Main risks

• Capsize or swamping with risk of falling into the water and drowning.
• Hypothermia from cold water or rapid cooling; also heatstroke and dehydration due to sun and exertion.
• Collisions with rocks, logs, the bottom, breaking waves or other vessels.
• Entrapment with ropes, spraydeck or equipment, especially in moving water.
• Unintended drifting away from the coast due to wind, currents or tides.
• Reduced visibility to other vessels and risk of collision.
• Injuries when lifting, carrying or handling the kayak/canoe, rudder, skeg or paddle.
• Leaks or failures of closures, hatches and plugs that compromise buoyancy.

Safe use

• Always wear a well-fitted life jacket appropriate to your size and weight.
• Choose routes and conditions suited to your experience; check the forecast for wind, swell, tides or river flow before heading out.
• Share your plan and timings; when possible, paddle with company and stay close to shore if you are learning.
• Check hull, seats, footrests, lines, rudder/skeg, hatches and plugs; close and secure them correctly.
• Distribute the load evenly and do not exceed the capacity specified by the manufacturer.
• Practise re-entry, spraydeck release and other basic self-rescue manoeuvres in a safe area.
• Keep clear of rocks, breaking surf and vessels; carry a signalling and communication device in a waterproof case.
• Protect skin and eyes from the sun, stay hydrated and wear clothing suitable for the water and air temperature.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs before and during the activity; stop if you feel fatigue or intense cold.
• Secure the kayak and paddle properly during transport to prevent movement.

Storage and maintenance

• Rinse with fresh water after use in the sea or dirty water and allow to dry completely to prevent corrosion and mould.
• Inspect hull, keels, seals, hatches, footrests, seats, lines and fittings; replace or repair anything damaged before use.
• Keep drain plugs and closures clean and in good condition; check the watertightness of the compartments.
• Store in the shade, in a ventilated place, using broad supports that distribute the weight to avoid hull deformation.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, high temperatures or frost.
• Keep paddles, spraydeck and life jackets dry and out of direct light; check straps, buckles and carabiners regularly.
• For transport or long-term storage, loosen straps and avoid loads on the hull.

Restrictions of use

• Do not use if you cannot swim at a basic level or without wearing a life jacket.
• Do not exceed the load capacity or the number of seats for the model.
• Do not paddle in storms, strong wind, significant swell, strong currents, swollen rivers or in surf zones without specific experience.
• Do not go far from the coast on the open sea without adequate equipment and preparation.
• Do not use at night or in fog/reduced visibility without appropriate lighting and signalling.
• Minors only with constant adult supervision and wearing a life jacket.
• Do not tie ropes to your body or wrists; keep ropes tidy to avoid entanglement.
• Do not stand up or make sudden movements except in craft designed for it.