Caring for Boats

Some paddlers have purchased their own boats, floorboards, paddles, buns, lifebelts, etc.  These are marked accordingly and should not be used without permission.  Coaches will determine the appropriate boat for paddlers to use, one of the reasons being that there is a maximum weight rating for different kayaks.  Only experienced paddlers may use the boats that are designed for racing.

Before and While Using Boats and Equipment….

Make sure you are instructed on how to carry your boat and place it in the water.  Ask a coach if you are not sure.  Remember…..

• Two people, especially if Bantam aged or new paddlers, are required to transport single boats.
• Larger boats always require a minimum of two people carrying them.
• K-4s are to be carried by a minimum of three people, preferably four, closer to the cockpit area, not by the bow or stern.
• War canoes require a combined effort by all its paddlers to get it in and out of the water.
• Don’t lay a boat on the dock.
• Don’t lift K boats by the rim of the cockpit – it is only glued on and not strong enough to withstand the weight.
• Handle paddles carefully.  Don’t throw them.  Don’t lean on them.  Don’t grind them into the ground.
• Floorboards are required in all wooden C boats.
• All wing nuts, foot rests, seats and runners must be left in the correct boat.
• Do not stand up in a boat, especially a wooden boat.
• Do not hang your feet out of a boat.
• Never purposely jump out of a boat at any time during a regatta or throw equipment while on the water.
• Never tie, strap or secure yourself to a boat or its floorboard, in any manner, during training or in competition.

After Using Boats and Equipment….

• Never try to take a kayak out of the water when it is full of water! To empty the water from a boat,
  • First turn the kayak right side up.
  • Push down on the nose, letting as much water run to the front of the boat as is possible.
  • Pick up the nose of the boat and quickly turn it upside down, letting the water run out of the cockpit
    Repeat this procedure two or three times.
• Towel off your boat to dry and clean it before placing it on its storage rack.  This applies to both wood and plastic boats.  A wet plastic boat can drip onto a wooden boat below causing dry rot.  At the same time, examine the boat for any damage.
• Return boats to their designated spot.  Boats stored outside the boathouse must be secured with a bungee cord.
• Replace paddles after use in the appropriate colored rack.  Paddles left on the ground or dock could get broken or cause a fall for someone carrying a boat.
• Boat covers left on the ground pick up dirt and sand which scratch a boat’s finish.  Make sure covers are hung up or rolled and placed in an appropriate spot off the ground.
• All other equipment should be returned to its proper storage place.  This includes life belts, life jackets, buns and floorboards.
• Report any damage at once to your coach; fill out a ‘damage report’.