This article was produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, basic safety practices apply to any and every paddler who steps off shore. The most fundamental of those rules is a single, essential piece of gear: Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD), otherwise known as a life jacket.

Paddling Safety 101: Always Paddle With a Partner

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It is hard to overstate the required need for a life jacket with the uncertainties on any body of water. Beyond an unplanned swim that could quickly turn fatal, the law requires you to have one for every person in every boat, plus federal law requires all children under 13 to wear life jackets whenever they’re on the water (state rules may also apply). That includes kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. The folks at your local paddling shop can help you find the right kind of USCG-approved life jacket for the type of paddling you do, and the proper fit.

What Kayakers Can Learn From the New York Ferry Collision

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And if you’re one of those people who thinks life jackets are only for children or people who aren’t strong swimmers, think again. There’s a reason that you’ll never see an experienced paddler without one. It’s the first, most simple, and correct choice that you make prior to launch. And remember: A life jacket only works to save your life when you have one, and you wear one. Always wear a PFD. Check Out More Paddling Safety Stories Here

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This article was produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, basic safety practices apply to any and every paddler who steps off shore. The most fundamental of those rules is a single, essential piece of gear: Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD), otherwise known as a life jacket.

Paddling Safety 101: Always Paddle With a Partner

Read article

It is hard to overstate the required need for a life jacket with the uncertainties on any body of water. Beyond an unplanned swim that could quickly turn fatal, the law requires you to have one for every person in every boat, plus federal law requires all children under 13 to wear life jackets whenever they’re on the water (state rules may also apply). That includes kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. The folks at your local paddling shop can help you find the right kind of USCG-approved life jacket for the type of paddling you do, and the proper fit.

Paddling Safety 101: Always Paddle With a Partner

Read article

Paddling Safety 101: Always Paddle With a Partner

What Kayakers Can Learn From the New York Ferry Collision

Read article

And if you’re one of those people who thinks life jackets are only for children or people who aren’t strong swimmers, think again. There’s a reason that you’ll never see an experienced paddler without one. It’s the first, most simple, and correct choice that you make prior to launch. And remember: A life jacket only works to save your life when you have one, and you wear one. Always wear a PFD.

What Kayakers Can Learn From the New York Ferry Collision

Read article

What Kayakers Can Learn From the New York Ferry Collision

For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!

More Videos

							The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More							





							Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey							





							Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City							

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							The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More							





							Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey							





							Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City							

More Videos

							The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More							





							Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey							





							Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City							

More Videos

							The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More							





							Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey							





							Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City							

More Videos

							The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More							





							Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey							





							Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City