[Paddlewise] Minimalist (was knives)

John wrote:
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I am one of those minimalist paddlers with almost nothing on deck and not a
lot inside either.
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Okay John, lets try to define a "minimalist" sea kayaker.  Please tell us what you take when you are sea kayaking.  For example, what would you take with you on a weekend trip with a two mile crossing.  What is on the deck and what is inside your boat and what do you carry on your person.

Comments from others would be welcome. 

On my deck I carry a spare paddle, a paddle float, and a hand pump .  Sometimes a compass.  Inside the boat I have a first aid kit in a dry bag along with the basics: tent, sleeping bag, food, clothes, and water.  I paddle a skin boat with floatation/storage bags in the bow and stern and I use a sea sock.  I don't like to have to remove the spray skirt to get to my water bottle so I'm going to try using a two liter water bag that can be secured to the deck.  This will probably disqualify me from the Minimalist Club.  Could you ask Percy and Dr. Invebon about that?  I don't know, maybe I was disqualified even before I mention the water bag. :~)

On my person: a dry suit or wet suit (cold water here in the Pacific Northwest), Lotus PFD with a quick release tow system (50 ft. line) and a Gerrber knife (no sharp point), Sky Blazer flares, matches and a Bic lighter, a Space Blanket mummy bag, a neoprene cap stored inside the PFD, and a VHF radio.  This is all neatly stored and secure.  I've practiced rolls and exits and rescues in rough conditions including in 6 and 7 knot tidal rapids in Deception Pass and have not experienced any of the problems you related to Percy and Dr Inverbon.  :~)

When kayaking in open water with strong winds (20 to 50 knots) I do use a paddle leash made of bungie line and clips which runs from the paddle to a deck line on the boat in front of the cockpit.  This set-up is the same one used by George Gronseth, Matt Broze and other experienced paddlers out here.  The paddle leash is never used in the currents or the surf.  I've practiced rolls and re-entries with the paddle leash and have never had any entanglement problems.

George and Matt have done a lot of kayaking in high winds and rough conditions and both are very careful about what techniques and equipment they recommend.  Both have researched and reported the details of numerous accidents some of which were fatal.  I give their recommendations careful consideration.  

Rex
 

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