Going out on the water on a rowing boat is one of the most affordable and pleasant ways to spend time in nature. Ride a boat with oars And you can do it for anyone, regardless of age or fitness, if you follow basic safety rules, and unlike the motor counterparts, you don't have engine noise or gasoline smell, so you can enjoy the silence and the sounds of nature.
Many people mistakenly believe that the management of such a boat does not require skills, but the correct rowing And knowing the water is critical, and even a calm river can be dangerous, like drifts, currents, or sudden winds, and understanding the boat and how it works on the water will make your walk from stress to pleasure.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the right type of vessel, prepare for the exit and master the basics of management. You should always have a life jacket on board.Even if you're swimming a hundred meters from the shore, being prepared and knowing the nuances is the key to a successful and safe day on the water surface.
Choice of watercraft: inflatable against rigid housings
The first step to a successful walk is to choose the right type of boat, and the market offers two main options: PVC inflatable vessels and rigid models made of aluminum or plastic, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages that directly affect the comfort and safety of swimming.
Inflatable boats PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are popular because they're light and transportable, and they can be transported in the trunk of a car or even assembled public transport. Balloons Such boats provide excellent stability and unsinkability, as they consist of several isolated compartments.
Hard boats, often called hard boats RowboatsThey are more resistant to punctures on sharp stones or shells, and they tend to be more streamlined, making it easier to walk on water in high winds, but they require a trailer or roof with car attachments.
- 🚣 Inflatable boats: lightness, compactness, high stability, but the risk of puncture.
- ⚓ Hard boats: durability, better ride, damage resistance, but complexity in transportation.
- 🌊 Mixed type (RIB): inflatable tubes and a hard bottom combining the advantages of both options.
⚠️ Note: When choosing an inflatable boat, pay attention to the density of the material and the number of layers of fabric. For rivers with a rocky bottom, the minimum density should be 750 g / sq.m.
Equipment and preparation for exit
Making equipment is a very careful process, you can't just throw a boat into the water and jump into it, and it takes at least 15 to 20 minutes to get it ready, and it involves checking the tightness and the equipment.
The cylinders must be inflated to the operating pressure specified in the instruction.PSI) make the boat sluggish and unstable, and excess sun exposure can cause the seams to rupture. Use a pressure gauge to control, rather than relying only on the sensation of the fingers.
In addition to the boat itself, you will need oars, a life jacket, an anchor (if you plan to fish or park) and a scoop, and you will also need to bring a remake, a pump and a sealer for personal belongings.
Pay special attention squirt-board It must be securely fixed, as it is the load that is required for boarding and disembarking passengers.
☑️ Checking before exit
Safety Techniques and GIMS Rules
Safety on the water is governed by rules that can lead to tragedy or fines, and the basic principles are simple: sobriety, life-saving aids, and staying on the water.
According to the rules. GIME (Small boat inspectorate), every person in a boat should wear a life jacket of the appropriate size, and being in a boat without a vest is like breaking safety rules, even if you're a great swimmer.
It is forbidden to get on the water in stormy weather, in high winds or in the dark without navigation lights. load capacity It reduces the boat over water and makes the boat unstable.
| Parameter | Requirement | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Save the vest | Mandatory on every person | Risk of drowning, fine |
| Alcohol | Strictly forbidden. | Dispossession, fine, risk of PE |
| Load capacity | Not exceed the limit of the boat | Loss of stability, rollover |
| Weather. | Lack of storm warning | High risk of life |
What to do if the boat overturns?
Don't panic. Stay on the boat, it won't sink (if it's an inflatable PVC or an unsinkable model). Try to keep your body warm by snuggling down on the side and calling for help or slowly moving to the shore, pushing the boat in front of you. Don't try to climb back up from above, it's almost impossible - it's better to swim next to it using the boat as a float.
Basics of rowing technique
Proper rowing techniques allow you to walk long distances with minimal effort and not get tired after the first ten minutes. Technological errors often lead to calluses, back pain and inefficient movement.
Sit on. jar (seat) face as you move, feet should rest against stops or sides to stabilize the body, hold the oars so that one hand is on the tiller (handle), and the other covers the oar a little higher, but not too high.
The scalp starts by plunging the blade into the water in front of the legs, and it's done with the legs and body, not just the hands, it just transfers the force, and after the blade passes the thigh line, the paddle is removed from the water and returned to its original position.
To turn a boat, you have to row with just one paddle or row in different directions at different intensity. maneuveringThis is useful when mooring or bypassing obstacles.
- 🏁 Immersion: The blade enters the water vertically and completely.
- 💪 Push: the body is forward, the paddle reaches to the board.
- 🔄 Return: Quick exit from the water and return to the starting point.
⚠️ Warning: Never get up in a boat abruptly. A sharp shift in the center of gravity is the most common cause of small rowing boats to tip over.
Route planning and navigation
Even for a short walk, you need to plan a route. You need to study the map of the reservoir: find out the depth, the presence of shallows, the fairway and the places you can park. It is easy to swim in a strange river in reed thickets or in shallow waters.
Always consider the direction of the wind and the current. If you swim against the current, you'll use three times as much force as you would on the current, so it's better to start the route against the current, so that you're tired of coming back with the current.
Have a charged phone in a sealer and preferably a navigation app or map. Guidelines Water can be deceptive, especially in fog or dusk.
Bring a whistle attached to your vest. The sound of the whistle is heard further than the scream and it doesn't require effort to serve, which is important if you're tired or have swallowed water.
Post-operational care of the boat
When you get back to shore, the work doesn't end, and the proper care will extend the life of your boat, and you'll need to rinse the boat with fresh water to wash away the salt, the silt, the sand.
If the boat is inflatable, it needs to be thoroughly dried before packing. The wet cloth in the rolled-up state is quickly covered with mold, which destroys the material. Dry the boat in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight that can warp the material. PVC.
Check for punctures or scuffs. Small damage is easier to repair immediately before it turns into large holes. Grease rubbing parts (such as mounting oars) with silicone lubrication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a rowing boat in GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, rowing boats with a carrying capacity of more than 225 kg are subject to registration. Most single and double inflatable boats have a lower carrying capacity and do not require registration, but it is better to carry documents for them (check, passport) with you.
Can you swim without a vest if you can swim?
No, it's a safety and legal requirement to have a life jacket, and swimming doesn't save you from being knocked unconscious, from having a seizure, from having a strong current, it's your insurance.
How to pump a boat if there is no pump?
You can use a car pump, but with care not to overheat the air and not to exceed the pressure. Oral pumping is possible, but moisture from the breath can cause mold inside the chamber. It is better to always have a foot or hand pump.
What to do if there is water in the boat?
Don't panic. If you don't have much water, use a scoop or plastic bottle with the bottom cut off. If there's a lot of water and the boat is heavy, try to get to the shore. It's important to find the cause of the water (rain, waves or puncture).