Safety

I've seen too many bonehead posts on some of the other boards lately.  While I approve of the "this happened to me" posts in the sense that they help us all learn, don't be surprised if I come down hard on you if you pull a bonehead move.  Be prepared for all situations and know how to take care of yourself.  While your paddling partners will be there for you (or should be there for you), don't rely on this fact.  You could be 100 yards away from them when trouble strikes.  100 yards may as well be 100 miles away in many situations.

Practice, practice, practice.  Paddle strokes, re-entry, etc.  Have all the safety gear including knives, VHF, etc.  Know where they are and how to use them.  Take some paddling/safety classes.  If you aren't comfortable or don't know what to do in some situations, post up here.  We'll all help you get through it.

Please listen to the rantings of this madman.  An ounce of prevention ...

-Allen

2009 ... the year of kayak angling safety.
On my soapbox and here to stay.

Maybe we need an informal safety certification.  Take a formal class or show up at an NWKA safety clinic and get credit for it by having some sort of icon/star/etc.. placed in your profile.  Wouldn't really mean much other than it might be a good incentive to get the training done.

Brian

I'm against us providing any formal certification.  We're in no position to do this right.  And I don't want to provide a false sense of security.

I am not against informal safety gatherings.  Practice, practice, practice ...

-Allen

I think I said informal, but I guess giving out some sort of icon for it makes it a bit formal.   I was just hoping to figure out a way to get more participation in the informal safety gatherings so people can get their practice in.

I have not participated in a kayak safety class but have completed whitewater training/safety classes.  I think there are two issues to cover that would really benefit myself(newer kayaker) and others.  I think a list of equipment one needs to be safe and legal would be great.   If it has already been done, maybe list as a refresher?  This reminds me of when my buddy was checked coming returning to the ramp from a lake this summer.  He recieved a boat inspection and a third degree rant for not having a light stored somewhere in the yak (and no...your fishfinder light isn't going to pass or get a laugh).  Having a light is something you need for safety whether you plan on being out at night or not.

I remember some drills we practiced for the whitewater seasons.  One required running a rapid and dropping an oar.  You had to actually remove the spare and insert it into the oarlock while engaged.  Another involved righting a flipped raft in the main stream.  We practiced patch repairs, first-aid and throw-bag rescues. 

How about a quick reference site available for equipment needed/required/should have but not required etc. (inland vs open water?) and right of way.

I'm all for being prepared and like having a ready bag in my truck to keep me warm and dry.  It does not take much to make yourself somewhat comfortable if you get stranded overnight unexpectedly.  Those comforts could even save your life or someone else.  Whats in your bag?
-Scott

glad to see another mother hen here Pole2
let's all be safe out there!

The big two for me are an appropriate and "tested" life jacket. Try that bugger out, will it float you well enough for you to feel comfortable and not panic in the water. And almost as important "Immersion Protection" appropriate to the conditions.  In my opinion after these most other equipment is a matter of personal choice. 

I fish mostly in the ocean and I carry a dedicated rescue knife attached to my life jacket, a flare pistol (the kind that shoots elevated flares (6) out of shotgun style shells) and a vhf (replacing this year with a floating one).  My main concern is if I were to somehow swamp my boat filling it with water and leaving me unable to paddle to safety.  I want a way to attract attention to my situation (VHF) then direct attention quickly to me (flares). I went with lauchable flares as the Coasties told me they were the easiest for the chopper to see at a distance and focus in on, as opposed to a hand held flare bobbing in the swells miles away.

As far as practice: getting in and safely out of your yak is a invaluable skill best mastered before the fit hits the shan.

My main concern is if I were to somehow swamp my boat filling it with water and leaving me unable to paddle to safety.

What, no bilge pump?  Hand pumps are relatively cheap.  Mount them on the underside of your front hatch with pipe clips.

I've had to use mine once, for a buddy who took an unexpected swim.  His hatch was open too.  Boy was he glad when I pulled out the pump.

-Allen

I think I might just add that to yak. Beside I already have one in the shop somewhere.  But... if its mounted to the hatch and you lose your hatch overboard (mine don't float) in a incident, wouldn't the pump go with it?

My pump has a floaty ring thing on it.  I guess it doubles as a hatch float when it's attached.

-Allen

looks like I need an new pump..  just when you think you're done spending money..

Pool Noodle!

Check out the list of classes we offer at Alder Creek http://www.aldercreek.com/kayak-instruction/

I highly recommend taking the British Canoe Union (BCU) star progression.

I haven't seen another program as in depth and all incompassing as the BCU sea program, and I'm not just saying this because I work at Alder Creek.

I kayaked for several years before taking any BCU courses, and thought I knew my stuff and was well prepared until I really learned.

-Jason

I'll admit I'd never thought of carrying a bilge pump on a SOT since they're self-bailing until someone pointed out the blown hatch cover issue to me last summer. Since then I've added it to the list of safety gear I always carry. Pole, I like your idea of strapping to the hatch cover so it's always right where I need it.

Jason - question for you on BCU. Do you need to start at 1-star and move up, or can you test in at 2-star, 3-star, etc? I haven't had any experience with bcu, but have had it recommended a few times.


Brian

Jason - question for you on BCU. Do you need to start at 1-star and move up, or can you test in at 2-star, 3-star, etc? I haven't had any experience with bcu, but have had it recommended a few times.

I was just thinking the same thing.