NASBLA Public Library

A 2024 survey of state boating educators indicated interest in providing introductory paddlesports programming based on American National Standards. The information should be scalable for programs ranging from 1 to 4-hours or more and adaptable to classroom, shore, and on-water close-to-shore settings. Program content is directed to novice paddlers with little or no prior knowledge or experience in paddlesport safety. This Guide's focus is basic safety and fundamental paddling skills for boat control and self-rescue. This Guide is not a course of training. Instead, it may be used as a blueprint for states interested in developing a paddlesports course specifically meeting this on-water skill standard:  ABYC EDU-2: On-Water Recreational Boating Skills - Human-Propelled .

This Guide emphasizes the importance of proper techniques and precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable paddling experience. Key topics include: understanding the features of your boat; personal protective equipment (PPE) selection and use with focus on life jacket wear; legal requirements and safety gear; skill development such as entering and exiting the boat, capsize recovery (self-rescue and assisted rescue), and basic paddling techniques for boat control.

#Paddlesports
#Kayaking