5 Tips for Paddling Safely

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[00:00:00.00] Text, L. L. Bean, 5 Tips for Paddling Safely

[00:00:03.93] Kevin

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[00:00:04.91] Today we're going to be talking about five tips for paddling safely. When you're out paddling, whether you're kayaking standup paddling or canoeing, a type III vest is really comfortable to use. They're a little bit more adjustable, they're more comfortable to wear. And these are inherently buoyant, so when you have them on and they're properly fitted, they're the best ones you can have.

[00:00:26.24] This is a men's vest, and this one over here is the women's vest. They now have them in different cuts. This is a little bit less foam in the front, a little bit bigger armholes, and more comfortable for women. So this is also a type III life jacket or PFD that's a lower profile. This is great for paddling, for kayaking, or especially standup paddling, where you're a little bit more movement oriented.

[00:00:46.94] What makes it a low profile life vest is that it's a little bit smaller, more compact, flotation on the front and the back, and bigger openings on the sides so it's more comfortable to move around. When you're standup paddling, another option that you may see people use is a waist belt life jacket.

[00:01:01.64] When you're using those by law, that has to be on the individual at all times. And the best way to wear a PFD or a life jacket is to have it on and properly fitted.

[00:01:11.43] This is my own personal life vest that I use for work and every time I go on the water. It is a type III life vest for paddling, for canoeing, kayaking, and standup paddling. Let me show you how I put it on.

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[00:01:21.53] Clips in front.

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[00:01:22.41] First I click the waist belt, and this inner buckle here. Next, I zip up the front. And then this life vest has six side adjustments, three at each side. And I start pulling forward on each one until it's nice and snug. And the last two are by the shoulders and it pulls down and forward.

[00:01:40.74] When the life vest is properly adjusted, it won't come up off my body at all. And remember, life vests don't work if you don't have one on. Sometimes when you're out kayaking, people can capsize. So here's some great rescue equipment that you can use to get you back in the boat.

[00:01:55.08] This is a paddle float, which we use for our paddle float self-rescue once you've capsized. The blade of the paddle goes into the float and then you blow it up through the tube, and that creates a kickstand that'll help you be able to get back into your boat. Once you're back into the boat, this is a bilge pump that can help empty the water out of the boat, and this is a sponge to get even more water out.

[00:02:15.27] This is a rescue sling. It's a piece of 1 inch tubular webbing, has also a float so don't lose it in the water. And basically, I can pull this out and it will create a stirrup that I can help people get into a kayak or a back on a standup paddleboard.

[00:02:29.04] The next piece of equipment I'd like to talk about is a tow belt. They're really great if you're out paddling with a bunch of people, and somebody might get a little bit injured or tired, or maybe the weather changes and they're having trouble getting back. If somebody has a tow belt, they might be able to assist them getting back to where you started from.

[00:02:44.01] Another great piece of safety equipment is flares, especially when you're out on the water to have that visual distress aid, only to be used in an emergency. And these are not waterproof. So putting it in like a Nalgene bottle will make it very easy to keep it safe while you're on the water. One of the most important things when you're out on the water is to know where you are and know how to get home safely.

[00:03:04.24] This is a chart, which is a map that covers water when you're out in the ocean, or else you'd have a map if you're more inland. And also a handheld compass. These are really important for knowing where you are and how to get home. This is a deck mounted compass which is great when you're out on the ocean paddling.

[00:03:18.84] GPS are also a really nice tool to use. You have to learn how to use it, and look for the ones with the features that you want. This is a handheld GPS, and my watch also has a GPS too.

[00:03:29.40] One of the essential items to bring with that group when you're out paddling is a first aid kit. They're great for the unexpected things from little cuts and scrapes to little bit bumps and bruises, you always want to be prepared. One of the nice things is you could also make your own.

[00:03:41.71] I also make sure to put it in a dry bag so it's 100% waterproof when you're out there. It's always great to have some extra essential items. Clothes. So if the weather changes, the wind picks up or somebody goes in and gets wet, now you have things to make them warm and comfortable, extra water, food, and a lot of extra sunscreen.

[00:03:59.88] Now that you have these tips to keep you paddling safely on the water, I hope to see you out there soon.

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[00:04:04.29] A pair of kayakers paddles over smooth water.

[00:04:06.99] Logo, L.L. Bean, Be an Outsider

[00:04:09.99] An image shows hikers arriving at a summit as the sun sets behind them.