More people are kayaking than ever before. To be safe,it's important to master rescue techniques. Both for yourself and your friends.
Why Kayak Safety Matters
Never have so many people paddled along the Norwegian coast. Usually it goes well, but in an inattentive moment the kayak can tip over. Kayaking accidents involving hypothermia resulting in drowning occur once or twice a year. To prevent these and other consequences of capsizing, it is important to learn techniques for rescue.
With a lot of practice, you can make buddy rescue automatic, and then it will be quick to get your buddy back in the kayak after a capsize.
Essential Rescue Techniques
"Buddy rescue and self-rescue is about knowing what to doif your kayak or your friend's kayak capsizes, and you are in the water and have to get back in the kayak. If you have practiced, you will feel safer on the water and you will act automatically if such situations should arise," says Kristoffer Vandbakk, kayak and course manager at Friluftshuset.
It was in 2016 that DNT Oslo og Omegn opened Friluftshuset at Sørenga. In the neighbourhood of the Opera House, the Munch Museum, modern housing complexes and bathing piers, they made coastal outdoor recreation more accessible by offering activities in central locations.
Våttkort Certification
Våttkort (Norwegian Kayak Safety Certificate)
Våttkort is the Norwegian Paddle Association's course ladder to safe kayaking.
You don't need a Våttkort to paddle, but many clubs and commercial operators require that those who are going to rent a kayak must have one.
Våttkort gives rental operators peace of mind that the paddler has been trained in basic technique, safety and risk assessment.
"We offer trips and courses all year round. The main season is from May to September, but the interest is great in the winter months as well," says Kristoffer Vandbakk.
In the corona year of 2020, over 2500 people participated in kayak courses. Over 3500 rented kayaks for a trip on the fjord.
"Why do people take these courses?"
"Våttkort is important to ensure safety. People who want to rent a kayak from us must have the certificate (Våttkort). Some want to paddle a lot, others go kayaking once or twice a year," Vandbakk explains and hopes many choose to take a course at Sørenga this summer.
