Paddlesports America Course

This course is designed to give the novice canoeist or kayaker the  basic safety information needed to have fun on the water. Topics include:
Know Your Paddle Craft: Parts of a canoe and kayak; understanding paddle craft characteristics such as basic types,  lengths and weights; selecting your paddle for both canoe and kayak.
Before You Get Underway: Knowing your paddle craft's capacity and how to file a float plan; conducting a pre-departure check; dressing for a safe trip; loading gear; paddling with others. Operating Your Boat Safely: How to enter and exit a canoe or kayak safely; securing the paddle craft and sharing the waterways with others; the U. S. Aids to Navigation System (ATONS); learning about local hazards.
The Legal Requirements of Boating: Vessel registration, unlawful  operation, alcohol and drugs. Life jackets; navigation lights; sound- producing devices and visual distress signals; protection of environment and what to do if in a boating accident.
Boating Emergencies, What to Do: Minimizing the risk of drowning, capsizing, swamping or falling overboard; emergency techniques; how to deal with cold water immersion and hypothermia; handling weather emergencies.