Regulation and safety rules to be respected in Downwind
 (Open sea)



The practice of the outrigger canoe in the sea, as kayaking or Stand Up Paddling,  is regulated since 2008.
This regulation is realized by the division 240 and was profoundly modified in May 2015. The legislators wanted to reduce the level of administrative constraints and revise the size of boats (Kayak, Outrigger Canoe, Sea rowing, Stand Up Paddle) which must be registered to be able to go out of the 300 meter limit, in order to help the development of  paddle sports in the sea.
What does the legislation says ?
After the modification of the division 240, the law says : « Sea kayaks, rigid Stand Up Paddles, and rowing of more than 3.50m and with appropriated means of waterproofness, buoyancy and safety, are not beach machines anymore but « ships » and can navigate up to 2 miles from a shelter.
These « ships », propelled thanks to the human energy don't need to be registered (if they stay 2 miles away from a shelter).
This registration is required in the following situations :

1. You sail beyond 2 miles from a shelter

2. You are fishing on a kayak and you have more than 2 fishing rods, nets, long-lines and lockers.

Otherwise, « sea kayaks and sea rowings can navigate up to 6 miles from a shelter if they respect these conditions :

• To have a Waterproof VHF Radio

•  To have a coastal security armament »

Concerning the armament, it's compulsory to have :

• From 300m to 2 miles : « a life-jacket, a light tracking device, a towing device, a spare paddle and a movable or fixed drying device »

• From 2 miles to 6 miles : « In addition to the items mentioned above : 3 red hand torches/ lights, a signal mirror, a magnetic compass, a maritime map, a whistle and a waterproof VHF radio »

N.B : In this directive, the outrigger canoe is part of the French Federation of Canoe Kayak, and is assimilated to the Sea Kayak

Our paddlers' advice


If bringing the safety armament is an obligation, an intensive practice of our sport allows us to insist on the following points :

• Always check the weather before your session. Many websites and applications are now available an allow you in a few minutes to know the evolution of the weather during your session.

• Always tell someone you know about your departure and estimated arrival time and also about your navigation itinerary.

• Always be connected to your outrigger thanks to a leash. Too many people have seen their outrigger pushed by the wind, without being able to catch it.

• Properly secure your spare paddle

• Always have adequate thermal clothing

• NEVER leave without water and food reserves (energy bars, banana, etc...)

• Always be equipped with a mobile phone or a VHF radio

So that the outrigger remains a pleasure ;)
For more information on safety armaments, click here