A life jacket is the difference between wet clothes or death by drowning. Need help to properly fit a lifejacket? REVIEW: How to fit a life jacket.
Is Kayaking for You?
We recommend all paddlers have prior education, experience, and meet the requirements outlined by the American Canoe Association’s essential eligibility criteria. If you answer yes to all of the below, kayaking may be a great activity for you!
- Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
- Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
- Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
- Manage personal care independently
- Manage personal mobility independently
- Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion
- Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket
- Get in/out or on/off of a paddlecraft independently
- Independently get out and from under a capsized paddlecraft
- Reenter or remount the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently
- Maintain a safe body position while attempting normal Recreational watercraft skills and activities and have the ability to recognize when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation
Kayaking Safety
In an emergency call 911. Get attention of others. Blow your whistle, wave your paddle.
Review the essentials
Carry your cellphone with you in a waterproof case.
Always carry your cellphone in a water protected case. If you need help on the water your cellphone will be necessary. Your cellphone also lets us know your location during your rental. FAQ: In Case of Emergency on the Water
Have a clear mind.
Celebrate after the paddle when you are off the water.
Avoid paddling alone.
Paddling with others is not only more fun, but it is also safer. In an emergency a friend can help or call for additional help. FAQ: In Case of Emergency on the Water
Dress to swim and for weather conditions.
Dress prepared to swim and for the conditions. Both cold and hot conditions can be hazardous to your health and safety. FAQ: How to Dress Properly for Paddling
Stay close to shore.
If you do not have experience recovering from a capsize, it is important to remain 100 yards or less from the shore so that you can swim to safety. Recovering from a capsize. How to re-enter a kayak.
Be aware of storms, wind, and waves.
Be aware of weather before you depart and while you are on the water. Return to shore immediately in the event of inclement weather. FAQ: What to do in Bad Weather When You Are on the Water
Use extreme care at the launch.
Launch surfaces are variable, they may be slippy and/or steep and are subject to changing conditions.
Important Additional Fin Policies
- You are expected to yield to all other boats.
Boats, especially large ones, are not as maneuverable. It may be impossible for them to avoid you making it imperative that you get out of their way. Do not assume they can see you. Boat traffic awareness and safe practice - Padding Locations.
While paddling we recommend you stay within our designated geofence. - No Passengers.
You may not carry, tow, or otherwise transport a second person (including a child or pet) using a Fin watercraft.
Important Videos
This page is for informational purposes only. When using Fin you agree to all terms and conditions set fourth in our rental agreement.