Some people might think that kayaks are safer because they can be faster and more maneuverable. Others, on the other hand, believe that a canoe is safer because it has less moving parts to break. Is there an answer? Is one boat type better for everyone?
Canoes are less prone to capsize than kayaks, so they are preferable if you’re alone on flat or slow moving water without rapids. Canoes are also safer for lake-based camping excursions in the north since they can hold more equipment to keep you warm in early spring and late fall. Kayaks are safer on the ocean, while paddling through whitewater, and when speed and agility are important.
The truth is that while both boats have their pros and cons, safety really depends on what you’re trying to do with your boat. In this article, we’ll cover the dangers or both kayaks and canoes and how to prepare for a safe trip.
What Are the Dangers Of Kayaking?
Water sports like kayaking and canoeing come with many dangers. By knowing these in advance and how to deal with them you can better avoid them.
The Top Dangers of Kayaking Include:
Drowning
Whether you are paddling the ocean, calm rivers, or a wide open lake, drowning is always the worst case scenario.
Simple ways to avoid this include:
- Wearing life jackets
- Scouting any rapids you might encounter on the river before paddling them
- Avoiding dams and rocks that could flip and trap you
- Practicing safely exiting your kayak if you flip
- Practice getting back onto the kayak after flipping and getting back to shore
- Knowing how to swim
Quick Story – Practicing flipping and safe exit are great skills to always do in advance with everyone on the trip. We once went on a long trip in Vancouver and brought a friend that did great the whole time. When we got back we practiced flipping and safe exit in a controlled environment. On his first practice flip he freaked out and stormed to shore saying he never wanted to kayak again. Had that happened in the cold waters off Vancouver he could have died.
Cold Shock (Hypothermia)
You’ll want to always wear the right gear if you’re out anytime you break the rule of 100.
What’s the rule of 100? It comes from tubing. Basically, if the water temperature and air temperature added up don’t go above 100, don’t go out without wetsuits and warm gear.
Even if they do add up, 40 degree water on a 70 F day are still going to be might cold.
Wearing a life jacket will help keep you warm. Wool clothes add even more. Wetsuits are best, especially if you fall in.
Bad Weather
Most people will check the weather before they head out. That doesn’t stop quick changes in weather though.
You might be out expecting everything to be great when all of a sudden you see lightning not far off.
When this happens get to shore quickly and wait for the storm to pass.
Fast changes in weather can make kayaking dangerous.
Flipping Over
This is a big fear for many kayakers.
How do you avoid it? Use an open top kayak. They are specifically designing to easily flip back over and drain so they don’t get water logged and you can still paddle on.
Kayaks designed for whitewater have a lip for you to add a skirt to. The ideas is that you’re wearing a neoprene skirt and when you flip that keeps the water out and you can flip back.
It’s a hard skill to learn and not really needed in gentle rivers (class 1) or lakes.
The problem with those kayaks is that when you flip they fill with water making them very hard but not impossible to bring back to shore.
People also use these types of kayaks in the ocean again with a skirt to keep spray out or just to stay warm during fall or winter kayaking.
Getting attacked by sharks in the ocean
Shark attacks are pretty rare. Of the millions of people that swam in the ocean in 2020, only 129 were attacked according to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File. Of those, 39 were actually provoked which means people tried to pet or interact with the sharks that attacked them.
Few of these attacks were related to kayaks. According to a Wikipedia list of confirming shark fatalities there has only been three on kayakers dating back to the 1800s (source).
Getting attacked by alligators in rivers or lakes
According to a collection of fatal alligator attacks in the United States since the 1970s, none have been on kayakers [or canoers] (source). Plus, even non-fatal alligator attacks on kayakers are unlikely.
That doesn’t change the fact that it’s a terrifying thought as you paddle through the murky waters.
The bigger danger is seeing one and trying to interact with it. Or worse yet, it splashes away which then knocks you over.
At that point it’s best to take it slow and see the section above on what to do when you flip over.
Other Wildlife Attacks
Sharks and alligators aren’t the only dangers in the water.
The other big one – walruses!
You are far more likely to be attacked by a walrus than you are a shark or alligator. This is mainly true if they are scared or during mating time. Of course, this is also only true when kayaking directly around walruses.
The easiest way to avoid this problem, use a bigger boat and don’t kayak near known walrus beaches!
Getting lost
For some people this can be a real problem. When you’re out on the water, it’s easy to get turned around. Plus, cell phone signals are often hard to come by in many places.
Solutions
- Always have a waterproof map with you that is showing where you are starting from and your destination.
- Plan your trip using google earth or google maps in satellite mode.
- Bring a compass!
- Bring the cell phone and keep it stored safely in a dry bag or cell pouch. They make pouches for $10 that allow you to take pictures underwater with your phone. Store your phone here and use the lanyard to keep it around your neck or connected to the boat so it doesn’t drop over.
Getting trapped in a manmade dam
Dams by nature stretch straight across the stream or river. This creates a consistent rapid that can travel the entire width of the river.
The problem? If you get sucked under that the only way out is to swim to the sides which can be a long ways away.
The solution? Avoid dams by checking your course in advance using google earth or google maps.
Boating collisions
Kayaks are small. Most power boats are not. Plus they are higher above the water and tend not to see smaller boats when they are zipping by.
If you see other boats make sure they see you.
Also, be mindful of the wake they create. Point your boat in the direction of the wake or slightly to the side. Try to avoid be perfectly parallel to the wake or you’re more likely to tip over.
What Are the Dangers of Canoeing?
Canoeing has several of the same dangers as kayaking:
- Drowning
- Getting Lost
- Running into dams (i.e. not scouting your run in advance)
- Changing Weather
- Tip overs and hypothermia
You won’t have to worry about sharks as you won’t be canoeing in the ocean. Walruses won’t be a problem either.
As stated above alligators almost never attack boats.
Falling in and drowning, getting lost, flash storms, and cold exposure are all still problems.
The solutions remain the same as stated above:
- Scout your run in advance
- Avoid other larger boats
- Bring warm gear suited for the weather
- Bring a cell phone and keep it safe (plus a map!)
How Do You Stay Safe Kayaking?
It’s not hard to stay safe while kayaking. With a little pre-planning and right kayaking gear you can expect hundreds of safe and fun kayak adventures.
Stay warm
It’s easy to underestimate how cold kayaking can be. Just make sure you wear the right gear, eat well and stay dry.
Check out our articles on canyoneering safety tips , Winter camping tips , How to avoid lightning strikes & other weather tips .
Don’t forget your first aid kit!
Stay Found
Always have a map showing the route you want to take and know how to read it. Plan your trip using google earth or google maps in satellite mode. Pack a compass! Always wear a lifejacket, or better yet – wear wetsuit or drysuit depending on the water temperature.
Keep Your distance From Large Boats
One of the biggest dangers in kayaking is getting too close to other boats. However, when you’re in a group this can be difficult. If everyone is paddling at their own speed, keeping your distance will be much easier.
When you are in a large group, make sure there are clear hand signals and rules to avoid collisions.
When you are kayaking near power boats, get away from them as far as possible and stay at least 100 feet away from the side of the boat. If they’re going fast enough, just being 10 feet away from them will be too close for comfort because their wake can travel fast!
Avoid Dangerous Wildlife
Sharks, hippos, walruses, crocodiles and other dangerous wildlife can be attracted to your kayak. It’s rare (and unlikely you’ll be kayaking with hippos) but it’s best to avoid them and stay away from them especially in mating season.
No matter how amazing they may seem, walruses, polar bears, and other large wildlife you may see on shore are not interested in befriending you and coming over for tea. Stay away from them!
How Do You Stay Safe Canoeing?
It’s easy to be safe while canoing. Thousands of secure and exciting canoe adventures are possible if you prepare ahead of time and use the proper kayaking equipment.
Plan Your Trip
Always plan your trip using google earth or google maps in satellite mode. You’d be surprised how much of the earth you can scout in advance at home using your computer. Don’t be surprised by a dam, scout your run before you paddle!
Bring the cell phone and keep it stored safely in a dry bag or cell pouch. Also, bring a compass or know how to use the one on the phone!
Dress For the Weather
A lifejacket or a wetsuit/drysuit may be needed depending on the water and air temperature.
Don’t forget to bring your first aid kit!
When you’re kayaking in cold weather, make sure that all of your clothes are made from a material that will keep you dry and warm even when it gets wet (e.g. wool or fleece).
Avoid Boat Collisions
Keep your distance from larger boats.
When you are kayaking near power boats, get away from them as far as possible and stay at least 100 feet away from the side of the boat.
If you’re leading a group, make sure everyone can see your paddle at all times. As always, there should be clear hand signals and rules for the group so that collisions with larger boats are avoided.
Watch Wildlife And Keep Your Distance
You may see alligators or crocodiles while paddling. It’s rare but it’s best to avoid them and stay away from them especially in mating season.
The same thing holds true if you catch a bear, moose, elk, or other larger mammal on the shore.
No matter how amazing they may seem, moose and bear should be enjoyed from a distance.
So, Is A Kayak or Canoe Safer?
A canoe is less likely to capsize than a kayak, so it may be safer to use if you’re alone.
Canoes are also safer for lake-based camping trips in the north as they can hold more gear to keep you warm in early spring or late fall.
Kayaks are safer on the ocean, for paddling through whitewater, and other times when agility and speed are key.
However, larger groups tend to choose the comfort of a canoe over the speed and agility of a kayak.
No matter whether you kayak or canoe, remember to prepare ahead of time and use proper equipment!
