Safety
Kayaking is a safe activity when you have proper training, equipment and respect for nature. Here I share my approach to safety and what you need to know.
Safety is not an add-on — it is the foundation
Everything I do is built on safety. From the equipment I choose to how courses and trips are planned. No shortcuts when it comes to your safety.
NPF-certified
NPF-certified instructor with solid experience. I follow NPF's course plan and guidelines in all training.
Max 8 per instructor
I keep group sizes small to ensure all participants receive sufficient guidance and attention on the water.
Right equipment, always
PFD, dry suit, spray skirt and other safety equipment adapted to conditions. No compromises on equipment.
Weather assessment
I carefully assess weather, wind and wave conditions before every trip. Better to cancel or adjust than to take unnecessary risks.
Key principles for safe paddling
The most common mistake
By far the most common mistake is dressing for the air temperature instead of the water temperature. A warm summer day at 20 degrees can tempt you to paddle in shorts. But with 12-degree water, hypothermia can set in quickly after a capsize.
Rule of thumb: Add together the air and water temperature. If the sum is below 40 degrees, you should wear a dry suit or wetsuit.
Equipment and clothing by season
Proper clothing is crucial for safety and comfort. Remember: always dress for the water temperature, never the air temperature.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Water temperature: 4–7 °C
- Dry suit (mandatory)
- Wool or fleece layers underneath
- Neoprene gloves and socks
- Neoprene hood
- Paddle shoes
Spring/Autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Nov)
Water temperature: 7–13 °C
- Dry suit strongly recommended
- Alternative: wetsuit (full) + paddle jacket
- Wool base layers
- Neoprene gloves as needed
- Waterproof shoes
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Water temperature: 12–16 °C
- Paddle jacket or dry top
- Quick-drying clothes underneath
- Wool as a reserve layer
- Hat/cap for sun protection
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Golden rule: Wool innermost, never cotton. Cotton does not retain warmth when wet.
Understanding weather and wind conditions
Wind is the most important factor for kayak paddlers. Learn to read forecasts and make good assessments.
Wind strength
Important to know
Gusts: Forecast wind speed is an average. Gusts can be 50–100% stronger. Check the gusts, not just the mean wind.
Onshore vs. offshore wind: Offshore wind may seem mild at the shore, but out at sea it can be significantly stronger. Onshore wind pushes you away from land.
Tides: Tidal currents combined with wind can create challenging waves, especially in straits and around headlands. Check the tide tables.
Yr.no + Windy: Use yr.no for general forecasts and Windy for detailed wind charts. Check multiple sources.
What do you do if the kayak capsizes?
Capsizing is a natural part of kayaking. With proper training, you handle it safely and calmly. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Stay calm
The most important thing is not to panic. The kayak floats, the PFD keeps you up, and you have time.
Hold on to the kayak and paddle
Never let go of the kayak. It is your most important life raft. Hold the paddle in one hand.
Signal to paddling companions
Bang on the hull, shout or signal that you need help. Practice this before it happens.
Assisted rescue or self-rescue
Assisted rescue is easiest and fastest. Self-rescue with a paddle float is plan B. Both are practiced on courses.
Empty the kayak and get back in
Drain the water, get back in the kayak, attach the spray skirt, and continue. Practice makes perfect.
All these techniques are thoroughly reviewed and practiced in the foundation course and the technique course.
Paddle Safety Code — the sea's mountain safety rules
The Paddle Safety Code is to the sea what the Mountain Code is to the mountains: a set of sensible principles that help you make good decisions. They are developed by the Norwegian Paddling Federation and are based on extensive experience.
Why a course matters
Kayaking looks simple, but there is much you cannot see from shore. Proper paddle technique, understanding of weather and sea, and the ability to handle unexpected situations require training. A course gives you the tools to paddle safely and have fun — on your own terms.
View coursesNorwegian Paddling Federation
NPF is the national federation for paddling in Norway. They develop course plans, certifications and guidelines on which I base my instruction. Read more about safe paddling on their website.
Read more about paddle safetyIn an emergency at sea
Call 113 (medical emergency) or contact the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre via VHF channel 16. Always have a phone in a waterproof bag when paddling.