Paddlecraft & Sailboats
Whether you're paddling a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, or setting sail on our beautiful NY waterways, having the right equipment is essential for your safety. On this page you'll find important safety tips and information, as well as best practices to help you stay prepared on the water. Paddlesports are becoming increasingly popular, so whether you are a beginner or experienced, this guide will ensure you have the knowledge to enjoy a safe and responsible adventure.
Required Equipment for Paddlecraft
All paddlecraft must have:
- Proper-fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jackets for each individual
- Sound signaling device (ex: whistle)
- White light (ex: waterproof flashlight)
*If a motor of any type or style, is added to your paddlecraft, you must now register your vessel with the DMV and follow the equipment requirements of a motorized vessel.
Required Equipment for Sailboats (using wind power only)
All sailboats utilizing wind power only must have:
- Proper-fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jackets for each individual
- Sound signaling device (ex: whistle)
Sailboats greater than or equal to 16' in length must also carry:
- Coast Guard-approved Type IV floatation device
- Daytime visual distress signals
- *Unless the boat is less than 26' in length and has no means of mechanical propulsion (i.e. motor)
Sailboats operating at night or in restricted visibility must also carry:
- Navigation lights
- Nighttime visual distress signals
*If your sailboat has a motor of any type or size, you must register your vessel with the DMV and follow the equipment requirements of a motorized vessel.
Best Practices
Be Safe and Be Seen
Some paddlecraft, particularly kayaks, sit very low in the water and are difficult for motorized boaters to see. You can stay safe by making sure you are seen by following these tips:
- Wear brightly colored clothing and lifejacket
- When possible, paddle close to shore and in shallower waters where large, motorized boats cannot operate. This is especially important in times of restricted visibility, such as nighttime or foggy conditions.
- If the waterway you are paddling is particularly busy, consider using a safety flag.
- Consider the use of reflective tape or stickers on your paddles to increase visibility.
Request FREE reflective “Safe N’ Sight” paddle safety stickers by sending a self-addressed, stamped legal size envelope to:
NYS Parks Marine Services Bureau
Albany, NY 12238
Frequently Asked Questions: Paddlecraft
Paddle craft that utilize manual propulsion (do not have any type of motor attached) do not need to be registered in NY State. However, registration is required in NYS for all mechanically propelled boats. This includes canoes and kayaks with small electric or gas motors.
A boating safety certificate is recommended, but not required for manually propelled craft. If your vessel is equipped with a motor, no matter how small, you will need a safe boating certificate. This applies to sailboats with auxiliary motors as well.
There is no minimum age in New York for a child to legally operate a manually propelled boat. Children operating paddle or sail craft should be able to sit up on their own, be able to flip themselves onto their back and float while wearing a lifejacket in the water, be mature enough to remain seated for the duration of the paddle and understand that they should not lean over the sides of the boat. Children under 12 must always wear a US Coast Guard- approved life jacket of the proper size when in a boat. Parents should encourage children to practice floating in their lifejacket before heading out onto the water. A child who panics during a capsize can drown if they cannot position their head above water - even while wearing a lifejacket. If the child will be paddling their own kayak, be sure the boat and paddle are properly sized as larger boats will be difficult and frustrating for smaller children to maneuver.
You can search for a boat launch site
- NY State Parks operated boat launches and slips
- NY State and municipal launch sites by county
- I LOVE NY
is another resource for marinas, launches, fishing, and outfitters.
There are no special permits or paperwork needed for out-of-state visitors to use their paddle craft in New York
Help us keep our waters healthy and stop the spread of invasive species by making sure you clean, drain and dry your vessel before launching into a new body of water. Learn more about Clean, Drain, Dry.
