I can barely swim and I want to take a little plastic boat into the ocean. It goes without saying that safety is a big concern of mine. In a previous post, I made a list of items I plan on getting for kayak fishing. Now I want to go into a little more detail. Here is the list starting with the most important piece of safety equipment.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
PFDs are pretty intimidating to someone like me. There are multiple types, not especially cheap, and need to be comfortable. Most kayakers should roll with a Type III PFD. Again, the REI website was a great source of information. I'll quote from them:
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
PFDs are pretty intimidating to someone like me. There are multiple types, not especially cheap, and need to be comfortable. Most kayakers should roll with a Type III PFD. Again, the REI website was a great source of information. I'll quote from them:
"Type III: Flotation Aids. These are suitable for most padders where there is a chance for a quick rescue. They offer freedom of movement and the most comfort for continuous wear. Type IIIs are designed so wearers can put themselves in a face-up position, but they may have to tilt their head back to avoid being face down in water."
I will be fishing in the hot sun so a quick-drying PFD with some kind of mesh and lots of pockets is a must. I have a young daughter and REI recommended a PFD with a pull handle to pull the child to safety. A padded head support and crotch strap was also recommended. I thought that was interesting and not something I would normally think about. Check out the PFDs for Children section for more information.
A Float Plan
A float plan should be filled out and given to someone dependable in case things dont go as expected. This should have details like your kayak's physical details, where you plan to go and when you plan to return, what type of safety equipment you have, and your personal information. I found this float plan online.
Waterproof First Aid Kit
This is pretty standard fare so there's not much to discuss. I decided to go with an Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight and Watertight .7 from Amazon.
Signal Mirror
A signal mirror is mandatory to be able to alert people if you are in trouble. I plan on using an old CD initially to see how it holds up. I'll replace it with a proper mirror if I dont think it's up to snuff.
Safety Whistle
It is a requirement to have some sort of audible alarm when out on the water. I decided on this whistle from Amazon. Yes, I pretty much buy everything from Amazon if you haven't noticed.
Bilge Pump
I don't see a Bilge Pump mentioned in a lot of the reading I do. The inside of your kayak is water tight and the top of it will drain through scupper holes. Still, I'd rather be safe instead of sorry. I decided on a Seattle Sports Paddlers Bilge Pump
Compass
I don't plan on going out so far I cant see the coast, but still, you never know how things will go. A compass is small enough that it's a no-brainer to throw one in your bag. I picked up a small one years ago and plan on making it part of my standard yak kit.
Knife
Who doesn't need a knife? I personally love my Leatherman Skeletool for everyday carry. I did get a giant Bear Grylls knife for Christmas that I haven't used. I guess it will go with me on the yak.
Pool Noodles
I read somewhere that it's a good idea to stick pool noodles inside your kayak in case your boat gets flooded. I'm still not sure if it's necessary or not. I plan on practicing deep-water reentry when I get my yak so I will use that time to try and sink my boat. I may or may not get Pool Noodles depending on how that goes.
A Float Plan
A float plan should be filled out and given to someone dependable in case things dont go as expected. This should have details like your kayak's physical details, where you plan to go and when you plan to return, what type of safety equipment you have, and your personal information. I found this float plan online.
Waterproof First Aid Kit
This is pretty standard fare so there's not much to discuss. I decided to go with an Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight and Watertight .7 from Amazon.
Signal Mirror
A signal mirror is mandatory to be able to alert people if you are in trouble. I plan on using an old CD initially to see how it holds up. I'll replace it with a proper mirror if I dont think it's up to snuff.
Safety Whistle
It is a requirement to have some sort of audible alarm when out on the water. I decided on this whistle from Amazon. Yes, I pretty much buy everything from Amazon if you haven't noticed.
Bilge Pump
I don't see a Bilge Pump mentioned in a lot of the reading I do. The inside of your kayak is water tight and the top of it will drain through scupper holes. Still, I'd rather be safe instead of sorry. I decided on a Seattle Sports Paddlers Bilge Pump
Compass
I don't plan on going out so far I cant see the coast, but still, you never know how things will go. A compass is small enough that it's a no-brainer to throw one in your bag. I picked up a small one years ago and plan on making it part of my standard yak kit.
Knife
Who doesn't need a knife? I personally love my Leatherman Skeletool for everyday carry. I did get a giant Bear Grylls knife for Christmas that I haven't used. I guess it will go with me on the yak.
Pool Noodles
I read somewhere that it's a good idea to stick pool noodles inside your kayak in case your boat gets flooded. I'm still not sure if it's necessary or not. I plan on practicing deep-water reentry when I get my yak so I will use that time to try and sink my boat. I may or may not get Pool Noodles depending on how that goes.
RSS Feed