Riding on the gunwales should be avoided. How is this behavior best described?

• A. Allowed during calm weather
• B. An unsafe practice that should never be allowed
• C. Optional with supervision
• D. Common among experienced skippers

Answer: (B)

Riding on the gunwales is about staying within the safe footprint of the boat to maintain balance and control. This behavior is best described as an unsafe practice that should never be allowed. The risk comes from the fact that the gunwale is the edge of the vessel; a slip, a wave, or a sudden maneuver can throw a person into the water. Shifting weight there also destabilizes the boat and makes quick, safe responses harder for the operator. Even if the weather is calm or someone is supervising, the danger remains, so the prudent rule is to avoid it entirely. It isn’t something to permit under supervision, nor is it a common or acceptable practice among skippers; the safest approach is to stay seated or otherwise inside the boat’s stable areas.