Paddlesports: canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, is the fastest growing segment of watercraft recreation. Unfortunately, it’s also disproportionately the most dangerous segment comprising only 8% of all recreational watercraft but 20% of all boating related fatalities. Christmas is rapidly approaching and if you’re a paddlesports enthusiast, know some who is, or you’d like to become one yourself, the Paddlesports Gift Guide below can make you, or the recipient, not just happy but also safer on the water. Coast Guard Auxiliary Paddlecraft expert, kayak enthusiastic, Portland CG Auxiliary Flotilla 21 member, and South Berwick resident, Mike Moloney, has assembled the Santa Suggestions below. From a few dollars to a couple of hundred plus, there are “nice to have”, “smart to have” and “must have” gift ideas for paddlesports enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Top (slightly over) 10 Paddle Sports Holiday Gift Ideas

Every year, once the paddling season ends, the holiday season begins. In normal times I love the holidays, except for one part: GIFTS! Gifts stress me out. I never know what to buy for people, and when my family asks me “What do you want…?”, I can never think of what to say. However, if you’re a paddler, or will be buying gifts for a paddler, here are a few holiday gift ideas to help you out!

#1 Lessons

There is no substitute for experience! If you are relatively new to paddlesports, or love someone who is, a gift certificate for some lessons from an ACA (American Canoe Association) qualified instructor can provide worthwhile and potentially live saving instruction in just a few hours.

#2 Sign up for a Guided Tour

The only thing better than hearing about safe kayaking practices is actually doing them! Check your local area for guided tour providers. For information about guided tours in your area visit: http://maskgi.org/
#3 A good Life Preserver A good quality, comfortable life jacket that fits well and is designed specifically for paddling can be a gift of life! For Paddle Boarders, an inflatable Life Vest Belt Pack Waist Bag makes an excellent gift

#4 Bilge Pump, Paddle Float and Leash

On a nice summer’s day, under the right safety conditions, its actually very refreshing to practice self-rescue skills and teach them to your companions. Once back upright and aboard, you’ll want to get as much water out of your boat as possible; a bilge pump and sponge will make the rest of your day much more pleasant. A paddle leash can help keep that paddle from drifting away in an emergency or if you’re distracted while taking a photo of the beautiful wildlife and scenery you’ll see along the New England coast!

#4 VHF Marine Handheld Waterproof Floating Radio

A waterproof VHF marine radio should be a personal requirement for anyone who ventures out onto Maine’s coastal waters. While you may dial 911 with your phone and reach a distant 911 call center, there may other boats nearby who could be summoned much more quickly with a VHF Mayday call.

#5 Spare Paddle

While practicing in the pool, my lightweight paddle broke right in the middle while I was attempting to remount my boat. Having a good heavy duty backup paddle would have been a better idea.

#6 EPIRB

An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) will quickly alert search and rescue services in case of an emergency out at sea. An EPIRB can help not only pinpoint your location and but can also provide owner/vessel information to rescue services. EPIRB unit sizes vary and many models float; some are specifically designed for sea kayakers.

#7 First Aid Kit & First Aid lessons

This one is a no-brainer. Anyone who goes into the outdoors should bring a First Aid Kit. I like to camp on islands; I find the sense of isolation brings me peace. CPR and First Aid classes may be available through your local Emergency Services Department or local Red Cross, so they’re easy to access. Assume it will take a while for Emergency Services to get to your isolated location so Be Prepared! See also #4 “VHF Marine Handheld Waterproof Floating Radio”

#8 Magnetic Compass

A basic deck-mounted or handheld compass, combined with the knowledge of how to use it, can help you find your way back to safety, especially in limited visibility. For basic navigation information including how to use a magnetic compass, sign up for the Coast Guard Auxiliary course “Weekend Navigator.”

#9 Tow Rope

If you go paddling with others, especially children who may tire more easily, a waist-belt mounted tow rope can come in really handy. Make sure you get one with a quick release buckle, because you never want to be permanently attached to much of anything while in a marine environment.

#10 Whistle

A “sound producing device” is a legal requirement when operating a vessel on Maine waters and may summon help when needed or alert others to your presence in reduced visibility. A “pea-less” whistle is Coast Guard approved and will still work if filled with water.

So there it is, my Holiday Gift to you. A Top 10 List for that special paddler in your life! If that “Special Paddler” is you, leaving this list out with some items circled might provide welcome gift-giving hints to your significant other.