Video: How to Use Whitewater Kayaking Rescue Equipment

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Learn what rescue equipment you should take with you when whitewater kayaking. This video clip series will discuss and teach you some valuable maneuvers you might need the next time you're on the water.

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Video Transcript

Rescue equipment is pretty important for a day out paddling. You need to have the standard equipment, your PFD helmet, spray skirt, paddle, and so forth, but you may want to think of some other equipment to bring along. Again, before you even go out and buy any of this, you should learn how to use it. Taking a river rescue course is really important. Here's some things that I keep in my boat and on me. One is a whistle. If I can't do the paddle signals, the blast of the whistle sometimes help alert people to what's going on. I also carry a throw rope, which is this here. It's basically a floating rope with a float into it that I can just throw the bag out and hold the end just in case I need to rescue people if they're swimming. I also can use it to pull boats off rocks if I need to so it's a great piece of equipment to have in your boat. When I carry a rope, I need to carry a rescue knife. Basically, I want to have easy access and easy open so that if I get tangled in rope or somebody does, I can easily cut the rope and get free of that. Of course, I have all these other either webbing or other accessory cords or presses, which is just a loop of rope that I can use to either anchor or pull someone off or secure something down. I can also use either these are beaner. I have a locking beaner and nonlocking beaner. I also have a pulley that will help resistance if I have to pull something off and setting up mechanical advantages, which is something that you should get to know. These are some of the things that I carry in a dry bag. I also carry a first aid kit. First aid kit is waterproof and it has several different things in it from band aids to cold packs. You just never know what's going to go on out there, so I keep a first aid kit with me and I make sure that it stays dry. These are some of the basic essentials that I carry in my kayak when I paddle. You should take a look at what you need in your boat. Of course if it's in a hot sunny day like today, I'd bring sunscreen and extra water as well as some food to make sure people are well nourished and hydrated. So plan you trips, think about your equipment, and get some rescue training.

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How to Use Whitewater Kayaking Rescue Equipment

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