Activities/Crafts
Coldwater Safety
Crossword puzzle on important coldwater safety topics.
Float Plan
Practice writing out a float plan before your next boating adventure.
Kayak Fishing Word Search
Have fun navigating through this word search to find new waterways to explore and new fish to catch while you are out kayak fishing!
Coloring Pages
PLAY Newsletters
“Fishing is Reel Fun” booklet
This 18-page activity booklet is full of fishing and boating information to help anglers and boaters of all ability levels enjoy safe, fun, and year-round outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania. Enjoy!
"My Adventures" write-your-own story booklet
With this 12-page activity booklet you can write-your-own adventure about a trip on or near a PA waterway (e.g. stream, river, pond, lake). You can also share something you learn, share how you would teach someone else about what you learned, and share a memory that you will keep with you as you grow. Begin your story today!
PLAY: Back to Basics – Boats
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Back to basics: Boats; The Best Way to Stay Afloat; Boats Come in all Shapes and Sizes; Before you hit the water; Now you know the parts of a canoe and paddle (word search).
PLAY: Back to Basics – Paddling Techniques
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Back to the Basics: Paddling Techniques; Loading Your Boat; Get Moving:Canoes; Get Moving: Kayaks; Around the Bend (word scramble).
PLAY: Back to Basics – Paddling Gear
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Paddling Gear; Boat Notes: Canoes; Boat Notes: Kayaks; Pick a Paddle; Pick a Life Jacket; The Gear Game (Crossword Puzzle)
PLAY: Back to Basics – Paddling Water Safety
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Back to the Basics: Water Safety For Paddlers; Taking the Big Plunge; Hazards on the Water; Reading a River; Following the Sequence, The Rescue Sequence; Throw a Bag; The Rescue Game (Crossword Puzzle)
PLAY: Kayak Fishing
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Kayak Fishing; Paddling Safety; Basic Fishing Setup; Fishing Kayak Basic Setup; Fishing Kayak Advanced Setup; Competitive Kayak Fishing Tournaments; Kayak Fishing (Word Search).
Videos
Playlists
The following two links are playlists that will take you through all of PFBC’s videos related to paddle sports OR you can go through them individually by clicking links below.
Videos
Group Paddling Safety and Etiquette
View on YouTube
Join Todd Roy, from the Conestoga River Club, as he teaches proper etiquette and safety tips for paddling in groups.
5 Things to Know Before You Go
View on YouTube
Learn about the gear, equipment and safety protocols you can prepare before your paddle even hits the water.
Paddling - Part 1 of 3: Required Equipment
VIew on YouTube -- View on Facebook
Before you head out on the water to paddle, learn about the equipment that is required (lifejacket, whistle, and unpowered registration or launch permit).
Paddling- Part 2 of 3: Tips for Paddling
View on YouTube -- View on Facebook
Get comfortable on non-moving water first, paddle with a friend, and tell someone your float plan.
Paddling- Part 3 of 3: - Other Recommended Equipment
View on YouTube -- View on Facebook
Although not required, consider bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, sunglasses, a hat, and a drybag to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Canoe Capsize: Step-by-Step Recovery Tutorial
View on YouTube
Learn along with students at Butler County Community College the crucial skills of canoe-over-canoe rescue.
How to Connect Safety Chains
View on YouTube -- View on Facebook
If the boat trailer disconnects from the hitch, properly connected safety chains keep the trailer connected to the tow vehicle until it can be brought to a stop. Ryan Walt will show how to inspect all components of trailer safety chains for wear and damage and then how to properly connect to the tow vehicle.
How to Use a Water Rescue Throw Bag
View on YouTube -- View on Facebook
Chris Calhoun, lead water rescue instructor trainer for the PFBC, along with his daughter Jessica, provide an overview and tips on the use of a water rescue throw bag. He reviews the different style types, features/anatomy, throwing techniques, setup location considerations, how to receive the bag as a victim and the risks and hazards that must be considered when using this tool.
Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement (I)
View on YouTube -- View on Facebook
LIFE JACKET WEAR REQUIRED BY LAW: NOV. 1 TO APRIL 30
Boaters must wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.