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Activities/Crafts --
PLAY (Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth) Newsletters --
Coloring Pages --
Videos/Links --
Additional Resources
Education Packages
Basic Paddling Education Package
Basic Paddling Education Package II
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!
Paddling Techniques Secret Message
Fill in the blanks to discover the code to reveal a secret message!
Pocket First Aid Kit
Description of how to assemble a simple pocket sized first aid kit.
R3 Activities
Four activities to reinforce your knowledge of recruitment, retention, and reactivation.
The Gear Game
What to pack for a paddling trip. Fun word scramble of paddling terms.
Water Rescue
Can you find all the water rescue words? Crossword puzzle.
Wear It Pennsylvania Pledge Card
Take the Wear It Pennsylvania Pledge
Coloring Pages
PLAY Newsletters
You can find additional activities and crafts on the last page of every PLAY (Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth) newsletter!
Read Along with PFBC playlist
Listen and/or read along with PFBC staff as they share Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth newsletters in a video format.
“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 – 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 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 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: Water Safety
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Dangers around the water; Prepare to Fall In; Hook safety & removal; Homemade Water Rescue; A Stringer of Safety Tips.
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: Fishing From a Human-powered Boat
PLAY issue containing the following articles – Fishing from a Human-powered Boat; Types of Human-powered Boats; Boating Safety First; Let’s Go Fishing; Fishing from Kayaks; Do Your Homework; Write a Float Plan (activity)
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).
PLAY: Big Waterways Big Boating Fun
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Big Waterways, Big Boating Fun; Float Plan; PA’s Big Lake; Three Rivers; Susquehanna River; Delaware River; Know Your Waterway.
PLAY: A Day at the Lake
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
A Day at the Lake, It’s a Summertime Break; Getting Started Fishing Fun; Basic Boating Safety; Find Your Fit; Different Boats for Different Folks; What Fish Can you Expect to Catch (word scramble & matching game).
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.
Paddling - Part 1 of 3: Required Equipment


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


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


Although not required, consider bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, sunglasses, a hat, and a drybag to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Water Safety Tips with Chris – Capsizing


What should you do if you capsize your boat? This video provides general safety tips to manage the unexpected plunge into the water.
Water Safety Tips with Chris- Drowning Prevention


This clip will provide water safety tips to reduce and prevent drowning. At some point, you or someone on your boat will end up in the water. Your first line of defense for drowning prevention is to wear a properly sized life jacket and know how to swim. Take a boating and water safety skills class from an instructor, organization, or agency.
Water Safety Tips with Chris- Kayaking


Before you head out on the water to paddle, learn about the equipment that is required (lifejacket, whistle, and unpowered registration or launch permit). Although not required, consider bringing sunscreen, bugspray, water, sunglasses, a hat, and a drybag to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. And be sure to get comfortable on non-moving water first, paddle with a friend, and tell someone your float plan. Stay safe!
Paddling Videos
Boating Opportunities: PA Fish and Boat Commission


This video introduces viewers to boating opportunities in PA. Check out the video caption to learn more.
Fall Paddling


Fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop while paddling; make sure to take advantage of the great weather, scenery, and angling this time of year!
Family Kayak Trip Down Kettle Creek


This video features PFBC Water Rescue Instructor, Chris Calhoun and his daughter, sharing a fun kayaking trip with the family on Kettle Creek. Check out the video caption to learn more.
How to Connect Safety Chains
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


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.
Kayak Fishing Program: Adam Spangler Presentation


This video presents required and recommended equipment for all kayak enthusiasts, regardless of going kayak fishing, and includes basic kayak safety tips for all paddler levels.
Learning to Kayak 101


This video introduces viewers to basics on how to paddle a whitewater kayak. Check out the video caption for further details.
Paddling PA


Canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are very popular recreational water sports in Pennsylvania. Before you embark on your first kayak trip, you should know what is required by PA law; what is recommended; and what is just nice to have.
Life Jacket and Water Safety Videos
Boaters- Life Jackets Save Lives


This video introduces viewers to the importance of life jackets.
Cold Water Boating Safety


An informational video about the Cold Weather #WearItPA law and other paddle safety tips during cold weather.
Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement (I)


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.
Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement (II)


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.
River Kayaking- Wear It, PA!


The US Coast Guard says that nearly 85% of all boating facilities could have been prevented by wearing a life jacket. Protect yourself, family and friends by simply wearing a life jacket.
Safe Boating Basics


This video introduces viewers to basic safe boating techniques. Check out the video description for more details.
Strainer River Hazards


This short video highlights the dangers of strainers for paddlers on the waterways. The information in the video is a must watch for every paddler, regardless of skill level.
Additional Resources
Boating Under the Influence
BUI laws and consequences.
Choosing a Canoe for Fishing PA Waters
Items to consider when choosing a canoe.
Frequently Asked Questions: Boat Registration and Titling
Information for new boat owners. What to do after the purchase of a boat, including titling and registration.
Hazards on the Water
This page identifies hazards found on water such as low head dams, strainers, current, weather etc. Also includes information on how to avoid these hazards.
Intro to Kayak Fishing Resource Guide
PFBC Paddlesports Page
This page provides paddlers with general paddling, regulation, launch permit, safety, and water trail information.
Personal Flotation Devices
Describes types of PFDs and their use. Also includes legal requirements.
Summertime Do's and Dont's
Describes the correct procedures to follow around a busy boat launch ramp in summer.
Zip and Buckle Up
Tips on personal flotation devices (PFD) and who is legally required to wear one.