Chicago Kayak Club Safety Information, Rules and Mandate
Statement of Purpose
The ultimate goal of the CKC is to have fun with the priority above all is safety. Kayaking can be a very safe sport as long as basic rules are followed and common sense is used.
Keeping this in mind the contents of this page are not to keep anyone from enjoying everything this sport has to offer. The contents are here to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone in the group.
Please read and understand all this page has to offer, if you have any questions please email them to safety@chicagokayak.org
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Skill Levels |
New Member Orientation |
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Outing Safety Rules |
Lake Michigan Safety Rules |
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Night Paddle Rules |
Level 3 Checkout |
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Kayaking Stories |
Your first Lake Michigan Paddle |
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Role of Outing Leader |
Cold Water Safety |
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Clothing |
Hydration |
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Sea Sickness |
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*Violations of Safety Rules are treated very seriously, knowing and understanding these rules is the responsibility of each individual club member. Failure to follow and respect these rules may lead to club disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the Chicago Kayak Club.
Current Clothing Restrictions
ALL Current Clubs Outings Require a Wetsuit or a Dry-suit. Updated 3/29/09
Outing Safety Rules
All outing safety rules are designed with your and everyone else’s safety in mind, while not being to restrictive.
You must have taken Intro to Kayaking, and completed the T-Rescue in class to participate in any club outing.
Outing Officers
Leader – the Leader is responsible for ensuring all the Club, Outing and Safety Rules are followed. If all goes well their presence should never be noticed. That being said they have ultimate authority over all decisions including whether the trip in canceled, whether someone can or cannot go on the trip, or if the group is to turn around. Please respect their decisions and that they have a reason for those decisions
Lead Kayaker – the Lead Kayaker sets the pace of the outing – no one is to proceed past the Lead Kayaker at anytime. The Lead Kayaker is selected by the Leader.
Sweep Kayaker – the Sweep Kayaker is the last kayaker in the group, their job is to ensure no one falls behind. All kayakers are to stay in front of the Sweep Kayaker. The Sweep Kayaker is to carry a whistle to signal to the group.
-Before entering the water
Each member must be properly dressed – error on the side of caution, bring extra clothes and appropriate clothing. (see the Clothing Page)
Each member must work with the Leader to pick out an appropriate boat.
Each member must choose out proper safety gear – a Paddle, PFD, Spray Skirt, and Pump are minimum requirements for each outing – you may be required to take other safety gear depending on the outing. Please inspect all gear for defects before entering the water. If you find any problems please inform the Leader immediately.
Foot pegs must be properly adjusted
Spray Skirt must be tested for fit on the kayak you have selected.
Please bring an adequate water supply to all outings – even thought we are surrounded by water it is unfit to drink!
On the Water
Stay between the Lead and Sweep kayakers
PFD must be fully secured at all times on the water – Absolutely no exceptions!
Keep Spray skirt secured at all possible times.
Remain adequately clothed all times – A wetsuit does not good if it is not properly worn!
The Contents of this page are in no way a replacement for proper instruction. These are general rules for members of the Chicago Kayak Club during club outings.
Cold Water Safety
Facts
- The body loses heat at a rate of 25 times faster in water than air
- Air and water temperatures can vary greatly. Great danger in the
Northern climates in spring and early summer when air temps can be in
the 80's but water temps may hover in the 40's or even colder.
- Hypothermia is by far the greatest risk to sea kayakers.
- Sweat or rain can also cause hypothermia
Spend as little time in the water as possible – if someone goes in the water get them out ASAP! A person’s ability to think and react is severely compromised – See links below.
Always dress properly for conditions – see the Clothing Page. COTTON contributes greatly to loss of body temperature when wet. Avoid a much as possible.
Wetsuits or dry suits may be required for certain outings.
Club Restrictions: There will be certain times the club will require adequate protection to go on an outing above and beyond the Leader’s discretion. The Safety Chair will post these restrictions on the Safety Webpage and send an email to the group when updating these restrictions. (ie. in the Early Spring Wetsuits or Dry Suits will be required on all outings)
Links
Hypothermia Field Treatment Chart
http://www.hypothermia.org/fieldchart.htm
Hypothermia in Water
http://www.hypothermia.org/inwater.htm
Cold Water Boot Camp – Great Video on the practical effects of cold water immersion!
http://www.nasbla. org/i4a/pages/ index.cfm? pageid=1
The Contents of this page are in no way a replacement for proper instruction. These are general rules for members of the Chicago Kayak Club during club outings.
Cold Water Safety
Facts
- The body loses heat at a rate of 25 times faster in water than air
- Air and water temperatures can vary greatly. Great danger in the
Northern climates in spring and early summer when air temps can be in
the 80's but water temps may hover in the 40's or even colder.
- Hypothermia is by far the greatest risk to sea kayakers.
- Sweat or rain can also cause hypothermia
Spend as little time in the water as possible – if someone goes in the water get them out ASAP! A person’s ability to think and react is severely compromised – See links below.
Always dress properly for conditions – see the Clothing Page. COTTON contributes greatly to loss of body temperature when wet. Avoid a much as possible.
Wetsuits or dry suits may be required for certain outings.
Club Restrictions: There will be certain times the club will require adequate protection to go on an outing above and beyond the Leader’s discretion. The Safety Chair will post these restrictions on the Safety Webpage and send an email to the group when updating these restrictions. (ie. in the Early Spring Wetsuits or Dry Suits will be required on all outings)
Links
Hypothermia Field Treatment Chart
http://www.hypothermia.org/fieldchart.htm
Hypothermia in Water
http://www.hypothermia.org/inwater.htm
Cold Water Boot Camp – Great Video on the practical effects of cold water immersion!
http://www.nasbla. org/i4a/pages/ index.cfm? pageid=1
The Contents of this page are in no way a replacement for proper instruction. These are general rules for members of the Chicago Kayak Club during club outings.
Lake Michigan Safety Rules
Lake Michigan offers wonderful experiences and skill advancement opportunities while at the same time demands respect and proper preparation.
Club members must arrive at least one half hour before the launch time – it is suggested you arrive earlier.
If it is you first time on Lake Michigan with the Club you must have taken the Level Three Checkout(and passed) and have read My First Lake Michigan Paddle.
PFDs, and Spray Skirts must be worn and entirely secured at all times.
At least one tow rope must be carried with the group.
At least one spare paddle must be carried by the group.
Per the US Coast Guard everyone must carry at least one Signal Device(see below)
Outing Officers
Leader – the Leader is responsible for ensuring all the Club, Outing and Safety Rules are followed. If all goes well their presence should never be noticed. That being said they have ultimate authority over all decisions including whether the trip in canceled, whether someone can or cannot go on the trip, or if the group is to turn around. Please respect their decisions and that they have a reason for those decisions
Lead Kayaker – the Lead Kayaker sets the pace of the outing – no one is to proceed past the Lead Kayaker at anytime. The Lead Kayaker is selected by the Leader
Sweep Kayaker – the Sweep Kayaker is the last kayaker in the group, their job is to ensure no one falls behind. All kayakers are to stay in front of the Sweep Kayaker. The Sweep Kayaker is to carry a whistle to signal to the group.
Proper Clothing must be worn.
While the Lagoons or other inland conditions may have warm enough water and air temperatures COTTON is NEVER permitted on a Lake Michigan outing. If you arrive in COTTON clothing of any sort without an alternative you will not be allowed on the water.
You must come prepared for all conditions. On warm days with warm water temperatures we can wear hydroskins, or hydrosilks or other synthetics and have no problems. On other days the air and or water temperatures may demand wetsuits. The forecast may tell you one thing but when you arrive the conditions deem further precautions and gear. If you are unsuitably dressed the Leader may not allow you go on the outing. The burden of preparation is upon you. For further information please consult the Clothing Page.
Communication
Multiple forms of communication are crucial to a safe outing. Listed below are different forms of inter-group communication and different forms of outside communication. It is highly recommended everyone carries multiple forms of outside communication in the group.
VHF Radio
Cell Phone
Whistle
Mirror
Weather
Please consult the forecast for the day of the outing the day before the outing(multiple times) and the morning of the outing. This is only a FORECAST and may change at any given time. We have had forecasts for rain and cold and it has been warm and clear when we have arrived. Conversely we have had forecasts for calm and warm conditions and have arrived at the lake and had overcast skies and 3 to 5 foot waves.
Use the forecast to prepare for the outing but keep in mind the conditions may be radically different when the outing starts, or may change in the middle of the outing. We have been at the lake and had the temperature drop 15 degrees in a matter of minutes.
Once again we must state depending on your skill level and the equipment you bring you may not be allowed to go on the outing due to weather conditions.
The Leader may also change the nature of the outing dependent upon the current weather and the nature of the forecast. They may change the outing from a trip up the coast to playing in waves close to the put in. Please respect their decision as it is for the safety of the group.
* Eat breakfast – it is easier to become sea sick on an empty stomach. Make sure you eat properly; on a longer trip you will need the energy.
* If this is a sunset paddle or any night paddle please consult the Night Paddle Page.
Night paddles
Night rules are different, each kayaker is required to have a white light visible for one mile and three signaling devices. This is required to have on any paddle that is in the evening where the potential for being out after dark exsists (you never know when you will run into a problem) – so even an outing scheduled to end 30 minutes before dark has this potential.
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE can be obtained from 911, or USCG via:
Marine Radio, Channel 16
Cell Phone, 414-747-7182 (anywhere on Lake Michigan)
The Contents of this page are in no way a replacement for proper instruction. These are general rules for members of the Chicago Kayak Club during club outings.
Your First Lake Michigan Paddle
Your first Lake Michigan Outing is a great experience. It opens you up to a new level of kayaking. It is our intention for this to happen in a safe and positive manner.
*This year we will have specific Lake Michigan Outings for First Time Lake Michigan Paddlers. You must attend one of these paddles before you are able to RSVP for any other Lake Michigan Paddle.
Before the outing:
You must have passed the Level Three Checkout.
Check the weather report the day before and the morning of. Certain conditions may preclude you from going on the outing. This may include high winds, rough waves, or many other conditions.
When RSVPing for the outing please indicate that you are a First Time Lake Michigan Paddler in the comments section.
Read and understand the Lake Michigan Safety, Cold Water Safety links. It is helpful to have read all the contents of the Safety Website but these two sections are crucial.
Bring proper attire – NO COTTON! Also bring a change of clothes, you may go in the drink and need to change while on the outing. You may need a wetsuit – please plan ahead.
When you arrive at the outing:
Identify yourself to the Leader as a first time Lake Michigan Paddler.
You will be assigned a more experienced kayaker as a buddy. They will stay close to you for support throughout the outing.
You are will be helped select your kayak by the leader – this will most likely be a very stable boat. Lake Michigan is far different from calm inland waters and a kayak that maybe great for you at the lagoons may be completely unsuitable for you on Lake Michigan.
During the outing:
Stay with your buddy.
If you feel any ill effects ask someone about them. It may be nothing, but it also may be a problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
If you feel unstable in your kayak please speak up – this can lead to problems later in the trip.
HAVE FUN!!!
If you have any questions please email them to safety@chicagokayak.org
Clothing
-COTTON is not acceptable for the majority of club outings. Cotton is only acceptable at inland paddles, in warm air temperatures and warm water temperatures. If you wear cotton to an outing with no other alternative and the conditions dictate Cotton is not appropriate you will not be allowed on the outing
COTTON traps water against your skin. The water then conducts heat out of your body into the surrounding air or water and can lead to hypothermia.
Check the tag of the article of clothing you intend to wear on an outing, if it has any amount of COTTON please select a different piece.
COTTON is never acceptable on a Lake Michigan Outing.
Aside from COTTON, what clothing needs to be worn depends upon the air and water temperatures expected on the individual outing. Below are listed different types of clothing and when each piece needs to be worn or should be worn.
WATER TEMPERATURE, not air temperature, is the most critical factor. EXPECT to be in the water, and dress accordingly. Wetsuits are still appropriate in warm air, but cold water.
Wetsuits
How a wetsuit works
A wetsuit traps a layer of water between the neoprene of the suit and your skin. Your body heats the water which creates a layer of insulation to keep you warm. Wetsuits are intended to be skin tight as the water your body heats must not get flushed by the cool water you are immersed in. Typical wetsuits used for kayaking are 2 to 3 millimeters thick, unlike scuba diving wetsuits which are around 6 millimeters thick.
When a wetsuit should be worn
In the early spring and the late fall wetsuits should be worn for all outings – even warm inland lakes. Lake Michigan requires wetsuits later into the spring and earlier in the fall. Dates of requirement will be made available to the Club by the Safety Chair.
Paddle jackets and pants are appropriate in warmer air and water temps, but are not a substitute for a wetsuit or a dry suit.
Hydroskins and Hydrosilks
Hydroskins and Hydrosliks are a very thin layer of neoprene that is combined with Lycra. It does not provide as much warmth as a wet suit, but does give you much more than regular clothing. Unlike wetsuits, they flex much more, and are sold as top and bottom separates, allowing for a better fit than the one piece wetsuit. Many of our members wear these under wetsuits or on every outing in any temperature.
Synthetics
Polypro is a term used for polymer based clothing like polyester and nylon(there are a lot more). While not specifically made for water emersion like hydroskins, they do wick water away from the surface of the skin(unlike COTTON) and are much less expensive.
Smartwool and Capaline are materials used in long underwear. These are good options for under wetsuits or for warmer days when wetsuits are not needed. COTTON long underwear, or socks are never acceptable.
The safe bet is to dress for immersion. The air temperature factor is completely useless if you enter the water for a sustained period of time.
Things you can ask yourself when dressing for an outing
What are the air temps?
What are the water temps?
How close will I be from land when I am out? (that you can access legally)
What is the weather forecast? ( Rain, wind, max and min temps to expect)
What type of boat will you be in?
Will you encounter waves?
Will you be alone or with a group?
How quickly can you do a t- rescue or self rescue?
The list goes on and on.
The Sun
Please keep in mind the Sun also plays a critical part in determining what clothing to wear. Please wear clothing that will protect from the sun – a hat is always a good idea.
Equipment Definitions
Cell Phone A signaling device used to connect separated group members, and alert authorities in situations that require immediate assistance
Dry Suit A water proof suit sealed with gaskets at every opening which keeps you dry and is used in very cold water conditions.
First Aid Kit Is what it is – at least one should always be carried by the group and packed in a dry bag.
Marine Radio A signaling device used to monitor the weather, and alert authorities in situations that require immediate assistance
Mirror A signaling device used in sunny conditions
Paddle Float A self rescue aid
Paddle Jacket Not a substitute for a Wetsuit or dry top this is a water resistant jacket that provides a measure of warm, and protection from precipitation and spray.
PFD A Personal Flotation Device – not to be confused with a “life vest” A Primary safety device required to be worn at all times on all outings.
Pump A manual pump to remove water from a compartment of the kayak.
Spare Paddle Carried under the deck rigging this is carried in case a paddler loses or breaks their primary paddle.
Spray Skirt Required for most outings, this prevents water from entering the cockpit in rough sea or when the kayak is capsized
Tow Rope A rescue aid – this allows a distressed kayaker to be towed to a safe location
Wetsuit A neoprene suit which traps a layer of water between the suit and your skin. Your body heats the water which creates a layer of insulation to keep you warm.
Whistle A signaling device
Chicago Kayak Club Level Three Checkout
Club Member Name___________________
Evaluator____________________________
Date___________
Pre Launch
-Dressed properly for conditions _
-Gear
PFD(properly fitted) _
Spray Skirt(proper for boat) _
Pump _
Paddle _
-Boat(be able to identify qualities of different boats)
Primary Stability _
Secondary Stability _
-Show ability to identify other safety equipment
Tow rope _ Whistle _
Light _ Spare Paddle _
UHF Radio _ Phone _
Demonstrate ability to enter kayak correctly and launch unassisted _
On the Water
-Boat Control(ability to demonstrate boat control techniques)
Forward Stroke _ Reverse Stroke _
Sweep Stroke _ Overall Control _
Ability to keep up with group _
Rescues
-Rescuee
Wet Exit
Tap boat three time _ Pull Skirt(Must be secured) _
Surface _
T-Rescue
Hold on to boat at all times _ Move to end of Kayak _
Stay outside of the kayaks _ Get out of water quickly _
Reenter Cockpit _ Done in Timely Fashion _
-Rescuer
Respond to three taps _ Ask “are you ok?” _
Reach Rescuee in timely fashion _ Empty boat of water(2 hands) _
Holds boat stable thru-out process _ Done in timely fashion _
Disclaimer:
This check out is in no way a replacement for proper training. The checkout is for a club member to demonstrate they have personally acquired the most basic skills for sea kayaking.
The Contents of this page are in no way a replacement for proper instruction. These are general rules for members of the Chicago Kayak Club during club outings.
The Contents of this page are in no way a replacement for proper instruction. These are general rules for members of the Chicago Kayak Club during club outings
Proper Equipment
Knowing your equipment, including its features, how to use them,
and their limitations is crucial. Below we will discuss club specific
issues, so again, if you are not a club member, this may not apply to
you.
For our purposes, the kayak of choice is a sea kayak. While we do go on calm waters and small lakes and rivers about half the time, that means we are in open water on Lake Michigan. In addition to learning rescues in class, we frequently will practice on club outings.
A sea kayak that has properly sealed bulkheads is required for any open water paddles. All of our club kayaks are sea kayaks with fore and aft bulkheads. If you own your own kayak, and it does not have dual bulkheads, you may participate in any calm water paddles, but will either need to use a club boat for open water paddles, or just opt out on any open water trips.
Rudders or skegs can be a big help on open water where high winds or tides and currents are present. Rudders and skegs can also be a hinderance. Remember as with most things, there are always pros and cons to everything, so you must weigh them both and make your own decisions.
Rudders
These are large metal plates, usually that rest on the rear of the boat
until they are deployed. They are designed to help you manuever
when the wind or tide/current wants to point your kayak a different
direction than you would like it to go. There is usually a cable
or rope that runs from the rudder to the cockpit, so that you can pull
on it one way to engage the rudder, and another to retract the kayak
rudder. Once the rudder is engaged, you can control its direction
by pushing on your foot pegs. There is a wire cable attached to each
peg, that runs thru your boat, thru the aft bulkhead, and to one side of
the rudder mechanism. Pushing forward with one foot, will shift
the rudder, and turn the boat.
Pros
Allows you to counteract winds and currents
Signaling Devices
Watercraft- other (includes right of way)
Weather/Marine Forecast
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us.
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