*** 2016 ORC Safety Check In / Check Out / Weigh In ***

I think it would be a smashing idea to have NA, KayakShed, or some other vendor on hand at least at the campground, and possibly at the boat launch too, with an inventory of items for purchase that are required to participate.  E.g. bilge pumps, whistles/horns/, safety flags, and VHF radios.

It would seriously suck to be DQ'd because your VHF took a dump when you did the functional test on it, or to realize you left your bilge pump at home, or whatever.

2 years ago I broke my safety flag when I huli'd in the surf at Hobuck shortly before ORC.  Luckily I was able to get replacement parts and fix it in time, but had NA been there with a selection of flags I could have bought something easily if those parts had been delayed.

Good idea, I'll need a bilge pump.

Don't get the bilge pump made by Seattle Sports. The plunger is glued onto the rod and detaches easily. Their customer service is non existent.

The one made by Aqua Bound is a much better quality product.

Scotty makes a solid bilge pump.

I would avoid any with a plastic pump shaft.  Look for one made with a metal one. 
Scotty, and Sea to Summit are good choices.

  Would a large (35 oz ) coffee can be an acceptable "bailing device" ?

  Little weight-- removes water--- easy to obtain (if you don't already have a bunch).

  Legal ?

  Would a large (35 oz ) coffee can be an acceptable "bailing device" ?

  Little weight-- removes water--- easy to obtain (if you don't already have a bunch).

  Legal ?

Yes that would be fine.  A large sponge would also work.

  Would a large (35 oz ) coffee can be an acceptable "bailing device" ?

  Little weight-- removes water--- easy to obtain (if you don't already have a bunch).

  Legal ?

Are you able to actually use it? (Fit it in the hull and scoop water) if not it's useless

When will a decision be made on a weather cancellation or postponement for the ORC?

Saturday 7/9/2016: Per Weather Channel "Periods of rain. High near 60F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.

Per NOAA: Possibly a thunderstorm.

When will a decision be made on a weather cancellation or postponement for the ORC?

Saturday 7/9/2016: Per Weather Channel "Periods of rain. High near 60F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.

Per NOAA: Possibly a thunderstorm.

Rain and chilly temps won't cause cancellation (nor would fog).  Winds in the small craft advisory zone (25-38mph), and swells sufficient for the Coast Guard to limit the bar for sure will.  Not sure what the insurance requirements are for this shin-dig, they may be less than that, but for sure we'd not be fishing in those conditions.

Now, your personal limits may be considerably lower too.  I would not choose to go out knowing it was blowing 15-20mph even if the tournament was still officially on.

Bar conditions are updated twice a day here:

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/marine/BarObs.php

  Would a large (35 oz ) coffee can be an acceptable "bailing device" ?

  Little weight-- removes water--- easy to obtain (if you don't already have a bunch).

  Legal ?

Yes that would be fine.  A large sponge would also work.

I've got a big sponge, so I guess I'm okay. Don't want to pack too much gear. 

I ordered the rain, sorry about that.   No I'm not. 

I MUCH prefer fishing in the rain, rather than cooking topside.  I'm already dressed for getting wet, so rain isn't going to change much other than my comfort level inside the suit.

Sadly, this is not an easily re-scheduled event. People schedule their vacations for it and finding a weekend when all 100+ people can get together would be impossible. Then, you have to hope the weather is good that day, too.

Sadly, this is not an easily re-scheduled event. People schedule their vacations for it and finding a weekend when all 100+ people can get together would be impossible. Then, you have to hope the weather is good that day, too.

You guys have done a smashing good job setting this years ORC up. 

No need for a back up date or venue, as BSteves already made it clear the party will still go on even if we don't go fishing. 
We learned early on (back in 2009) how sucky it was to have a back up venue on short notice.  It really didn't feel right. 

Putting together a great set of sponsors that kick down lots of swag to raffle off and/or toss in captains bags irons out the cost of the entry fee.

Lets do this, fishing or no fishing!!   

I just took a good look at the boundary map.      Maybe I'll just sleep in & party 

For what it is IMO these are the most effective signaling device. Canned air horns are loud but the sound doesn't carry as well.

http://t.basspro.com/SeaSense-Safety-Blaster-Horn/product/67743/

I have one of these and replaced it. Could not find a way to plug both ears and blow this thing. It is deafening.