Top tips
• Wear an internationally certified buoyancy aid – it will cost you extra but it could save your life!

• Know how to roll your boat or get back into it if you capsize or fall out of it.

• Know the tide times and how the tide will affect currents in your area of paddling.

• Go in a group and make sure all members are competent.

• Have a waterproof chart or map and track your progress on it.

• Remember the sun is strong and glare off the sea is intense, so take full body cover, sunscreen, hat and proper glasses.

• Ensure that somebody knows where you are going and what to do if you are late returning.

• Carry a phone in a waterproof bag – zip-lock bags are not good enough.

• Don’t be overambitious with what your are planning to do; be prepared to turn back or abort if progress is slower than you planned.