The Importance of GPS Tracking for Your Kayaking and Canoeing Trips
30 May 2016GPS tracking is something that can be done on land, by air, and by sea (river, lake, etc.). That’s the good news because there are many risks associated with kayaking and canoeing. Some of these risks can be reduced through the judicious use of GPS tracking.
What are the Risks of Kayaking and Canoeing?
While the fun and adventure of kayaking and canoeing make most people want to gloss over the risks, it’s important to keep them in mind and plan for your trips accordingly. These are some of the common risks you will face.
Wind
Paddling with a nice breeze at your back and can exhilarating. But, a shift in wind can be disastrous for your day on the water. It’s always important to be aware of wind and other weather conditions when kayaking or canoeing. Paddling into the wind forces you to paddle harder to make headway and can result in serious muscle strain and fatigue. It can also impact the stability of your canoe or kayak creating risky paddling conditions.
Water Currents
Currents are no laughing matter and can be downright scary if you get caught in a swift current towards rocks, ledges, trees, bridges, and other hazards. Know the waters you’re traveling in or paddle with someone who does in order to avoid potential hazards. Also avoid paddling in swollen rivers and streams without taking proper precautions – even if you are familiar with them – as they may have faster than average currents.
Rough Waters/ Rapids
While exciting and fun, rough waters and rapids are also dangerous. Even if you’re an expert swimmer, take the precaution of a life jacket and avoid unnecessary risks when paddling in these conditions.
Rocks, Logs, Trees, and Large Debris in the Water
Water hazards are very real for paddlers. They can endanger life, limb, and your perfectly nice canoe or kayak. You can sometimes these things lurking beneath the surface by the way the water reacts around them, but you have to be paying close attention and not distracted by other things.
Sudden Weather Changes
In some areas, the weather can turn on a dime requiring you to make swift adjustments in your plans or make a hasty retreat from the water. Pay attention to the forecast before heading out and avoid getting into risky situations.
Injuries
Common kayaking and canoeing injuries include shoulder injuries from the strain of pushing the paddle through the resistance of the water; wrist injuries from repetitive motion; impact injuries from falling out of the canoe or kayak or from striking a floating log, rock, or other debris in the water; and sun exposure injuries such as dehydration, heat stress, and sunburn. Sunburns can be extreme and result in sun poisoning. Hypothermia is also a risk for those in cold water and drowning is always a risk when engaged in water based activities.
How Can GPS Tracking Help?
GPS tracking devices are available to keep in your canoe or kayak. Some personal portable GPS trackers are small enough to embed in life jackets. This allows parents of teens to allow their teens a little more leeway when paddling out of sight with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they can be easily tracked if anything goes wrong – as long as they are in the vessel or wearing their life jackets. As long as someone knows to look for you if you’re not back by a certain time, GPS tracking can help people find you should emergencies arise while you’re on the water.
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