Kayaking Trips:
The five levels of water conditions

Level 1 - Limited Risk (with correct management)

• Protected waters; no significant currents; seas normally 1 foot or less.
• Accessible shoreline along the entire trip; phone & shelter within 1 mile of all points of shoreline
• Recommended for all paddlers. (These trips are the safest because paddlers never have to venture far from shore or to a water depth of more than 5 feet.)

Level 2 - Limited Risk (with correct management)

• Protected waters; minimal currents; seas normally 2 feet or less.
• Accessible shoreline along all or nearly all of the trip.
• Recommended for intermediate and for experienced paddlers, or for novice paddlers if accompanied by more experienced paddlers.

Level 3 - Moderate Risk (with correct management)

• May include protected waters with stretches of inaccessible shoreline (due to cliffs, rocks, piers, dams, etc.), or open waters with accessible shoreline. Likely to include moderate currents and seas of greater than 2 feet.
• May involve crossings of up to 2 miles.
• Recommended for experienced paddlers in well-organized groups. Recommended in warm water months only, unless all paddlers are equipped with dry suits.

Level 4 - Significant Risk, even with correct management

• Includes open waters; paddlers should be prepared to face strong currents, high winds and / or big seas.
• May involve crossings of 2 - 5 miles or long stretches of inaccessible shoreline.
• Recommended for highly experienced paddlers in well-organized groups only.
• Recommended for warm water months only, unless all paddlers are equipped with dry suits.

Level 5 - High levels of Risk, even with the best possible risk management

• Include open waters; paddlers should expect to face extremely strong currents, high winds and / or big seas.
• May involve crossings of more than 5 miles or long stretches of inaccessible shoreline.
• Recommended for the most experienced paddlers in well-organized groups trained in rescue techniques only. Recommended for warm water months only, unless all paddlers are equipped with dry suits.

Safety and Risk:
For most paddlers in most conditions, kayaking is a safe sport without undue risks. However, bad weather, wind, water, and human medical conditions can be unpredictable. It is important to acknowledge that some degree of risk is present each time you go out in a boat.

It is impossible to limit risk – Risk must be managed!

Following these simple guidelines to the letter will help you have an enjoyable trip this time and live to make another!

1- Never paddle alone in cold waters
2- Always wear a lifejacket
3- Plan your trip well
4- Have some swimming ability before you go out in a boat.
5- Have proper equipment training
6- Time your trip carefully taking into consideration weather reports, marine reports and weather temperatures. You are as much at risk of hypothermia as of drowning!

More information on kayaking trips:

Kayaking trips
Kayaking trips – Workshops and instruction
Kayaking trips - Kayaks and kayak equipment
The five levels of water conditions
Kayaking safety
Kaying books