P. 10
Paddling enables people of all ages and ability to experience nature with unrivalled closeness.
Whether on a several-day adventure or a short outing, precautions must be taken and some
basic safety rules must be followed.
• Consult your physician prior to beginning your paddlesports’ training.
• Start slow and if necessary obtain paddlesports instruction.
• Always wear a nationally-approved personal fl oatation device.
• Always wear a helmet where appropriate.
• Do not exceed your paddling ability; be aware of your limitations.
• Do not paddle alone.
• Always inform someone of your paddling route, the time and location of your departure and
your intended time and location of arrival.
• Do not use alcohol or mind altering drugs prior to using this product.
• Dress appropriately for the given weather conditions.
• In winter wear neoprene clothing to avoid hypothermia in case of capsize.
• In summer, protect your eyes from the glare and your legs which are very exposed on a
sit-on-top kayak. To prevent insulation or cold shock, dampen your clothing.
• Always carry water and energy bars and eat and drink regularly.
• Check weather forecasts and weather conditions prior to your outing so as not to be taken by
surprise by sudden wind or cold weather. Weather conditions can change quickly out on the water.
• A child on his own or under no surveillance must not use the YAKKAir.
• Obtain local knowledge of the waters you’re setting out on.
• Observe your country’s rules and regulations.
• Appropriate only to use in France: Do not go further than 300m away from the shore as the
YAKKAir1 is considered a beach toy.
• The YAKKAir2, being over 4m in length, can be homologated. You can therefore navigate
beyond 300m from the shore as long as you have the necessary safety equipment on board.
• As with all infl atable kayaks, the YAKKAir is sensitive to the wind. We advise you not to use the
YAKKAir in winds above 15 knots. This advice becomes compulsory in offshore wind conditions.
• If you leave the YAKKAir for a swim or underwater exploration, we would advise you to attach
yourself to the YAKKAir with a leash tied to your wrist to avoid getting separated from the kayak
if wind pushes it away. This leash can also be used as a towing rope if necessary.
• A paddle leash is available in the Bic Sport catalogue to avoid losing your paddles in choppy
waters or in a capsize scenario.
• If out fi shing, a grapnel can be attached to the lifeline at the front.
• On rivers
, be careful of river water levels. Scout unfamiliar water if necessary. Keep away from
rocks and sharp objects which could damage the YAKKAir’s material.
Do not paddle in fl ood conditions. Never approach lock gates and sluices either from upstream
or downstream. The current can trap you and suck you inside.
Paddle preferably inside of bends. Beware of branches hanging down which could be
dangerous. Do not grip them. Beware of storms which can suddenly swell water levels.
• At sea
, be aware of tidal changes, dangerous currents and weather changes.
Advice on how to launch your kayak when there are waves: place your boat perpendicular to the
beach and wait for a pause between the series to launch yourself.
In the event of a soaking
:
Even if the YAKKAir is stable, capsizing can happen. In this case, while you are swimming,
turn your kayak back upright with the help of the handles or/and the lifeline, do not let go of your
paddles and climb back into the kayak from the stern. Do note that Bic Sport sells paddle leashes
(see Bic Sport catalogue) to avoid you losing your paddle. Never stand upright in a river,
but swim on your back with your feet forward.
In any situation, never abandon your kayak,
it remains your best lifebuoy and will help you to be spotted.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
