SUP and general water safety rules

 

As many of you have recently witnessed here at Da’ Reef there has been a great disrespect of water safety by a large number of power craft users.

This unsafe operation has prompted many calls to the Coast Guard and Niagara Regional Police water patrols requesting increased enforcement of laws/regulations in our corner of Lake Erie.

I have it on good authority that the patrols will be in the area on this coming weekend so let’s all be safe, aware and set a good example of what watermen and women should be.

As a reminder of what is necessary I have done some research and this is what I found….

Transport Canada pdf link

Transport Canada, like the United States Coast Guard, classifies Stand Up Paddleboards as human powered vessels when they are being used for navigation. When being used within the surf zone for surfing activities these requirements are not in force. When undertaking a trip or circuit such as a group crossing or solo outing, this is considered navigation.
As human powered vessels, Stand Up Paddleboards are subject to all carriage requirements, including lifejackets. There must be one Canadian approved lifejacket or personal floatation device available on board and available for immediate use. There are many PFD options available for ease of use, such as waist-pack inflatables (a popular choice among competitive rowers, who are also short on space and require a broad range of movement) or low profile paddling vests.
While we have received many requests for the consideration of a leash in lieu of a PFD, Transport Canada does not recognize the leash/paddleboard combination as a floatation device.

If everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket or a PFD of appropriate size, you are only required to carry .1) a sound-signaling device; and .2) a watertight flashlight if the boat is used after sunset or before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility.

Transport Canada supports leash use, but not as an alternative to a lifejacket or personal floatation device.

What does all that mean for you?

Wear or carry a PFD with you when you are heading out for a paddle, safety 1st. It is just common sense. A sound signaling device is also recommended.

Wear your leash, this prevents you from being separated from the board should you fall. Your board is the thing with the most float available should an emergency arise.

The PFD  guidelines apply for our friends on kayaks, canoes, and other paddle craft as well as sailors, wind surfers and kiters.

Ultimately the decision to wear a PFD is your choice, choose wisely.

Let’s all avoid hefty fines and keep the PFDs with us and have a safe summer out at Da’Reef.

Below are some links for inflatable waist pack PFDs.

 

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine–ultra-slim-manual-inflatable-life-jacket-belt-pack-blue–15911308?recordNum=7

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/dakine–uscg-approved-type-v-inflatable-pfd–16975757?recordNum=18

 

Minimum requirements for all other craft are:

a PFD for all aboard,  a sound signaling device,  throw-able line,and a paddle.

Please refer to the Transport Canada link above if you are unsure about anything.

Reef Warriors support Adaptive Watersports

As Reef Warriors or followers of our site you know we are passionate about enjoying time on the water. Gidget and I are taking that passion and helping open up the world of watersports to a wider group. We are supporting  the efforts of Steve Spitz and WNY Adaptive Watersports and the newly formed WNY chapter of Team River Runner on behalf of the reef warriors.

WNY Adaptive Watersports is a local program which helps  the disabled and physically challenged enjoy the watersports including sailing, waterskiing, scuba and fishing. The kayaking component needed more attention so that spurred the linkage with Team River Runner

Team river runner is a national program to help disabled veterans kayak and sup. The newly formed WNY Chapter is in its infancy and is looking to grow in this region. Although its focus is on disabled veterans the WNY chapter is opening this up to the community at large.

We are spreading the word about these programs and hoping to stir up more support. Gidget and I were involved in an early planning meeting and will be volunteering at some of the upcoming water events. We wish to spread the word among the Reef faithful and ask for any help you can provide.

At this early stage the WNY chapter of Team River Runner is looking for support in many different ways. This may be in the form of gear (kayaks, gently used life jackets) your time for organizational meetings and paddle events and of course monetary donations.

We hope you will consider sharing what you can to  give back to the community and help others find that same enjoyment on the water whether it be a calm paddle or catching a wave!

For more info: please contact

Lou or Gail (Gidget) at reefwarriors@outlook.com

or

Steve Spitz at

Spitzskier@gmail.com

 

Thanks to everyone! Another great day!

I just want to get a quick update and thank you to all those who participated and helped out with the Labor day paddle.
Our head count this morning was 99 paddlers on the water and  2 dogs.

Thanks to the support crews on the water and the beach.

And thanks to everyone who brought some goodies to share, no one went away hungry.

When I get some more photos I will get them up here and on face book.

Thanks again one and all for making another great memory!

Once around the wreck annual paddle parade

Happy Friday,

I know many of you have asked about our annual paddle.

The weather looks the most promising for Saturday, September 3rd,

Lets get all the boats and boards on the beach by 9:30 am for a 10am start. Once around the wreck as always and back to the beach, for some lite refreshments and comradery après paddle!

Any one looking to contribute some goodies, water, juice, ice, please bring to Ledge 12 by 9am day of paddle.  Reef Warrior swag will be available.  (limited supply of certain items)

Looking forward to seeing you all this year, lets try for the 100 paddlers mark.

Any questions please contact me at mailto:reefwarriors@outlook.com

Buffalo Paddle fest 2016

I would like to let everyone know about the Buffalo Paddle fest, which is taking place next Friday & Saturday August 19th & 20th.

Gail, Jim and I participated last year in this  fun event.

Click here for all the info.

Hope to see you all there!

http://buffalopaddlefestival.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=3049

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Buffalo Paddle Festival Buffalo’s largest paddle sports race! The Buffalo Paddle Festival takes place on August 19 – 20, 2016 at beautiful Woodlawn Beach State Park in Hamburg, NY. The Buffalo Paddle Festival is a 2-day community expo celebrating Health and Wellness, Outdoor Recreation, and promoting Environmental Stewardship all while showcasing the unique Waterscapes of Buffalo NY and its surrounding area.

This year we have partnered with Woodlawn Beach State Park to introduce visitors to one of Buffalo’s nearby waterfront treasures. Join us Friday August 19, 2016 for Beach Camping at Woodlawn Beach State Park and enjoy a fun night in prep for a full day of paddle activities! Race Day, Saturday August 20, 2016, will include SUP and Kayak Demos, a variety of Fitness Classes, a Pig Roast and Craft Brew After Party, finishing with Live Bands and a Bonfire on the Beach! Proceeds from the event will benefit Kids Escaping Drugs and Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper!