This article was produced in partnership with the Water Sports Foundation.
It's tempting to throw all caution to the wind and hit the water kayaking or paddling as soon as you wake for the day, but you'd be making the top mistake when recreating on water. Not checking the weather before loading up your canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard leaves room for disaster to strike.
Even though the weather may look fine where you are, the situation can quickly change over the course of a few hours, plus atmospheric conditions can be even more unpredictable over different bodies of water.
Ideal conditions rarely last, whether on a small pond, large lake, or near the ocean. There's the chance of sudden thunderstorms hitting the area and creating dangerous conditions like lightning and high winds that can affect your ability to get back to shore safely.
If you're near the coast, you should check tide charts before heading out as the change of tides can rapidly affect flow at the water's surface. River runners should also check water flow on state or local websites that monitor river gauges to ensure you're not putting in where the rapids are too intense for your skill level.
Along with watching the weather and checking tides and currents, plan to bring or wear clothing suitable for the forecast. Long-sleeve UPF clothing can help beat back the sun's rays and stashing a fleece hoodie and light rain jacket can stave off hypothermia if you get caught in a chilling downpour out on the water. Yes, you can get hypothermia even during a warm summer day.
After checking the weather forecast and water conditions for the area in and around where you plan to paddle, if you find there's a chance of dicey weather conditions like severe thunderstorms, high winds, extreme heat, or high water flow, scuttle the trip. It's not worth the potential harm that may come to you or loved ones if caught in bad weather. There will be other days to enjoy a paddle in calmer, safer waters.
Always follow a few more safety steps besides looking up local weather before heading out—like bringing a well-fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket; having proper training for handling your watercraft; and refraining from drinking alcohol.
