Kayaking Safety Codes

Kayaking Safety Codes

Safety is a demand while kayaking. The AWA Safety Codes is a source where you can learn valuable information to help you adhere to codes, rules, and laws. Kayaking is a dangerous sporting adventure. You should learn and follow all rules, codes, and laws. The ideal of the codes and laws is in your favor. Kayakers must make sure that they have sufficient skills, equipment, knowledge, etc, before heading off into open waters. This includes still or moving waters.

The first code you will see in the AWA safety codes is the personal, prepared, and responsibility codes. The code states that all kayakers, canoeists, etc, must know how to swim, including underwater. In addition, you must wear a life jacket when lining rapids, approaching shores, or running in waters. At all times you are obligated to maintain control of your boat. You must have the ability to stop your boat, and reach shores without causing harm. You must have the ability to stop your kayak before the danger is present. You cannot enter a rapid, unless you have confidence that you could master the situation.

You must always stay alert to hazards and avoid at all cost. AWA safety codes give you a list of killer situations. The list includes high waters, which power and danger on the river, and insufficient ability to conduct rescue, specifically as the rivers below increases. Before launching your kayak you want to observe the critical passageways as well as the narrow passageways to determine the river flow.

The codes and/or rules include attire. In cold waters, you should wear clothing that will protect you from extreme weather and cold waters. Your clothing should be waterproof and provide you some warmth in waters whole are then 60 degrees.

In rivers, and other waters you have strainers. The strainers include fallen trees, brush, bridge piles, dams, etc. The obstacles can pin your boat, capsize you, etc.

Advisory: obstacles in water do not always warn you ahead of time that dangerous lurk in the distance. Learn how to read the waters.

AWA Codes include, weirs, souse holes, and a reversal is something you really want to read up on. Weirs and dams tend to have water dripping, which curl backwards, and snag your kayak. The water may seem as its going upstream, which is often deceiving. Your only recourse, is too swim beneath the waters surface, especially, in an area where the water is moving downstream, or else attempt to get out of the wave.

It is not recommended that you kayak alone. The recommendation of AWA Safety Codes is that you travel with at least two other passengers in the boat. You will need to learn teamwork and paddling skills. You must also be in good health. The purpose is if you are not in good health you may not have the strength, power, stamina, or energy to manipulate your boat out of danger situations.

You must practice rescue drills to help escape dangerous situations. The drills must include artificial respiration. In addition, you will need to learn how to perform and master the Eskimo Roll; since this roll is overall the only roll that will help you escape most any capsized kayak. You must also wear a crash helmet. The Eskimo rolls will also help you in the event you cannot swim to the shorelines. You must also wear appropriate shoes, which will work to protect your feet against injury. To learn more about AWA Safety Codes and Rules you can also find help online.

See you on the water,
Greg

Deception Pass - Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayaking
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Duration: 1 Day
Season: Spring - Fall
Distance: Play boating spot
Difficulty: Difficult


Deception Pass is one of Washington's favorite spots with visitors flocking to see the spectacular bridge and Pass, making it one of the most visited parks in the nation.
　
Because of Whidbey Island's temperate climate, many birds and waterfowl winter here, including an abundance of bald eagles. Fishing is popular in the area and tent and RV camping are available year round.
　
This area boasts giant old growth forests, 30 miles of hiking trails, 19 miles of saltwater shoreline, 3 freshwater lakes, and 246 campsites. Notable for its unusual variety of water environments, what better way to explore it, than in a kayak?
　
Most people just hop out of the car and head to the center of the Deception Pass Bridge, which connects Whidbey and Fidalgo islands. From that vantage, they snap pictures of sweeping views west toward the Olympic Mountains and east to Mount Baker.
　
But kayaking the waters of the Pass is truly an adventure. Not a beginner paddle, the pass offers opportunities to paddle in strong currents and develop an appreciation for tidal influence.
　
Paddlers need to know how to read a tide chart and plan their excursion around the tidal currents. Currents in the Pass can get up to 8 knots. Some people feel it's similar to paddling a river. There are strong tide rips around the south side of Deception Island. But north and south of the Pass there is plenty of open water for easier paddling.
　
Caution: Deception Pass has a lot of motor boat traffic. Be aware of motor boats when crossing or playing in the current, otherwise stay close to the shoreline and explore the numerous coves.
　
If you are going through the Pass, most paddlers use the route between Pass Island and Fidalgo Island on the north side of the Pass (called Canoe Pass). Motor boat traffic is usually on the south side of the Pass.

Location: From Seattle, drive 64 miles north on Interstate 5 to exit 230 (Anacortes/Burlington). Turn west on State Highway 20 and drive about 12 miles to the Whidbey Island junction. Proceed about six miles south on State Highway 20 to the Deception Pass Bridge. Cross the bridge onto Whidbey Island and drive south down the hill and at the bottom take a right into the campground. Continue past Cranberry Lake to the day-use parking lot on the coast and the put-in.
　
For a map, pictures and more info click on Deception Pass


See you on the water,
Greg