it? Are there easy put in and take out points? Dams? What is the current water level and flow? This is especially important if you’re going out on a river. Does your destination have any known hazards? Does your spot have public access?

It is very likely that others have kayaked your spot before you. Can you find any mention (using the internet) of others’ experiences? Also, you need to check the local rules and regulations for your target area. Park officials and conservation officers are also very knowledgeable about areas within their jurisdictions. Don’t be afraid to contact them for their input. Again remember, the internet is a wonderful reservoir of information. It takes only a short amount of time to research an area and your research could very well save your rear end.

Always, and I do mean ALWAYS, check the weather before setting out on your trip. Local news stations generally post daily forecasts, check in on those. Also, access radar maps...become familiar with them. Are your regional maps clear or are there thunderstorms popping up? Where’s the boundary or line for storms? Where does it look like it is going to be tracking?

We have a saying around my house..."if in doubt, stay out." Seriously folks...

It is really, REALLY important that you know, to the best of your ability, what your weather is going to be doing. No, you can’t always predict....heck, professional weather casters have a time with it...but, you can get a good idea of what to expect. Many a trip I’ve cancelled after checking my local radar. It is better to be safe, than sorry. Other things...

Winds...got any today? How strong? Remember, calm conditions can quickly turn on you. Even with clear skies, sudden gusts of winds can (and do) pop up out of nowhere. Always expect the unexpected. Sudden gusts of winds can flip you. Steady and strong winds can quickly stir up some intimidating and potentially dangerous waves. Are you ready for this? Do you know what to do if you find yourself in this situation?

Have you received any rains lately? Where is your destination in your area’s watershed? Do you know what a watershed is? Any flooding? Where? What are those water levels?

What time of year is it? What are the outdoor temperatures? Hot? Make sure you keep hydrated and use sun protection (hats, glasses, lotions, appropriate clothing.) Is the water cold? Do you know that you can quickly experience hypothermia in cold conditions and drown? Do some research into water temps, air temps, and etc. in relation to your safety if kayaking "off" season.

I shouldn’t even have to go over this point, but I know that just as soon as I decide not to...some goofball, who can’t swim a lick, will read this guide, get all excited, and hit the waters. AND, he/she will quite possibly get him/herself into trouble. Folks, if you can’t swim...you have no business being out in a kayak. Period.

Note: I know what some of you might be thinking. Yes, indeed. You think you’ll be just fine and dandy as long as you wear your life-vest, don’t you? NO! PFD’s are not meant to act as substitutes for basical skills. Learn to swim first, playtime comes later.

Be honest with yourself here, set that pride aside. What physical condition are you in, how healthy are you? You don’t have to be a world-class athelete to take up kayaking, obviously. But, you do need to be realistic here. Should you go in for a checkup before taking up kayaking? How’s that blood-pressure? How’s the heart? Do you have a back condition? Asthma?

Seriously folks, do you have any medical conditions that need to be taken into consideration? Kayaking involves muscle groups from the waist to the neck to the finger tips...and even your lower extremities to some degree. It might be wise to check in with your doctor before heading out.

Heading out on a river? Please don’t go alone. I tried this once (even knowing better) and almost didn’t come back from the experience. Get a buddy. Seriously.

Whether heading out on a lake solo or out on the river with a group, I feel very strongly that it is wise to share your travel plans with an outside entity. Give your contact the location and the ETA for finishing, so that if you don’t check back in, someone will know to come looking for you and where to start their search. This is a vitally important measure. For your safety’s sake, please don’t skip it.

In some water environments, it is mandatory to check in/out with a ranger station or other area headquarters. You might want to do this whether it is required or not.

While at the ranger station or conservation office, if they don’t bring it up, be sure to inquire about their area’s closing times. Some areas don’t stay open around the clock and instead will close at dusk or a few hours after. And...

Are you allowed to be kayaking in a particular area? Do you need a permit?

Parking, Put-ins & Take-outs

After you unload your gear, park your vehicle in a spot that it will be both safe and not impede traffic. Park well away from the boat ramp if you can, be courteous. Don’t take valuables on your trip with you (either in the kayak or on the trip itself)...you’re just inviting trouble. Stow everything you don’t need to take with you, in your car.

Is your launch site a public access? If not, get permission before traipsing through that landowner’s property. Same deal with your take-out point.

Have you mapped your trip, are you familiar with the territory you’re going to be kayaking in? Have you located emergency exit points? The need for this planning was bluntly illustrated to me during my solo kayak trip on a major river. Map your trip, know the terrain, nearby roads, residences...commit it to memory if you can (better yet, bring the blasted map and make notes!)

Does your area have likely exit points? Don’t rely on online maps alone. Go scout it out before kayaking. Again, I didn’t....and was in for a very rude awakening when I had to abandon my trip. MAKE SURE that you are not going to be trapped in an environment before you set out.

On bailing...

There are nearly countless reasons why a person might need to exit the water. Perhaps you simply need to go around an obstruction or dangerous area before continuing (portage). Maybe it’s more serious than this and you need to call off the trip completely. Regardless of your reason...the need can and does arise. Plan for it.

Attire and Important Gear

Are you dressed appropriately for you environment and the weather? Will you be visible to others on shore or in other watercraft? You do want to be seen, so dress brightly or reflectively!

Did you remember to bring shoes? There are oodles of things that can slice and dice your feet if you want or have to get in and out of your kayak (and at some point, you’ll obviously have to.) I prefer old lace-ups that still have some tred. Sandals and slip-ons usually don’t like to stay on feet when slogging through mud and smooth-bottomed shoes slip on wet rocks...which can lead to nasty falls. Go with what’s going to work for you. There are special shoes out there designed specifically for water sports. If you find that you really enjoy kayaking, you may want to consider investing in a pair or two of these.

Don’t forget to bring a first aid and emergency kit. Take your prescription medicines before setting out, if you can. If you can’t, don’t forget them!

Got a cell phone? Slip that sucker inside a water-proof bag and stow it away. Will you get reception out there in the boondocks? Maybe, maybe not. I’ve been happily surprised a few times. If in doubt, bring it. Have a GPS device? Depending upon your trip’s location and length...you might want to. And again, don’t forget your maps and a compass if you know how to use one.

If you are going some distance, what are you going to do if you have to go to the bathroom? Bring toilet paper and baggies to clean it up, if necessary (some areas are strictly leave no trace environments.) If not necessary, do you know the correct way for preparing and leaving a spot? Check into it. Ladies...is it your girl time? Plan accordingly.

Disposable zip-lock -type bags...leak. Don’t ask me how, they just do. It’s one of the mysteries of the universe. Invest in a good waterproof bag, it pays for itself after the first dunking, unexpected rain shower, or other such wet event.

Bring plenty of water and healthy snacks with you. Stay hydrated! Leave the sodas and alcohol at home. They may taste yummy, but they aren’t going to do you a bit of good out on the water. Sodas and alcoholic beverages don’t hydrate and alcohol can actually impair your judgement and body’s performance. Besides, depending upon your area, having alcohol out on the water might just be illegal.

In Missouri, glass containers on waterways is prohibited. Just an FYI.

Awareness

Pay attention. Always be aware of your surroundings, the lay of the land and water, and what’s in it.

Didn’t see that branch until after it clothes-lined your happy butt? -You should have been paying attention!

Can’t I.D. the snake that slithered in and then snacked on your leg? -If you’d have been paying attention, he might not have made it into the kayak with you in the first place, silly!

We can find ourselves in emergency situations even when we are aware, mindful and being as careful as we can be. Don’t set yourself up for an accident and make things harder on yourself than they already are, for heaven’s sake. Make sure you can see and hear everything going on around you. That means it’s best to ditch the earphones/earbuds and music players at home. Sometimes sounds are the only thing that tell us danger lurks. An example and possible scenario...

You’re on a stream or small river for the first time. You’ve mapped and researched it well, you think. The waters are flowing well, not too high...not too low. Your trip has been going perfectly. All of a sudden, you hear a faint noise. You and you buddy look at each other, he hears it too. It’s coming from up ahead and it’s rapidly becoming louder. It’s the sound of rushing water ....on a calm stream?! You see a gravel bar that you can pull out of the water at safely. After dragging the kayaks up out of the river, you walk down the gravel bar to see what’s going on up ahead. Sure enough, as you peek around the bend, you discover a stretch of rapids that is not supposed to be there. You and your friend are able to discuss the best course of action...pull out and carry your kayaks around the rapids, or go through it?

If you would have had your ears and head stopped up with music in this situation, you would never have heard what was coming up ahead until it was too late to do much about it.

Some of the most fascinating areas to explore while kayaking, are shorelines and the edges of your water environment. You need to be aware though, these edges can get ya!

High banks and loose and/or saturated soils can and do collapse. If you’re close in at the time an entire wall of earth gives way, it can bury or capsize you. Neither of those are good things!

Rocks also can and do frequently come tumbling down. Trees clinging to rock or earth faces can plop down on you too. Think this is a far-fetched possibility? It isn’t and I’ll explain why.

One of my favorite kayaking haunts is in an extremely remote and wild area. Recently, between one visit and the next (we’re only talking of a span of a few days here), a mature (and very large) tree had crashed down blocking an entire cove. As I sat in my kayak during my last visit, I took it all in completely mesmerized by the scene and what it must have been like when it fell. If I’d have been under it or anywhere near it when it gave way, I’d have been toast. If I’d have been a just a bit back from it, the waves from the impact of massive tree and water could have given me some serious moments, as well. I’ve seen other dramatic changes to terrain in enough other areas to know that eventually, the odds are in favor of my happy butt being present during such an event. PLEASE, ALWAYS BE VIGILANT!

...And then of course, there’s wildlife to take into consideration too. I’ll go into this more under that heading.