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Kayaking Safety
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Playing in the sea off our coast is as extreme as the situation you place yourself in! - In other words on a calm sunny day and with the application of a little common sense, you will be as safe (or as unsafe) as the other 110 million "day trippers" per year to the seaside! Although kayaking is "an assumed risk sport" the key to kayaking safely is to know your limitations, being critically aware of your abilities and spending sufficient time to assess the conditions and risks of the day for yourself. AND, if you are not confident in your ability to handle the conditions on the day stay out of the water and don't worry about what anyone else thinks! |
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Basic Club Rules
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Always ensure that you and your canoe/kayak are properly equipped. As a minimum you should always:
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*Weaver Fish A hazard to paddlers at low tide, weaver fish bury themselves in the sand and can cause a painful sting if trodden on. To avoid the risk, wear footwear or start swimming as soon as you are in deep enough water. The cure for a weaver fish sting is to place the foot (or hand) as soon as possible in very hot water (as hot as bearable). Heat destroys the toxin and the pain will subside after a few minutes. |
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A Fundamental Club Rule is Simply Don't Kayak Alone!
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Although this is considered a strict rule in our club for beginners, there is a lot of debate surrounding this in relation to experienced paddlers. The British Canoe Union says; "there should never be less than three", and it is very good advice and should be heeded, but in the end it's up to you assess the risks and your ability, make sufficient provision for your own safety ... and decide for yourself! HOWEVER a bit of advice that should never be ignored is to make sure someone knows where you are, stay close to the shore and don't paddle out into the channel unless you are in a group! - stupidity will usually end uncomfortably! If you are a group of new paddlers to the club and have all learned your capsize drill and want to paddle in the sea together, the best time to go out is low tide as the sea remains shallow for quite a distance and you should be able to stand up if you exit your kayak (that is if you stay close to shore as advised). There are some other obvious things to consider here such as the conditions on the day and rocks, stones and other sharp objects under the surface, so you will need follow our basic club rules regarding appropriate paddling gear and equipment. |
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