basic canoeing
TRANSCRIPT
Basic responsibilities of a boat operator
Fish & Boat Commission requirements
Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs)
Canoe Nomenclature
How to design a paddling trip
Safety
You will learn………
Method of EvaluationNotebook –Important handouts and information Design a paddling trip
Swamp a canoe
Demonstrate skills
QuizPARTICIPATION
There are over 2000 low-head dams on Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams.
Water going over the dam creates a back current or undertow that can pull a boat into the turbulence and capsize it. This hydraulic can trap a boat and hold the person and/or boat.
Not all dams are marked! When you look downstream, if you see a horizontal line, paddle to shore, it might be a dam!
Before you leave for a trip, check water maps for dams. To not know can be deadly!
Clouds gathering, darkening and increasing in size
Always watch out for
changes in the weather!
Sudden temperature drop
Rapid wind shift or speed change
Lightning in the distance
If any of the above happens, paddle to shore, secure your boat and seek shelter
Other hazards:Overheating and sunburn
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrateSunscreen and a hat is a must!
Submerged objectsRocks, stumps and logs can damage your
hull
Other boaters do crazy thing!
ALCOHOLNever drink and boat! It can be deadly!
Always file a float
plan! Leave it with
someone who IS
NOT going on the
trip, but will notice if
you have not
checked-in by the
designated time.Even if you are
going on a short
day trip. Weird
things happen
when you are on
the water and it’s
good to have
someone know
when and where
you are paddling!
Personal WatercraftReaches speeds of 40-60 mph
Always use caution around pump
intake
Cut-off switch attached to safety
lanyard – MUST BE
ATTACHED TO OPERATOR!
All PWC operators, no matter the age, must
have in their possession, a Boating Safety
Education Certificate.
Persons under 11 yrs may not operate PWC
Everyone on board must wear a life jacket
Illegal to operate from sunset to sunrise
Fire extinguisher, sound producing device
and registration numbers must be onboard
Illegal to tow a water skier behind PWC with
a capacity of two people or less
Water SkiingPFD must be worn AT ALL TIMES!
Onboard you must have a driver and a
competent observer to watch skier – should
know hand signals
Illegal to water ski sunset to sunrise
Tow rope may not exceed 80 feet nor be
shorter than 20 feet
Teak surfing is illegal for all ages
No sitting, riding, hanging onto swim
platform or ladder – except when
launching or docking
Rocker Types
More pronounced means easier to turn the canoe, but harder to track straight.
Moderate means reasonable turning ability and tracking – good for most recreational canoes.
Minimal rocker means great for tracking, but clumsy in turning. Good for a touring boat.
The Paddler’s Standard of Conduct
1.Obey all rules and regulations
2.Respect private property
Use only public lands and access
points to launch
Do not cross private property
without permission
When using private property, never
leave litter or engage in
inappropriate behavior
3.Be considerate of others on the water
Paddle in control
Avoid interfering with
recreational activities of others
Be courteous and polite
4. Give anglers a wide berth
5. Never change clothes in public view.
6. Respect local culture and standards of
conduct
7.Give back to the waterway
- volunteer for organized waterway
clean-ups, ie: Canonsburg Lake
- report pollution or other waterway
degradation to appropriate
officials
- support causes and organizations
that are
working to safeguard the nation’s
recreational waters
http://www.savecanonsburglake.org