There's been discussion about the difficulty of loading flare guns in lumpy water, an excellent argument for using only self-contained flares I would think. One of the Paddlewisers mentioned that they seal their flares with one of those kitchen vacuum bag sealers. Although many flares do have "O" rings in their cases and are supposed to be water/weatherproof, I think the makers have regular yachts in mind, and not the degree of continuous exposure that happens in a kayak. So I think some additional protection is a good idea, but I'd worry that cold, fear-shaken fingers might have real problems tearing open the vacuum bag or wielding a knife to cut the bag. My solution is to knot each flare into an individual condom. It provides sort of a mini-drybag, and does not increase the bulk, so three flares still fit in my PFD pocket. I think in an emergency I'd be able to overcome any deep-seated psychological "issues" and simply bite the top off the condom to use the flare (kindly keep your parlour-psychology and/or adolescent observations on this to yourselves, thank you ÷). The downside of this system is that condoms are not very durable (I guess in their intended application most are disposed of within hours, if not minutes, of being unpacked). They become brown and brittle within a few weeks and must be replaced. I'd recommend not using the pre-lubed kind - the flare could slip from your grasp just when you want it most. And there seems to be no point paying the extra for the ribbed type in this application. Maybe the flavoured kind would make biting the top off more palatable, plus they could double as your emergency food … Cheers, Philip T. "The opinions expressed in this posting are not necessarily those of my employer, or indeed, of any sentient being." **************************************** Mountain Equipment Co-op 1655 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6J 1K1 Tel: 640-732-1989 Fax: 604-731-6483 email: pid_at_mec.ca Visit our website at: http://www.mec.ca ***************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
The thought of using even more condoms in my life make the suggestion of vulcanizing more tools thoughtful but I can't live like that. Another lifesaving thought for flares would be to buy them at a dive shop. You can buy flares intended for submersion and fairly easy deployment there. I have seen some humongous (big, ribbed) flares at boat shows like Fish Expo in Boston and Seattle. They are designed to burn after continuous submersion even when water is splashing over them. Unfortunately, they cost more $ but you can be pretty sure they will last through their expiration date. In any event, submersible flares come in various sizes, no need for "one size fits all". It is probably good to keep minis on your PFD and a maxi or two in the boat. As far as survival food, stock up on edible under......... uh, don't go there. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
At 01:17 PM 12/18/98 -0500, Mike wrote: >Philip >Have you thought of using latex gloves {in place of condoms for protecting flares)? > >They also have other uses, are more durable and (at least the way I buy them) >are less expensive. > Sounds like an idea well worth pursuing. I know a lot of Paramedics are using a blue-coloured glove these days, that is apparently non-allergenic for those with latex allergies, and tougher than latex. Any of the medical types on the list have any comments? Cheers, Philip T. **************************************** Mountain Equipment Co-op 1655 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6J 1K1 Tel: 640-732-1989 Fax: 604-731-6483 email: pid_at_mec.ca Visit our website at: http://www.mec.ca ***************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
>> One of the Paddlewisers mentioned that they seal their flares with one of those kitchen vacuum bag sealers. Although many flares do have "O" rings in their cases and are supposed to be water/weatherproof, I think the makers have regular yachts in mind, and not the degree of continuous exposure that happens in a kayak. So I think some additional protection is a good idea, but I'd worry that cold, fear-shaken fingers might have real problems tearing open the vacuum bag or wielding a knife to cut the bag. >> I notch the edge of the bag to make it easier to open. I freeze meals in these bags for winter camping, and there is a cold fingers problem there, too. :-) FWIW, I just searched the Web for information about the availability of Seal-a-Meals. They are now made by Rival, and the vaccum bag model is currently on sale for $39.99 at the following URL: http://www.intercenter.com/catalog/webSession/shopper/. I'm sure there are other sources, too. Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
>My solution is to knot each flare into an individual condom. >seems to be no point paying the extra for the ribbed type in this >application. Maybe the flavoured kind would make biting the top off more >palatable, plus they could double as your emergency food … > >Cheers, >Philip T. Maybe you could use the glow in the dark ones for safety, You could see them at night. (bitting tongue while not making a smart a-- comment) Dana *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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