Paddling in a group
A group is safer when it's clear who leads, who sweeps and how you communicate.
What works well: the most experienced person leads, a second experienced person sweeps at the back. Everyone keeps the boat behind them in view. Signals by hand, paddle or whistle are agreed in advance. Luc Mehl stresses how dangerous it is to get separated from your partners.
Sources and further reading
Research as of 13 Nov 2026. We have marked manufacturer information as such.