Open Canoe on Moving Water - Potential Hazards

2007 Safety & Advice Notice

A number of hazards associated with Open Canoes on moving water are well documented in canoeing publications.

In Path of the Paddle, Bill Mason refers to what is described as a 'Bear Trap', where a paddler becomes pinned between a canoe and an obstacle such as a rock following an upset. The forces involved can be the equivalent of 2 Metric Tonnes.

However, three other equally serious and potentially fatal scenarios are less well known:

• Rope Snare - Ropes and water are always a potential hazard and care must be taken to minimise the risk wherever possible. Painters and tracking lines should be stowed effectively. Painters should be daisy chained or bagged at the bow and stern. Where dry bags, barrels and bailers are leashed to thwarts and yoke, ask the question, 'is this a tolerable hazard' 'do I need to lash it in?' Am I carrying an easily accessible knife?
• Yoke Jam - If when paddling solo, the canoe stops suddenly after hitting an obstacle, it is possible for the paddler to be thrown forward with considerable force and for their knees and thighs to be pinned under the central yoke.
• Preacher Pin - Many touring canoes were not designed to paddle in a kneeling position! The distance between the seat and the hull is too small to allow the lower leg to be freed easily. When paddling solo in a kneeling position the lower legs can very quickly become pinned by the kneeling thwart if the boat starts to crumple as it wraps around an obstacle.

Many experienced coaches carry a readily accessible heavy duty pruning saw for exactly these situations. 

Please ensure staff working with Open Canoes are aware of these potential hazards.

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