Do yall guys carry an extra paddle on your yak. I was told it was a good idea to have one in case of a break, not sure if its worth the cost though. Other than a life jacket, is there any other safety equipment I should buy…
YES always have a 2nd paddle
If anything else - be sure you have GPS on your phone or Hand held radio
I take flares- first aid kit - duck tape ++
Always leave a Float Plan
Capt Dave
SC Malibu Kayak Dealer
The only thing that is required is a whistle and PFD (life jacket). The other things Dave said are good. Another good idea is to fish with a buddy. But if you do go by yourself first aid kit is good another than the whistle maybe a signaling mirror or flares & your cell phone. I also tell the wife where I launch from than send her a text when I head out and then another when I get back to the launch. A good source for info is the DNR site about boating or the Coast Guards site. hope this sheds some light. Tight lines!
Ocean Kayak Prowler Big Game II
everyone should believe in something; i believe i’ll go fishing
-henry david thoreau
Always an extra paddle in my yak. The whistle is attached to my PFD
I keep a first aid kit in a dry bag, cell phone in a dry bag, and lots of water or Gatorade.
Float Plan is a must. Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to be back. Set a call for help time, so if you aren’t back/haven’t checked in, they alert the authorities.
Boat drinks, Waitress I need 2 more boat drinks!
quote:Do a test. Next time you have a great day on the water, stuff your paddle under any shock cord or bungee cord or boat strap and then... get back to the boat ramp without touching your paddle.
Originally posted by Kebda380Do yall guys carry an extra paddle on your yak. I was told it was a good idea to have one in case of a break, not sure if its worth the cost though. Other than a life jacket, is there any other safety equipment I should buy…
Why wait till you have “a great day on the water”? This test will answer this question.
I have a sneak boat, I keep a honey hole of extra rope, flares, band aids, roll of vet wrap, small screw drivers, and a good air of needle nose pliers. Amazing what you can jewelry rig with a few items. I keep all of this in an old plastic peanut butter jar. Second paddle is a must. Whistle and vest on the deck where you can get to it fast! Float plan with someone/anyone, text: "headed to (insert landing) back around (time), then get in the habit, BEAT YOURSELF UP TO DO IT ! ! ! As soon as the boat hits the landing YOU TEXT: “Off water, Everything good with you?” This only work if you are diligent about it.
I always carry the following:
- Extra paddle
- First Aid kit
- handheld VHF radio
- PLB (I bought it for the boat, but I carry it on the yak as well)
- leash line (in case I need towing or towing someone else)
- I also have the required whistle and a light on my PFD
- I use a lighted flag on the back of the yak to make myself more visible to boats to hopefully keep from being run over.
Now, did I get all of it before I ever got on the water for the first time? No. I have added the gear over time. But you need to recognize the risk and manage it accordingly. Similarly, wear proper clothing in the winter as well as extra clothing in a dry bag.
Sea Hunt BX22 Br
WS Tarpon 140
Couple of things I always have in the dry bag that I haven’t seen mentioned:
Toilet Paper in a Zip Lock Bag (Comes in handy more often than you think!)
Headlamp and Glow Sticks
Rain Jacket
Compass
Knife
Lighter
Bug Repellant
Sunscreen
Granola Bars
Fish Whistle
Duct Tape wrapped around a water bottle
Carabiners
Annoy a Liberal, Work Hard and Be Happy!