Paddle Sports: An Introduction for Coast Guard Auxiliarists

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

2. 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

3. A quiz! How many people participate in paddle sports (canoe, kayak, raft) annually? A) 15 - 25 million B) 25 - 50 million C) 50+ million Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. Registered Vessels and Deaths Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator

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

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

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

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

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

17. 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

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. Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator

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

20. 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

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

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

23. 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

24. Visibility flash Paddle Motion Clothing Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator

25. Response Times Response times at ¼ mile: @60 mph—15 seconds @45 mph—20 seconds @30 mph—30 seconds Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator

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

27. Manage Risks Thoughtfully • 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

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

29. Orange Stickers • Order from Boating Orders: http://www.boatingorders.com/pacriffost.html (100 per person for free) • ACA at: http://aca.site-ym.com/store/ViewProduct.aspx?ID=1917813($4.00 per 10 pack) Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

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. Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator

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

35. Questions? • Contact me at: auxgoff@gmail.com • More information about Paddle Sport safety: http://auxbdeptwiki.cgaux.org/index.php?title=Paddlesports Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator

36. Prepared by Don Goff, D5S Paddlecraft Coordinator