On all LSKC paddles each individual is responsible for their own safety. The club promotes safety through training opportunities and by encouraging members to develop their skills. As with any outdoor pursuit, sea kayaking carries an element of risk. It can be hazardous and, in extreme cases, fatal. It is important that members study the information below, understand the basis of their participation and not put themselves or other paddlers at risk.
The majority of club paddles are not led or guided by qualified instructors. They are essentially peer paddles, with an organiser who is a volunteer. Organisers do not accept responsibility for other paddlers or for instructing them as part of the paddle. Members take part at their own risk and are responsible for their personal safety. They should be satisfied that they have sufficient skills and experience to cope with the existing and forecast conditions on the day. The decision to take part is one for the individual member. They are also responsible for having appropriate food, drink, clothing and equipment for what is proposed and for getting it to the launch site.
Details of club paddles will be posted on the website by the paddle organiser, who acts as a coordinator. They will post up details of the time, place and likely duration of the paddle, together with its grading – A, B or C (see below). They may add more detailed information about the likely level of difficulty and their assessment of the skill level required. They will include the weather forecast and tidal information for the area.
The organiser is responsible for preparing and delivering a Beach Briefing (Details below) at the launch site, which will include the details posted on the website, together with any updates (e.g. for weather, sea conditions, etc) available. They should keep a copy of the key information included in the briefing and a note of those taking part, and send a copy to a Committee member afterwards.
Participants remain responsible for checking the weather conditions leading up to and on the day, and being satisfied whether it remains within their capability.
Paid up club members taking part in these club or “official” paddles will normally be covered by public liability insurance cover.
LSKC members may also organise paddles informally with other selected members. These may also be open to non members. But they are not considered club paddles, and members taking part may not be covered by the public liability insurance cover which the club enjoys as an SCA affiliate. (If they are individual SCA members in their own right, they may be insured. If they are uncertain they should consult the SCA).
Content of Paddle Notice on website
KEY INFORMATION : –
- Name and contact details of organiser (e mail, mobile)
- Date, time, – time for meeting; + time to be on the water (OTW)
- Place – may include details of parking charges, barriers, other constraints; map reference if necessary
- Grading A,B or C
- Weather forecast
- Tides
- Estimated duration, distance.
WHERE APPROPRIATE SOME OR OTHER OF: –
- Rest/landing points
- Opt out/escape points
- Any tidal “gates”
- Sea state/surf
- Hazards
- Special features – e,g, limit on numbers, some surf experience advisable, etc.
IF YOU INTEND TO COME :–
- let the organiser know in advance – (numbers may be restricted)
- let the the organiser know what safety gear you have, and your level of skills and experience.
Paddle Gradings
“Grade A is in sheltered water.
Participants should be capable of paddling 20km (12 miles) per day in Force 2/3 conditions.”
(This may apply to short local evening paddles, part day outings and beginners trips, but is very much subject to weather conditions as totally sheltered sea venues are relatively rare.)
“Grade B is in more challenging waters and may include tidal streams, exposed headlands, and open crossings between islands. Participants should be capable of paddling 25km (16 miles) per day in up to Force 4 conditions. A Four Star paddler would feel comfortable on such a trip.”
(This would frequently apply to local evening, part day and all day paddles and weekend trips which are not excessively exposed. Again this is hugely subject to weather conditions on the day.)
“Grade C participants should be capable of paddling in more difficult conditions than Grade B for a longer time.”
(This may apply to more adventurous day and weekend paddles and longer trips where exposure or duration makes the conditions very likely to change. May encompass ANY of the above trip types, where weather and sea conditions are more challenging on the day.)
Generally we would not plan to be out in grade C conditions unless all paddlers are known to be sufficiently experienced, equipped and consent to such a trip.
Content of Beach Briefing
Who’s who: introductions.
Weather, tides, sea state: recap overall conditions and forecast.
- Weather
- Tide (HW/LW/stream)
Abilities: level of experience, rescue skills, fitness (including existing injuries); remind everyone to make own assessment of conditions and communicate with leader / group if uncomfortable in any way.
Route plan: route, distance, timings, any critical tidal “gates”, rest/landing points, any hazards, opt outs/escapes, re-grouping and decision points along the way.
Safety kit: Check what safety kit the group has – e.g., flares, VHF, towlines, pumps.
Group: size (may split into smaller groups); agree leader(s); agree buddy pairs if necessary; remind group to stay together and let slower paddlers catch up.
Communication: Importance of line of sight / distance; Visual – hand signals, VHF – share VHF call signs, agree group VHF working channel.
Any questions.
Coastguard: recommend contacting CG particularly if doing capsize/rescues. Phone in on return.
Aberdeen Coastguard 01224 592334