Kayaking is an interesting and creative way to explore nature but taking special note of safety is most important. Along with open water bodies, kayaking on reservoirs is another way to enjoy paddling adventures.
However, exploring the legal considerations for kayaking on a reservoir, its pros, and cons makes kayaking safe. When you focus on all the essential security tips to paddle on a human-made or other close water body, you remain safe. In this guide, we’ll be discussing all these factors. So, let’s move on!
Is Kayaking on a Reservoir Safe?
Yes, kayaking on a reservoir is possible and safe to a great extent but only if you abide by the safety rules. Remember these reservoirs largely differ from other water resources in certain aspects. So, there may be some legal considerations, risks, and safety rules to paddle on them.
Always, keep all these facts as your top priority if you are planning to explore a reservoir on kayak. This is the only way you should choose these special water bodies for kayaking.
How to Kayak on a Reservoir Safely?
When paddling on a reservoir, you should focus on both the safety of the reservoir as well as yourself. Here are some tips to kayak safely on these closed water reservoirs;
Keep Essential Safety Equipment With You
Wearing the safety jacket or vest is essential for kayaking but there are some other safety equipment to keep with you. A kayaking light is one of the important things to be with you if your adventure is planned post dusk or pre dawn.
Choose the brighter colored clothes, kayak, and PFD. It will increase your visibility in the dark. Also, keep the emergency treatment material with you to face any odd situations.
Go Through Dam Schedule
Reservoirs are of different types, like dam reservoir, bank side, and service reservoirs. If your adventure is planned on a velley dammed reservoir, ensure you know the dam water release schedule. Otherwise, you may have to face odd situations.
Beware of Algal Blooms and Other Species
Algal blooms and other such water habitants can make kayaking hard. Different resources keep checking the water quality over time. So, ensure you have learned about all the spots of such specied to take the safest route.
Keep Your Kayak Dry and Clean
A dirty or wet kayak encourages the fungus growth and other health and safety risks. So, always keep your kayak dry and neat for a safe experience.
Check the Weather Schedule
Water currents, waves alterations, rain and other weather threats will make your kayaking risky. So, always check the weather updates before you start the kayaking adventure.
Keep the Drying Material With You
Always pack the essential drying material whenever setting out on a paddling adventure. Though it may seem odd but you’ll remain safe during the bad weather or rough water conditions.
Risks of Kayaking on a Reservoir
Though kayaking on different reservoir types is possible, it has some potential risks as well. And it’s necessary to explore both pros and cons of paddling on such water bodies before you sketch your plan. Here are some risks associated with such an adventure;
- Increased motorized traffic
- Ever changing water level
- Risk of toxic load release
- Invasive aquatic species spreading threats
- Sudden change in climate
- Remote situations with no emergency access
- Effect on water quality
- Wildlife aquatic species encounter
Benefits of Kayaking on a Reservoir
Kayaking on reservoirs also has some unique benefits that may be useful to youe plan. Here are some of the most important pros of paddling on a reservoir;
- Relatively calm waters
- Access to multiple activities along with kayaking
- A chance of encountering the wildlife
- Access to ample paddling space
- Enjoyment with kayaking amenities
- Relaxation source
- Opportunity to go for water based exercises and games
- Community building
- Easy accessibility
- Source of water ecology acknowledgement
Legal Considerations for Kayaking on Reservoir
Along with exploring the pros and cons of kayaking on a reservoir, it’s also important to focus on the legal considerations. Though the legal rules and regulations may vary depending upon your location, there are some common guidelines for it. Here are the most important aspects to focus in this regard;
- Ensure you have a paddling permit to kayak on a reservoir.
- Some reservoir’s management mandate the use of safety equipment. If so happens, ensure you abide by this rule properly.
- Follow the essential local boating rules.
- Ensure your vessel is legally registered.
- Alcohol and other drug consumption is strongly prohibited before or during kayaking.
- Follow the ecology preservation rules and regulations.
- Abide by the wildlife protection rules.
- Don’t head towards the prohibited or risky areas.
- Take special boating and other educational classes.
- Make sure you have emergency plan for your adventure.
- Check for the additional local ordinances for kayaking on reservoirs and follow them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can kayak on a reservoir if you have proper safety equipment on your vessel. Also, explore the essential risks and benefits of kayaking on such closed water bodies for a safe kayaking experience. Moreover, follow the legal rules and regulations for paddling on reservoirs. Follow this plan to explore the beautiful sceneries from a water body.
FAQs
Can you kayak on any reservoir?
No, some water reservoirs don’t allow kayaking due to security and other issues. So, it’s important to check whether kayaking is allowed on a particular reservoir or not before starting the journey.
Do you need a legal permit for kayaking on a reservoir?
Some reservoirs may ask for a permit to kayak while others don’t. That’s why it’s important to check the local rules and regulations for kayaking on a particular reservoir for a safet experience.
Is there any age restriction to kayak on a reservoir?
Age restrictions for kayaking on a reservoir vary from one location to another. Consult with the reservoir management to ensure such age restrictions and legalities for kayaking.