Paddling Draft
Kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding on calm lakes, slow rivers and protected bays. Rentals make it easy to try, and a short lesson teaches the strokes and safety basics.
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How to start
What you need
- Kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard (SUP)
- Paddle that fits your height and boat
- Properly fitted life jacket (PFD)
- Whistle, sun protection, water bottle
- Quick-dry clothes, hat and shoes that can get wet; wetsuit or layers for cold water
Typical cost
Rentals are about $20 to $40 per hour or $60 to $120 per day. A beginner recreational kayak is $300 to $800 and a SUP $300 to $900. Group lessons cost roughly $40 to $100 (approximate, varies by city).
Where to play
Lakes, calm bays, slow rivers, boat launches, outfitters and community boating centers. The Ozevo map shows launch points and rentals for paddling.
Rules
- Always wear a life jacket that fits snugly and is rated for paddling.
- Check weather, wind, tides and water levels before you go. Avoid thunderstorms and strong wind.
- Learn basic strokes: forward stroke, reverse, sweep stroke to turn and draw stroke to move sideways.
- Keep your head, hips and boat aligned and use your torso to paddle, not just your arms.
- Stay close to shore until you are comfortable, and paddle with a buddy or a group.
- Tell someone your route and expected return time. Carry a whistle and a phone in a waterproof case.
- Know how to re-enter your craft after a capsize, or practice in shallow water with an instructor.
Drills
Forward stroke 8 min
Sit tall, rotate your torso, plant the paddle near your feet and pull back. Do 20 strokes, then switch sides.
Turning drills 10 min
Use sweep strokes to turn your boat in a circle, then reverse the direction. 5 circles each way.
Wet exit and re-entry 15 min
In calm shallow water with an instructor, practice flipping and getting out safely, then climbing back in.
Straight line challenge 10 min
Paddle 50 meters in a straight line to a marker, then return, trying to keep the boat from zigzagging.
Draw stroke 8 min
Practice moving the boat sideways toward a dock using a draw stroke. Repeat 10 times each side.
Etiquette
- Give wide berth to swimmers, anglers and motorboats.
- Respect launch and parking rules and carry your gear out of the way.
- Pack out all trash and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Safety
- Wear a life jacket at all times and dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
- Remember the 1-10-1 rule for cold water: about 1 minute to control breathing, 10 minutes of useful movement, 1 hour before you lose consciousness.
- Avoid alcohol, paddle with a buddy and stay near shore in changing weather.
Levels
- 1First paddle; learning to sit, hold the paddle and go straight.
- 2Paddles calmly in flat water and turns the boat with sweep strokes.
- 3Handles light wind, uses multiple strokes and has practiced safety skills.
- 4Paddles longer distances and tackles moderate conditions; joins group trips.
- 5Skilled in rough water or rivers; leads trips and handles rescues.
Questions
Do I need lessons?
A short lesson helps with strokes and safety, and many rental shops include a quick orientation.
Kayak, canoe or SUP?
Kayaks are stable for beginners and good for solo trips, canoes are great for two people and gear, and SUPs give a full-body workout but take balance.
Can I paddle in cold weather?
Yes with the right gear, but dress for cold water, paddle with others and avoid remote spots.
Draft guide: written from general knowledge and not yet checked by someone who plays paddling. Costs are approximate and vary by city. Check with a coach or doctor before starting anything new.