Have you ever thought about canoeing or kayaking?

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AS outdoor enthusiasts – whether you be a motorhomer, caravanner or camper – you will already have a keen sense of adventure and a passion for enjoying yourself in the fresh air.

The older outandaboutlive users among you may immediately baulk at the prospect of trying out watersports such as canoeing and kayaking but many of you will undoubtedly relish the opportunity at mastering and enjoying a new hobby.

And, if it’s not for you, who’s to say your children or grandchildren wouldn’t love to mess about the water the next time they come and stay with you.

All anyone needs to take to water is that sense of adventure and a healthy dose of common sense. Watersports offer something for everyone, from calm, steady-paced touring on canal and placid waters to competitive dinghy racing.

Here’s some tips on how to get along.

Choose the level of challenge to suit your ability but, most important of all, get out on the water for enjoyment, and, as a family, have fun together.

The most sensible thing you can do is join a local club. It is a safe environment, and will help you master the basic skills more quickly.

There are normally lots of benefits attached, too. The Royal Yachting Association and the British Canoe Union publish regional lists of affiliated clubs that are always happy to welcome new members.

To find your nearest club, visit www.rya.org.uk or www.bcu.org.uk (note: links on this page will open in a new window).

You will learn all the basic techniques and safety rules, and be given expert guidance on how to get the most out of your sailing and paddling.

If your intention is to taking up paddling, bear in mind that not all inland water is open to canoeists, as some is privately owned or is bounded by land that is private.

The BCU has an access officer in each region who can advise you about local canoeing waters. A waterways licence comes with membership of the BCU.

If you or a member of your family has a disability or special needs, you can still enjoy watersports. Both the RYA and the BCU run events and training under Sailability and Paddle-Ability respectively.

Proper equipment is vital
Get equipped

There are some basic pieces of equipment that you will need to enjoy your time on the water safely.

A helmet and buoyancy aid should be worn every time you are out. Wear a properly fitted and approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Pull on the shoulder straps to make sure it cannot slip over the head. Ensure all straps and zippers work well and are fastened.

Other items of clothing will depend on the type of sailing you choose, but it generally needs to be insulated, waterproof and windproof.

It is a good idea to invest in a wetsuit, just in case of capsize. It need not be expensive, and will help keep you insulated, although it will not prevent you from getting wet from the inside out!

An old pair of trainers, sports sandals or Crocs should suffice until you fancy splashing out on a pair of proper booties.

And never forget your sunglasses, water-repellent suncream and insect repellent, because those midges will surely get you when you hit dry land!

Bon voyage

•    Whether you are on a river, canal, lake or in the sea, you should be able to swim at least 50 metres in sailing clothing.

•    It is not sound practice to set out on an expedition alone, or without practice or experience.

•    If in an open canoe or kayak, start easy rivers or canals and gradually work up.

•    On fast rivers and the sea, there should be at least three boats in a group, so that they can help each other if the need arises.

•    Do not attempt sea or estuary canoeing until you have had more experience, can navigate well and have learned about winds, tides and currents.

Be prepared

•    If you capsize, know the drill of how to right your boat and get back on board on your own.

•    Take account of water, flows, levels and weather conditions.

•    Be aware of the hazards on your chosen journey and ensure you are confident in the ability of your party to negotiate them.

•    Use suitable equipment in good condition.

•    Canoeists will meet a variety of land and water users on their journeys. Common sense and polite communications can help to improve understandings.

•    Keep a lookout for anglers whilst paddling to avoid lines and nets

What a perfect way to end the day

Safety at sea

•    Wear a personal flotation device or lifejacket, as you never know when you are going to find yourself in the water. Both will keep you afloat, but a PFD will also allow for more freedom of movement, which is why wind surfers, paddlers and dinghy sailors prefer it.

•    If you have an engine in your craft, then know the basics of starting, running and maintaining it.

•    Tell others where you are going. Very often a vessel being overdue precipitates the start of an incident. The immediate problem for search and rescue is to know where to start the search pattern.

•    Keep charts up-to-date.

•    Having a basic knowledge of navigation will increase your chances of not going aground on sandbanks or rocks.

•    Carry some means of calling for help. If you intend travelling coastal waters, carry a fixed VHF radio. If you intend to use a boat for inland use, then you could opt for a handheld VHF radio – both require an operator’s licence.

Flares are normally used as a backup to your primary method of calling for help and come in a variety of types. If you kayak or go to sea in a small craft, opt for the smaller personal flares and make sure you keep them in a waterproof container. Mobile phones are not an effective means of calling for help.

•    Always check the weather forecast, tides and currents before you set off. Get regular updates if you are planning to be out for any length of time. Be prepared to change your plans or cancel the trip if the forecast is unfavourable.

•    Make a note of local contact details for such organisations as the Coastguard, Lifeguards, Police, RNLI.

•    Get proper training, and always boat within your limits.

The RNLI has a wealth of information on safety and other invaluable advice. Visit www.rnli.org.uk

Caring for the environment

The canoe and dinghy are traditional craft used throughout the world for exploring wilderness areas and observing wildlife and flora. It causes no erosion, noise or pollution, and leaves no trace of its passing. Follow these simple steps and ensure your presence is not detrimental to the environment:

•    Leave the environment as you find it.

•    Find out about the area before you go, noting its sensitive places, species and breeding seasons.

•    Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home with you.

•    Keep noise to a minimum.

•    Take care not to cause damage when launching or landing along natural banks.

•    Where possible keep to any designated paths or launching points.

•    Gravel banks may contain fish spawn – avoid paddling over them in low water conditions.

•    Paddle or sail at a distance and in a manner to minimise any disturbance to wildlife.

•    Report pollution or damage to the relevant authorities:

Environment Agency 24-hour incident reporting – 0800 80 70 60
British Waterways Emergencies – 0800 479 9947
Report birds or animals in distress to RSPCA 0990 55 59 99 (24 hours)
Coastguard and other emergencies 999

After watersports

Most inland and coastal waters contain fluctuating levels of bacteria from a variety of sources, so always wash or shower as soon as possible after you have been in the water.

The commonest illness is a mild tummy upset. More serious infections such as that of the liver (Hepatitis A) can occur through swallowing contaminated food or water.

You may have heard of Weil’s disease, which is commonly carried by rats and excreted in their urine, which contaminates water and wet riverbanks.

•    Remember to take a towel with you.

•    Cover minor scratches or cuts with a waterproof plaster.

•    Before you replace the calories that you burned on the water, remember to wash your hands first to clear up any lingering bacteria.

•    Look after your equipment. Wash it, dry it and store it properly

Find out more about watersports - canoeing and kayaking in particular - by visiting our sister-website, Canoe&Kayak.

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