Safety is everybody’s business, whether newcomer or old salt. Good safety practice is a combination of adhering to standards, keeping an eye out for each other, good judgement and the ability to take effective action.
Paddling on the sea is similar to winter mountaineering; we use knowledge, skills, equipment and each others’ capacities to venture into a continually changing and potentially hostile environment. The sea is a committing environment and it is important that all venturing out there make a commitment to the safety and welfare of themselves and their companions. What that means is acquiring necessary information (weather, conditions, etc) and developing the judgement to apply it, investing time in paddling and rescue skills and fitness, carrying appropriate equipment and gaining an understanding of how to get assistance if required. We are all are expected to be able to exit from a kayak following a capsize, and to follow the sport’s safety advice (as laid out by the Scottish Canoeing Association – see British Canoeing Deployment Guidance for Coaches and Leaders). The club provides access to training, formally and informally, and this aspect of sea kayaking is both essential and fascinating!