PADDLERsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 04 - Safe Boat Operation

SECURING A PADDLE CRAFT

 

If you don’t secure your paddle craft to shore or to a dock, it could easily drift away! Canoes and kayaks are lightweight—a strong breeze could send either type of paddle craft across a lake pretty quickly. A stray kayak would be a hazard on the water for other boaters. So always secure your paddle craft!

 

How to Secure Your Paddle Craft to a Dock:

  • Tie the bow and stern lines so that the craft is parallel to the dock.
  • Tie the lines tightly enough so that the craft doesn’t bump or scrape against the dock when waves roll in.
  • Dock Tip: Place cushions or bumpers between the dock and the paddle craft to avoid scratching your paddle craft.

How to Secure Your Paddle Craft to a Rocky Shore

  • Exit the paddle craft.
  • Transport the paddle craft beyond the rocky area to a place where it won’t become damaged by the ground beneath it.
  • If the weather becomes stormy, tie the paddle craft to a nearby tree and flip it over to keep the hull from filling with rainwater.

 

How to Secure Your Paddle Craft to a Sandy Beach

  • Exit the paddle craft.
  • Pull the paddle craft onto shore (there’s little risk of damaging the hull on sand).
  • If the weather becomes stormy, transport it away from the water, tie the paddle craft to a neighboring tree and flip it over to keep the hull from filling with rainwater.

 

 

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