Safety First

Danger never takes a day off!

Paddlesports is an inherently risky sport. This book is designed as a guide to the area, written by paddlers who want to share their love of the sport. With that in mind, while we have tried to consider all sorts of weather, river levels and paddler abilities, we cannot encompass everything.

We want to encourage as many paddlers as possible in all sorts of places, but it is important to be aware of your personal abilities and those of your group. Even the most tame-looking waterway can become wild in the wrong conditions and rivers can swell quickly. Make sure you have the right training and understanding relevant to the environment you want to paddle in.

Injuries and accidents may occur while taking part in paddlesports. Prepare yourself with safety equipment and knowledge. Emergency and rescue services are always on hand, but only if you have means to contact them and know where you are. It’s also worthwhile telling someone you’re going on the water; remember to let them know when you’re off so they know you’re safe.