FAQ
What length paddle should I buy?
Are composite helmets safer than plastic?
What rescue stuff do I need?
What size boat do I need?
How do I fix gaskets that are too tight?
What do I need to paddle when it is cold out?
Do you have to take a course?
Can I get one boat and do everything?

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1. What length paddle should I buy?
Paddle length is determined by examining your height (affects your wingspan), your paddling style (play, river running or touring) and paddle design. A rough guide for whitewater play would be 4'10"-5'4" 188-191cm, 5'5"-5'8" 191-196cm, 5'9"-6'0" 195-198cm and 6'0"+ 197-200cm. For river running add 2cm. For flatwater touring, a rough guide would be 4'10"-5'6" 220cm, 5'7"-6'0" 230cm and 6'0"+ 240cm.

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2. Are composite helmets safer than plastic?

In general yes; however, composite helmet quality varies considerably. Make sure the helmet has thick multi-impact foam, as well as a strap system where the attachment points on the shell are at least 5" apart. Many helmets of poor design will move around on your head leaving your cranium exposed.

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3. What rescue stuff do I need?

In general, we would all be better off if every boater carried a small throw bag, 2 prussiks, 2 carabiners, 1 pulley, a small first aid kit. Every paddling group should have this and a spare paddle, fire-starting kit and river knife.

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4. What size boat do I need?

This depends on your paddling skill, where you paddle, your foot size and your weight. For a playboat, you want to get the smallest boat you can while still meeting the following criteria: able to exit the boat safely, not floating too low in the water which will make you flush off waves and out of holes prematurely and gets you to the play spot safely.

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5. How do I fix gaskets that are too tight?

The first step is to leave the gasket stretched over a pop bottle or other object slightly larger than your neck or wrist. If the gasket is still too tight, with very sharp scissors trim the gasket back 1/8". Try on again and trim back more if needed. Go slow. Remember to lube your gaskets with 303 to keep them supple, stretchy and long lasting.

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6. What do I need to paddle when it is cold out?

A paddle partner, dry top, skull cap, dry/paddle pants, pogies/mitts/gloves, fleece or fuzzy rubber layering top and bottom, booties or neo socks and your usual summer gear.

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7. Do you *have* to take a course?

No, there is no law. However, if you start by taking a 2-5 day course you will start your paddling career without picking up your or your friends' unique poor habits. You will have solid fundementals and be more likely to have a great time. A course by a solid paddling school will pay off.

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8. Can I get one boat and do everything?

No. Creek boats are fundamentally more stable and safer in shallow constricted water, but are a bore on a nice wave. Play boats are born to get pinned on hard drops and break your feet/ankles. They make every creek run a grade harder and 2 grades less safe. Play boats rip at play spots. Figure out what you are going to do most and buy a boat for it. When you venture into other styles of rivers beg, borrow, rent or buy the proper equipment. You don't take your skate skis down Tremblant, so don't paddle your XXX on creeks.

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F.A.Q. last updated April 7, 2002