Paddle Sports: An Introduction for Coast Guard Auxiliarists Don Goff, BC-BLC March 2014

Agenda Some questions Some facts Some issues What’s SUP? Some answers for PE’s Some answers for VE’s Some answers for PV’s Some answers for PA’s Some more information Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 2

A quiz! How many people participate in paddle sports (canoe, kayak, raft) annually? A) million B) million C) 50+ million Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 3

Quiz How many people participate in paddle sports annually? C) 50+ million Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 4

Another Question Which paddle sport activity has the highest level of participation? A) Rafting B) Canoeing C) Kayaking Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 5

Another answer Which paddle sport activity has the highest level of participation? B) Canoeing (23 million) Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 6

A Third Question Which paddle sport activity has the highest level of growth over the past decade? A) Rafting B) Canoeing C) Kayaking Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 7

A Third Answer Which paddle sport activity has the highest level of growth over the past decade? C) Kayaking Grew from 2 million to 14.7 million participants in a 10 year period. Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 8

Paddle Sport Participation Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 9

10 Registered Vessels and Deaths

Paddle Sports Deaths Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 11

What’s SUP? Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 12

Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 13 Boats in Aisle Five Many boats are sold by retailers who are not paddlers Most boats sold without any instruction

All Fun, but…. Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 14

How to Address the Problems Challenge: Connect with Paddlers Solution: Join the Community! Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 15

Us—as often seen by Paddlers Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 16

Addressing the Problem--PEs Paddlesports America Course* A seminar course: –4 Hours long –Classroom only –No exam –Downloadable form AKA “Paddle Smart America” Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 17

Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 18 Paddlesports America Paddlesports America is a safety course designed to attract the novice paddle enthusiasts. This is a four-hour course. Topics: –Know Your Paddlecraft - parts of a canoe and kayak; understanding paddlecraft characteristics, e.g., basic types, hull shapes hull materials, lengths and widths and weights; selecting your paddle for both canoe and kayak. – Before You Get Underway - knowing capacity and how to file a float plan; transporting paddlecraft; conducting a pre-departure check; dressing for a safe trip; loading gear in a canoe or kayak; storing paddle craft; the responsibilities when paddling with others. – Operating Your Boat Safely - how to enter and exit a canoe or kayak safely; securing the paddlecraft and sharing the waterways with others; the U. S. Aids to Navigation System (ATONS); learning about local hazards on waterways. – The Legal Requirements of Boating -vessel registration, hull identification numbers and who may operate a paddlecraft; unlawful operation; Homeland Security restrictions; policies on 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. (State specific information may be added at the end of this chapter.) – Boating emergencies Minimizing the risk of drowning, capsizing, swamping or falling overboard; emergency techniques; how to deal with cold water immersion and hypothermia; understanding heat related illness; dehydration; handling weather emergencies.

2013 PE-Sector Baltimore Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 19

Addressing the Problem--VEs 7012A - Paddle Craft Vessel Safety Check: Not much required, but lots to talk about! Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 20

Carriage Requirements Life Jacket Sound-producing device All around white light (during periods of reduced visibility) Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 21

Optional, But Important Floatation Visibility Communications Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 22

Flotation Your boat’s: –Native buoyancy –Added floatation bags Yours: –Your life jacket—wear it –Stay with the boat—it floats (a 16’ life jacket!) Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 23

Visibility Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 24

Response Times Response times at ¼ mph—15 mph—20 mph—30 seconds Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 25

Communications Distress signals –Sound –Visual Electronics –Cell phones vs. marine radios –DSC! Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 26

Manage Risks Float Plan with a friend or relative Alcohol and the Rule of 3s Know your limits Know your equipment’s limits Know how to use your safety gear— practice (at least annually)! Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 27

Put your name and your home telephone number on your boat! Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 28 John Doe Home phone Another phone-spouse cell If you had your cell phone in the kayak, it won’t work wet!

Orange Stickers Order from Boating Orders: ml (100 per person for free) ml ACA at: ym.com/store/ViewProduct.aspx?ID= ($4.00 per 10 pack) ym.com/store/ViewProduct.aspx?ID= Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 29

Addressing the Problem--PVs New set of “customers”: Outfitters and vendors e.g., REI, LL Bean, Hudson Trail, Gander Mountain, etc. Commercial Tour Guides e.g., Adventure Crafters School of Coastal Kayaking; Outward Bound; Chesapeake Experience, Inc., Potomac Paddlesports / Chesapeake Kayak School, Canoe Kayak and Paddle Company, etc. Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 30

Addressing the Problem--PAs New materials at ANSC –Brochures running out –CDs and DVDs are still available –Limited supply –Posters at ACA web site. Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 31

Clubs and Groups MARYLAND: Chesapeake Paddlers Association, Inc. Greater Baltimore Canoe Club Monocacy Canoe Club Potomac River Paddlers Delmarva Paddlers Boy and Girl Scouts Camps Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 32

Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 33 The American Canoe Association (ACA) and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to promote safety among those who use kayaks, canoes and other paddle craft.

Paddle Craft Operator Now authorized in D5S—coming soon to a Sector near you! Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 34

Questions? Contact me at: More information about Paddle Sport safety: =Paddlesports Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 35

Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator 36