Do you need to buy or sell paddling equipment such as a kayak, canoe, paddle, PFD, or other paddling accessories? BornToPaddle.com now has a free, that’s right - no charge - paddling classified ad.

Are you looking for people in your area to paddle with? Why not advertise yourself? More and more people are looking to BornToPaddle.com as their true complete source for paddling information, so the odds are, you’ll find that paddling companion you’re looking for. Now, this is NOT a dating service! And all ads must pass our inspection before they are accepted.

Here’s who can place a free paddling classified ad with us - anyone:

• who wants to buy or sell a kayak or canoe
• who wants to buy or sell paddling gear such as roof racks, paddles, dry bags, PFDs, boat accessories, etc.
• who wants to meet someone in their area to paddle with, start a paddling group or a canoe or kayak club

If you think you might have something another paddler wants…or you think you might want something another paddler has…you can place a free - yes, no charge - paddling classified ad.

Just go to our Paddling Classifeds page to get started!

The first time I went paddling was about 30 years ago. I was with my scout troop and we were canoeing down the Delaware River. I was given this antique, faded life jacket. It was a type II standard, bright orange (although it wasn’t bright anymore), life vest with that thick collar that sits in the back of your neck. Although it wasn’t very comfortable, it worked quite well as I had to depend on it more than once that day.

Today my PFD (personal floatation device) is a U.S. Coast Guard Class Type III Vest, specifically designed for paddling. It is waist-length and has large armholes and adjustable straps. It is the most comfortable PFD I have ever worn.

Modern PFD’s come in many, many styles with different options. Some come with handy zip pockets, carabiners for clipping your stuff to, reflective striping, and the list goes on. You can expect to pay about $40 for the simplest PFD, and hundreds for some of the light-weight, super streamlined versions. When it’s time for you to purchase your PFD keep in mind the following:

• Always make sure it is US Coast Guard approved.
• Check the label and choose the correct size for you.
• You can choose between vest or pull-over.
• You will want a PFD with adjustable straps to fit you properly.
• It should feel snug but comfortable.
• Try it on and try some paddling motions to see if it will be comfortable paddling.
• If it’s not comfortable, try different sizes or another brand.
• Make sure you choose one in your favorite color to make your paddling days even happier. Ha! Seriously though, you should probably choose one in a vibrant color. Blues and greens are popular, but they are hard to spot on the water.

Once you have purchased a proper fitting comfortable PFD you will need to wear it! Some of our advertisers have great deals on PFDs. For instance, check out BoatersWorld.com, or Altrec.com, or Bass Pro Shops.

Children should always wear a US Coast Guard approved PFD that is designed specifically FOR children. If you are looking for a PFD for a child, or other children’s paddling gear, then check out our Paddling gear just for kids page, or try our retailers for more childrens paddling gear: Upside Over. Also, try BoatersWorld.com, and Altrec: Child’s PFD.

What about a PFD for your dog? Don’t forget about Fido’s safety on the water! Yes, there are dog PFDs (more…)

Living in Tennessee we often get unseasonably warm weather in winter months. Whenever I pass over the Harpeth River on a warm winter day, I want to rush right home, rip the cover off my kayak and go paddling. But there is one thing I always need to remember, no matter how good the river looks, and how warm I believe the day to be, the water is actually much colder than what I’m used to and so, the air temperature on the river will also be colder.

I’m not saying that I don’t go paddling on those balmy winter days…I’m still paddling, but I’m paddling prepared for the cold. I bring extra layers in case of cloud cover that brings chilly winds, and also in case I get wet. Even a dripping paddle can get you wet enough to feel a chill. A spray skirt is also a must on these days. It not only keeps the water off of me and my clothes, it keeps my body heat inside the kayak - at least from the waist down.

Hypothermia is defined as dangerously low body temperature. That means if your body temp falls to or below 95°F (35°C), you may be in trouble. Since normal body temperature is around 98.6°F… that’s not very far to fall. Hypothermia occurs when more heat is lost than the body can generate.

Some tips on cold weather paddling:

• When paddling in cold weather or on cold waters, be prepared for the possibility for hypothermia.
• Carry extra clothing, space blankets and regular blankets in a dry bag
• Use a spray skirt
• Wear a hat (most body heat escapes through the top of the head)
• Wear a jacket made from water proof or water resistant materials
• Wear gloves or a jacket with pockets where you can warm your hands
• Carry “hand warmers” - these can also be put in your shoes to keep your feet warm
• Carry a cell phone with you in case you need to call for help
• Don’t go paddling alone - go with other paddlers so you can each watch out for each other

Signs of hypothermia indclude:

• Drowsiness
• Weakness and loss of coordination
• Pale and cold skin
• Confusion
• Uncontrollable shivering (although at extremely low body temperatures, shivering may stop)
• Slowed breathing or heart rate

First Aid for hypothermia:

• If any symptoms of hypothermia are present, especially confusion or changes in mental status, immediately call 911.
• If the person is unconscious, check airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing or CPR. If the victim is breathing less than 6 breaths per minute, begin rescue breathing.
• Take the person inside to room temperature and cover him or her with warm blankets. If going indoors is not possible, get the person out of the wind and use a blanket to provide insulation from the cold ground. Cover the person’s head and neck to help retain body heat.
• Once inside, remove any wet or constricting clothes and replace them with dry clothing.
• Warm the person. If necessary, use your own body heat to aid the warming. Apply warm compresses to the neck, chest wall, and groin. If the person is alert and can easily swallow, give warm, sweetened, nonalcoholic fluids to aid the warming.
• Stay with the person until medical help arrives.

What NOT to do:

• DO NOT assume that someone found lying motionless in the cold is already dead.
• DO NOT use direct heat (such as hot water, a heating pad, or a heat lamp) to warm the person.
• DO NOT give the person alcohol!

The key to happy paddling in any weather is Preparation! Paddling is fun. Be responsible and be prepared whenever you’re in a kayak, canoe or raft and you’re sure to have a great day on the water.

For more information about how to recognize the warning signs of hypothermia, visit the National Institutes of Health website.

Are you prepared for a great paddling adventure? Check out our Canoe & Kayak Adventure Travel pages for your next unforgettable paddling trip.

Back on dry land after 62 harrowing days traversing the Tasman Sea, our intrepid Aussie Kayakers have completed their mission! Congratulations James and Justin!

Here’s the full report, story and photos courtesy of the New Zealand Herald:

Kayakers make landfall after 62 days

1:59PM Sunday January 13, 2008

Leg-weary, tired, but delighted, James Castrission and Justin Jones have completed their transtasman kayaking odyssey.

Castrission, 25, and Jones, 24, struggled onto Ngamotu Beach, near New Plymouth, 62 days after starting their kayak across the Tasman from their home city, Sydney.

They needed to hold onto each other for support as they got out of their two-man kayak but managed to walk to shore, where they were greeted by thousands of people.

Castrission hugged Jones as they stood on the beach and said: “I love you bro.”

“He’s my best mate and he always will be,” Castrission told the crowd.

The pair embraced family and spoke to media and customs officials before walking onto a stage, where they were greeted by New Plymouth’s mayor Peter Tennant, who said the welcoming crowd had been estimated at 45,000. (more…)

We’re still keeping tracking of our Tasman Sea kayakers…nope, not there yet. But according to their official website Crossing The Ditch, our kayaking soul buddies are 92.9% there, expected now to arrive by January 13.

The UK Times On Line, says that James Castrission and Justin Jones are on the verge of giving up just 170 kilometres from the finish line. We say they’re full of salt water!

But what about you? Not up for a Tasman Sea Crossing? That’s ok, we’ve got plenty of paddling races, paddling festivals and events coming up this year, and also information about paddling adventure travel, and whitewater parks…one near you!

Check out our Events & Races by Month or our Events & Races by State pages.

Looking for whitewater paddling? Click here for Whitewater Parks.

And book early for the best Kayak & Canoe Adventure Travel Packages.

Here’s the UK Times article on Castrission and Jones:

January 9, 2008

Kayakers James Castrission and Justin Jones in a muddle as exhaustion takes its toll on high seas

Two adventurers who have paddled 3,000 kilometres (1,864 miles) through 10-metre swells and powerful currents in an attempt to cross the Tasman Sea are on the verge of giving up only 170 kilometres from the finish.

James Castrission, 25, and Justin Jones, 24, are so physically and mentally exhausted that they are losing their sense of direction as they approach New Zealand.

Persistent headwinds and strong ocean currents have taken their toll and forced the Australians kayakers to paddle 800 kilometres farther than planned and prolonged their voyage by two weeks.

Concerns are now growing about the health of the pair, whose leg muscles are wasting and whose fat reserves are thought to be entirely depleted. Mr Jones said in a podcast that he and his partner, who set out on November 13, were losing mental focus.

“We’ll get our east and west mixed up and can’t remember numbers we were talking about just an hour ago,â€� he said. “Normally, we’re really switched on guys [but] we’re just getting worn down slowly. We’re busting out 30, 40, 50km a day and at the moment it’s just bleak weather. The sea’s grey and it’s rolling in and blending into the sky, which is grey. Everything’s grey.â€� (more…)