Smart Start For Safe Paddling

Why was this resource collection developed?

What prevents people from trying paddlesports for the first time?

Many adults and families are interested in outdoor recreation but hesitate to try paddling due to concerns about safety, not knowing where to start, unfamiliarity with gear, or feeling unprepared for changing water conditions. These barriers often lead to inactivity or unsafe DIY attempts instead of taking an educated and confident step into paddling.

This is exactly where Smart Start for Safe Paddling comes into play:

Designed as a beginner-friendly guide, Smart Start for Safe Paddling offers a clear, supportive entry point for anyone curious about kayaking, canoeing, rafting, or stand up paddling. It helps new paddlers feel informed, empowered, and prepared—before ever stepping into a boat.

Through straightforward explanations, visual guides, and real-world safety tips, the book demystifies paddling and instills essential knowledge about equipment, environmental awareness, risk management, and personal readiness. Readers gain a foundational understanding of how to approach paddling safely and responsibly—without needing prior experience.

Crucially, this suite of resources acts as a bridge to professional instruction.

By emphasizing safety and smart decision-making, Smart Start for Safe Paddling naturally encourages readers to take the next step: enrolling in a course with a certified instructor or trip leader. It highlights the value of hands-on learning, the importance of practicing rescue techniques, and the benefits of guided skill development—making the case that while reading builds awareness, real growth happens on the water.

Instructors, leaders, guides, and paddling programs can use this suite of resources as a pre-course resource or outreach tool to reach hesitant beginners. It builds confidence, reduces fear, and frames instruction not as a luxury—but as a smart, accessible investment in safe, enjoyable paddling.

In short, Smart Start for Safe Paddling lowers the barrier to entry, builds motivation, and strengthens the connection between education and action. It helps create more informed, safety-minded paddlers—and drives increased participation in formal training programs, which are critical to long-term paddling success and community growth.

Who are these resources for?

The Smart Start for Safe Paddling program was designed to serve a broad range of individuals and organizations committed to safe, inclusive, and responsible paddling. Whether you’re introducing people to paddlecraft for the first time or reinforcing essential safety practices, Smart Start for Safe Paddling is a valuable, adaptable resource.

• New paddlers: Individuals who are brand new to kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddling, or rafting—and want a clear, confidence-building introduction before getting on the water.

• Returning paddlers: Those who have paddled in the past and are seeking a refresher on current safety practices, updated gear guidance, or a more intentional approach to paddling.

• Boating safety organizations: Agencies and nonprofits working to promote water safety can use the book in public outreach, training initiatives, and awareness campaigns.

• State boating and natural resource agencies: this program is ideal for use in public education, seasonal boating programs, stewardship campaigns, and outreach to underserved communities or first-time paddlers.

• Paddling instructors and guide services: use these materials as pre-course reading, take-home reinforcement, or part of a participant welcome kit—ensuring consistent messaging and increased readiness.

• Outfitter and rental staff: a practical tool for educating renters or first-time customers before they launch. Helps reinforce safety expectations, trip planning basics, and local regulations.

• Camps, outdoor schools, and university rec programs: offer a structured way to introduce paddling within broader outdoor education programs, orientation weeks, or summer camp activity tracks.

• Community centers and health & wellness initiatives: for programs aiming to connect people with the outdoors for physical and mental well-being, this book serves as a gentle, informed introduction to paddling as a lifelong activity.

What topics are covered?

Learners will be presented with information grouped into four chapters:

1. Smart Gear

   • Personal gear, including life jackets
   • Paddlecraft terminology and design
   • Paddle parts, terms, and maintenance
   • Communications equipment, rescue gear, and aids to navigation
   • Clothing and thermal protection

2. Smart Skills

   • Transporting a boat
   • Loading and boarding a boat
   • Boat handling and safer swimming
   • Paddling strokes
   • Environmental risks
   • Human-made hazards
   • Rescue principles and priorities

3. Smart Plan

   • Float plans
   • Life jacket carriage and wear requirements
   • Rendering aid
   • Reporting accidents
   • Invasive Species
   • Leave No Trace © Principles

4. Smart Decisions

• • Go / No-Go decision making
  • Paddler’s responsibilities
  • Group management and communications
  • Avoiding multi-use waterway conflict, including paddling in proximity to other vessels
  • Rules of the road
  • Next steps

Does it meet national paddling safety standards?

These resources are designed to meet ACA’s educational guidelines and the evidence-based educational standards recommended by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s B Directorate, as well as align with standards created by the National On-Water Standards program and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). The Smart Start for Safe Paddling book contains reference numbers and in-text citations which correspond to the NOWS and ANSI/NASBLA standards, which are outlined in the appendix.

How can my program use these resources?

The Smart Start for Safe Paddling resource collection is intended to serve as a foundation of your paddling safety and education programs. Use the program products in any way that complements the goals of your organization and needs of your audience.

Support Formal Instruction
This resource collection encourages readers to deepen their understanding by participating in hands-on courses. It highlights the value of experiential learning and serves as a natural on-ramp to guided lessons and group programming. Instructors and presenters can use the book to reinforce key messages before, during, or after a course.

Versatile and Program-Ready
Whether used as a stand-alone resource or integrated into a class, camp, or community outreach program, Smart Start for Safe Paddling is a flexible, field-ready tool. It supports instructors, outfitters, and paddling organizations in delivering consistent, safety-focused messaging across a range of audiences.

Use the Smart Start for Safe Paddling resources to:

• Prepare students before a lesson or guided trip

• Offer as a take-home resource for new paddlers

• Reinforce core skills and knowledge after instruction

• Introduce paddlesports in outreach or public education programs

• Distribute at community events, paddling expos, demo days, or safety campaigns

• Promote water safety and environmental stewardship

• Build awareness of your program’s offerings

• Encourage lifelong learning and safer participation

Together, we can create safer paddlers—and bring more people into the sport we love.

What if I have other questions?

The ACA’s Education Department would be happy to assist you! Send us an email!