need some tips

Ok so Im confident in handling my yak on a lake but also want to take it out in Puget sound as well... I got a good inflatable pfd and I know not to stray to far from shore to begin with... and Ill either launch from Des Moines marina or from Redondo... just need some pointers on how I can stay safer while I'm out there on the giant puddle

I don't know anything about inflatable pdf's... but it seems something that could get a hole in it wouldn't normally be the best choice.  Well, what kind of immersion gear do you have?  Are you a strong paddler/peddler?  Are you aware of the how strong the current is where you are planning on going?  Will you have someone with you?  Those are some of the things I consider.  I don't think you have to deal with swell... but wind can be ugly... and the accompanying wind waves can spell trouble or even worse.  Along with current consider the tide... do you know where you can bail out (make it to shore and call someone) if you are unable to return to where you launch.  Best of luck to you and I hope you have an amazing time on the water. 

At first I thought "geez revjcp, that's kinda harsh."  Then I realized its true and I learned a few of those lessons the hard way.

I went out in saltwater notorious for strong current.  Had that figured but had no clue how the wind affected my kayak vs current, ended up walking a few miles to the launch. That sucked.

Huli'd with waders and belt, but no dry top. Couldn't re board my kayak because my clothes weighed a ton. was plucked from water in front of dozens of tourists. That sucked more.

Don't be the old me!!!!

Safety first. Small steps. Stay close to launch and safety till you are comfortable. Heed good advice...LOTS on this board.

 But most importantly get out and get the experience so you can better understand your own limits. Only approach or push those limits when you have support or a solid plan B.

Now I confidently fish solo a few miles offshore. Not saying something unexpected can't happen but you can't hide from all risk.




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Hah I just posted a topic about the dangers of inflatable PFDs

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=10381.msg115520;topicseen#new

As a group we be harsh when it comes to safety.

Folks drown every year in the GPNW, winter, spring, summer, and fall.  Often hypothermia is the root cause.  Puget Sound NEVER gets much warmer than 60F at the top.  That is considerably better than the 45F in the dead of winter, but still survival time at 60F is shorter than one may think.

Here is a link to the "What do you wear?" sticky thread in the Products sub-forum:

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=2559.0

Wow... have to say after reading the replies I'm getting I think I'll try to find myself a buddy to go with the first couple times I go out into the salt... probably going to rethink my attire I wear out there as well... I know I wont be going miles from shore or be down by the narrows where I know the current gets horrendous during tide change but I concur that its better to be safe than sorry...

Now I know I've said this before but thank you to everyone for being so helpful!

I will be hitting that area a good bit when the pinks come in this year.     I always go out with at least one or two friends when in the salt.   We will be glad to have you join us.