Paddlesports Season Surges with Safety Tips for Fun on the Water

Experts share top five tips for managing cold water conditions and enjoying a safe season on the lakes and rivers.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:07pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a single iconic paddlesports object, such as a kayak paddle or life jacket, rendered in a bold, neon color palette with heavy black outlines, capturing the playful and accessible spirit of the sport.Vibrant, stylized paddlesports equipment celebrates the growing popularity and innovation in the industry.Today in Orlando

As paddlesports participation continues to grow, with over 30 million Americans now enjoying kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, industry experts are emphasizing the importance of safety this season. From navigation apps and eco-friendly equipment to essential cold-water survival knowledge, paddlers have more tools than ever to enjoy their time on the water.

Why it matters

Paddlesports have seen a major resurgence in recent years, with the Outdoor Industry Association reporting a 22% increase in participation since 2019. As more people discover the joys of gliding across lakes and rivers, it's crucial that they understand how to stay safe, especially in colder water conditions that can quickly become dangerous.

The details

Manufacturers have worked to increase accessibility for first-time paddlers, with innovations like navigation apps, electric and pedal-assist craft, and sustainable materials. However, experts warn that cold-water hazards remain a serious threat, even on sunny spring days. Hypothermia expert Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht emphasizes the importance of the '1-10-1' principle - one minute to control breathing, 10 minutes of meaningful movement, and one hour before unconsciousness sets in.

  • Paddlesports season typically begins as icy waterways melt in the spring.

The players

Jeff Moag

Content director of the Water Sports Foundation, which promotes boating safety in the United States.

Gordon Giesbrecht

A leading expert on hypothermia, affectionately known as "Dr. Popsicle" for developing the '1-10-1' principle of cold-water survival.

Outdoor Industry Association

A trade association that publishes participation reports on outdoor activities, including paddlesports.

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What they’re saying

“We've seen amazing growth in paddlesports in the last few years. The magic of gliding across a gorgeous stretch of water as the sun rises is irresistible. When you understand that paddlesports are the most accessible way to touch that part of the outdoors, then it's not hard to understand the growth.”

— Jeff Moag, Content director, Water Sports Foundation

“When a person is submerged in very cold water, understanding the 1-10-1 principle is essential. First, don't panic, instead try to focus, because you only have one minute to get your breathing under control. Next, you have 10 minutes of meaningful movement before your muscles start to freeze up. And last, you have about one hour before hypothermia sets in followed by unconsciousness. Knowing this can help you stay calm and make choices that will save your life.”

— Gordon Giesbrecht, Hypothermia expert, "Dr. Popsicle"

What’s next

As the weather warms, paddlesports enthusiasts should check their equipment, review safety protocols, and plan their first outings of the season.

The takeaway

The surge in paddlesports popularity has been accompanied by important innovations in safety and accessibility, but cold-water hazards remain a serious concern. By understanding the risks and following expert guidance, paddlers can enjoy a fun and responsible season on the water.