big lake Safety
TIPS FOR PADDLING IN THE GREAT LAKES
• Check the weather before heading out on Lake Huron. Anything over 8-10 MPH winds can create
significant waves that can easily overtake a kayak.
• Pull the kayak or SUP into knee-deep water and get in quickly. Approach the incoming breakers
head-on with a strong forward stroke. Taking the waves sideways will cause the vessel and/or the
paddler to flip.
• Always wear a life jacket (PFD). There are many different styles (vest, belt pack, Co2 charged, etc.)
• It is a good idea to wear something brightly colored (that contrasts with the water color) in the
event someone needs to search for you.
• If using a SUP on the Great Lakes, use a leash. A leash attaches the SUP to the paddler so if the paddler dumps, the SUP will not float away. (NOTE: do
NOT use a leash that drags in the water when SUP paddling on a river, as it could get tangled in weeds or logs and pull the paddler under)
• Stay within a swimmable distance of shore and out of high wind and waves until you’ve mastered the skills necessary to handle rougher water.
• 100Rule. Consider air and water temperatures when heading out. If the air temperature plus the water temperature equals 100 or greater, your risk
of hypothermia is lowered (as long as you are within 30 minutes of dry land/safety). Wear a wet or dry suit if hypothermia is a risk, in the event of
falling in. The US Coast Guard warns that water temps below 60F can induce cold water shock.
• If you dump in cold water that is over your head, blow your emergency whistle and consider floating/huddling to conserve energy. Only attempt to
swim toward shore if you are confident you can make it or the water is not terribly deep. Keep in mind that the Great Lakes act more like an ocean
than an inland lake; and cold water can cause you to gasp for air, increase blood pressure and heart rate, leading to exhaustion and heart failure.
• Learn how to identify Rip Currents.
• Have a fall-out plan. A fear of many beginning paddlers is falling into the water. It’s important to remember that a spill can and may occur ANY TIME
you are out on the water. Learn how to wet exit and how to re-enter your paddle vessel. The more you practice in calm water, the more you’ll be
able to keep your head in a real-life situation.
• Paddle with a buddy, carry a whistle, an extra paddle and an extra life preserver for the group. You never know when a paddle may break, or a series
of unfortunate events may leave you floating.
• Alert someone on land as to your location plans and expected time of
return. In the event that you do not return by a specified late cut-off time,
your land contact person will be tasked with searching for you and/or
alerting emergency services.
• Onshore vs. Offshore breeze. Onshore breeze is any wind that blows from
a large body of water toward or onto land. Offshore wind refers to any
wind blowing from land out over open water. An onshore breeze may
make it a little harder to paddle out, but will make paddling toward shore
easier. An Offshore breeze will make paddling out very easy, and will
make it more difficult to get back to shore.
Sources: https://thekayakers.com/real-sea-kayaks/#.WyPa_YgvzIU
http://www.kayarchy.com/html/01equipment/010otherkayaks.htm
https://www.thoughtco.com/introduction-to-sup-2555699
https://www.canoekayak.com/start-paddling/sea-paddling-safety-101/
Some simple safety tips can help you have a successful
adventure. Check the weather, use a sea kayak, wear a life
preserver, carry an extra paddle, and paddle with a buddy.
Albany shipwreck, photo courtesy Bob Grochowski.
Choose Walk-In Care For
Minor Illnesses and Injuries
NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED
199 Long Rapids Road, Alpena
Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Minor Cuts and Scrapes
Sprains or Strains
Minor Burns or Rashes
Cold or Flu Symptoms
Long Rapids Plaza -
346 Long Rapids Plaza
Alpena, MI 49707
Phone: (989) 358-3500
Ossineke Services -
11745 U.S. 23 South
Ossineke, MI 49766
Phone: (989) 471-2156
Wildcat Clinic -
309 W. Lake Street
Alpena, MI 49707
Phone: (989) 358-3998
AHC Dental -
3036 French Rd.
Alpena, MI 49707
Phone: (989) 358-3946
Alpena Services -
1185 U.S. 23 North
Alpena, MI 49707
Phone: (989) 356-4049
Most
Insurance
Accepted.
Sliding fee
available.
WWW.ALCONAHEALTHCENTERS.ORG
VisitAlpena.com 43
/#.WyPa_YgvzIU
/010otherkayaks.htm
/introduction-to-sup-2555699
/
/WWW.ALCONAHEALTHCENTERS.ORG
/VisitAlpena.com