7.5 River Kayaking/Canoeing

7.5 River Kayaking/Canoeing

▪Ensure a nominated person

ashore is aware of your itinerary, departure and return times.

River kayaking ranges from touring on slow moving Grade 1 water in either open canoes or recreational kayaks, to the more extreme white water river running, which can include whitewater rapids, waterfalls and features such as stoppers and undercuts. Trained and competent persons only should attempt the more extreme activities.

Canoeing/Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

▪Have a passage plan and

alternative emergency plans, e.g. safe landing area down wind, etc, and log a Traffic Report message via the nearest Coast Guard Radio Station (see page 18).

▪Do not operate alone - kayak in

company.

▪If capsized and floating outside

In addition to the basic safety precautions mentioned in previous sections, operators should observe the following additional checks and advice:

your craft, remain with it. It offers a better target to rescuers and has a high buoyancy factor. Do not attempt to swim for shore unless adjacent to the shore.

The following additional equipment should be considered:

▪Hulls are examined for damage

each time prior to entering the water;

▪Flares

▪Potential courses should be

▪Towrope/throw bag

assessed and studied for hidden dangers, snags, hazards, currents, etc., prior to putting boats in the water;

▪Torch

▪Suitable knife

▪Portable waterproof VHF radio

▪Boats should never operate alone

▪Portable GPS unit

on a stretch of water;

▪Personal Locator Beacon

▪In extreme and difficult locations,

▪First Aid Kit

bank-based rescue should be considered to provide safety cover and the rapid recovery of persons in distress. It is recommended that training and education be undertaken to acquire the skills to provide this cover;

▪Spare food/drink

▪Paddle float/leash

▪Sunscreen protection (SPF factor

30 or higher and UVA protection) and sun hat.

Essential equipment should be carried on the person and the remainder in an easily recoverable buoyant grab bag.

▪Contact numbers for medical

assistance/rescue authorities/ lockkeepers should be available on site;

▪Kayaks should have adequate

▫Throw bag;

buoyancy;

▫Knife;

▪Get First Aid training and carry a

▫Method of towing;

First Aid kit on river trips;

▫Dry clothes;

▪If carrying a throwbag, also carry

▫Group shelter;

a knife;

▫Food and money;

▪Depending on the difficulty of the

▫Matches/lighter.

river, consider carrying some of the following:

▪Be aware of the river’s grading

and of the water level before committing. The different grades are listed in the Table below:

▫Split paddles;

▫Webbing slings and carabiners;

▫Duct tape;

Grade I: Flat Water

Water is stationary or extremely slow moving and without any obstructions.

Grade II: Moderately Difficult

The way down a river is clear but simple obstructions do exist. Small stoppers and small drops can be present. There are places where the flow accelerates. There is a choice of routes.

Grade III: Difficult

There is a route that is easily recognisable from the water. Waves can be irregular. Boulders and obstructions can be numerous. Stoppers and small eddies exist. Inspection is advisable.

Grade IV: Very Difficult

The route is not always clear and inspection is advisable. Rapids are continuous and breakouts are few and small. Stoppers are powerful. Continual manoeuvring with precise control and good decision making is required.

Grade V: Extremely Difficult

Inspection is essential because serious dangers can exist. Large drops, narrow passages, very complex boulder fields, ever changing water and difficult holes are characteristic of this grade. Difficulties are continuous.

The Canoeing Ireland website has more detail on the levels of river grading (https://www.canoe.ie/river-grading-and-area-definitions/).