Re: [Paddlewise] safty equpipment and other gear

>   <<What is necessary and when is it just window dressing?>>
> (do I really need all my emergency gear, I wonder, as I paddle through
> people's backyards?).
>
> (and due, I will say, to taking some very bad advice from a couple of
> self-styled experts),
> managed to sink my boat....Since then, I have not let my fear of looking
> silly stop me from loading my dry bag (and pump, paddle float, etc.) into
> my boat for an hour's paddle on a quiet and familiar river.

    My thought in the question was about all the stuff I feel compelled to
spend a great deal of money on and then hang from my body as I paddle. Do I
really need flares or a strobe? If I have to choose which should I choose? I
have only paddled one time at night, and don't have plans to go out alone any
time soon. Do I need a strobe? What is the point in the flares if I only local
paddle rivers? I'm more likely to set woods on fire with one, as dry as it is,
than attract attention, I'd think. I'd be roasted before they found me.
    Which safety gadgets are of the most use to someone who paddles the
Chesapeake and its tributaries? I have the flotation, the self rescue gear, the
usual skirt and PFD. What else should I put money into? Sure, more is better
than less but I can't buy it all. I just don't have the resources for that. I
have depended on others to have some of what I can't afford. I really do need
to be self sufficient, though. I just have to buy as I get the money so what
should I choose first or do I have what I need?

Joan



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