Page 31 - Experience Oregon Boating Handbook

boats on a waterway already congested with other boats, surroundings, including nearby powerboats. Be prepared
wakes become amplified, and have resulted in people being to react when dangerous situations arise.
thrown off docks, and swamping non-motorized watercraft. 6. Practice re-boarding your boat in the water with the help
There is also concern that boat wakes contribute to bank of a companion.
erosion. 7. Dress properly for the weather and type of boating activity.
8. Check your boat for leaks.
Wake boat operators are urged to show respect and 9. Map a general route and timetable when embarking on a
courtesy to other boaters and be conscientious of how they long trip. Arrange for your transportation from the put in
operate, with or without wake enhancing devices, when to the take out points.
operating in narrow water bodies where there are numerous 10. Know the weather conditions before you head out. While
docks, smaller watercraft, moorages, or other floating paddling, watch the weather and stay close to shore.
structures. Head for shore if the waves increase.

Paddlesports –Canoes, Kite Boarding
Kayaks, and Rafts
Kite Boarding
Paddling a river, lake (also known as Wind
or bay is an enjoyable, Surfing) has been
environmentally a huge activity in
friendly and healthy Hood River and the
way to enjoy Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge
waterways. It’s also for decades. This is
increasingly popular. an activity that’s best
But with the increasing to learn by a certified
popularity are an instructor first, due to
increasing number of the inherent risk and
accidents that are often easily preventable. skill necessary to enjoy
this sport safely. Kite
Did you know that paddlers are more than twice as likely boards are exempt from
to drown in a boating accident than operators of other types life jacket requirements (although many training centers require
of vessels? This is due in part for two reasons: they be worn) and the AIS permit requirement.
1. Many people who step into a canoe, small raft or other
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUPs)
paddle boat are inexperienced and don’t consider
themselves boaters. They often don’t know basic safe • Paddleboarding is an activity that started in the 1940’s in
boating practices. Hawaii, but recently has exploded in popularity in the Pacific
2. Many paddlers are not familiar with the waterway they’re Northwest as an outdoor recreation activity. It’s a great
on. Many rivers host complex hazards such as rapids, way to connect with nature, an excellent form of exercise
fallen trees or low-head dams. Calm, enticing lakes and many clubs, regattas, and races are being formally
can quickly become rough and windy. Indeed, simple organized in Oregon. However, due to the popularity of
mistakes can leave an unprepared paddler in danger. paddleboarding and the unfamiliarity of the waterways for
many of the users, education is becoming a necessity in order
When paddling, prepare by doing the following: to enjoy this activity safely.

1. Always wear a properly fitting life jacket and know how • If paddleboarding on a river, lake or bay for transportation
to swim in a river current. (similar to a kayak or canoe) and being used beyond the
limits of a swimming or surfing zone, a paddle board is
2. Never paddle alone. Bring along at least one other considered a boat. As such, paddle boarders need to carry
boater. When canoeing, two canoes with two canoeists a properly fitting life
each are recommended. Three crafts with two paddlers jacket and sound
each are even better. If unfamiliar with the waterway, producing device. The
paddle with someone knowledgeable. U.S. Coast Guard made
the determination
3. Never overload the boat. Tie down gear and distribute that paddleboards
weight evenly. were boats in 2009.
The Marine Board
4. Maintain a low center of gravity and maintain three is enforcing this
points of contact whenever moving about, entering or determination to be
exiting the boat. Keep your weight balanced over the consistent with
center. federal law.
• Standing up or moving around in a small boat can
cause it to capsize –a leading cause of fatalities 47
among paddlers.
• Leaning a shoulder over the edge of the boat can also
destabilize it enough to capsize or to a fall overboard.

5. Stay alert at all times and be aware of your