I am a strictly recreational kayaker (I paddle an Old Town Loon 138, the Barcalounger of kayaks) who just started paddling regularly this spring after trying it a few times last year and loving it. Out for a paddle last night, I realized that I don't really know the best way to stow emergency gear so that it's available to me when I need it. I always wear my PFD, of course, complete with attached coast-guard-approved emergency whistle <g>, and I also carry a paddle float and a pump, as I am in the process now of learning the paddle-float rescue. I don't paddle alone, but want to carry gear and know rescue techniques as if I might have to take care of myself. So, two questions: what emergency gear do people carry (when boating recreationally; you paddle-across-the-Atlantic types have your own, more extensive list, I'm sure), and how do you stow it? Thanks. Su Penn *************************************************************************** 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 08:45 AM 6/5/99 -0500, Su Penn wrote: >I am a strictly recreational kayaker (I paddle an Old Town Loon 138, the >Barcalounger of kayaks) who just started paddling regularly this spring >after trying it a few times last year and loving it. Nothing wrong with a Loon 138. In fact, for a recreational kayak, there's a fair amount right with it. I had one until I sold it for a bigger boat, and I wish now that I'd kept it; there are times that it's better suited for what I'm doing. >Out for a paddle last night, I realized that I don't really know the best >way to stow emergency gear so that it's available to me when I need it. I >always wear my PFD, of course, complete with attached coast-guard-approved >emergency whistle <g>, and I also carry a paddle float and a pump, as I am >in the process now of learning the paddle-float rescue. I don't paddle >alone, but want to carry gear and know rescue techniques as if I might have >to take care of myself. The first thing that comes to mind is floatation. You didn't mention it, but even though the Loon will sort of float when flooded, it's only sort of. You need to have some good sized flotation bags in the bow and stern. Otherwise, you are going to be pumping F*O*R*E*V*E*R to get all the water out of the hull. On the Loon, there's a good place for pump stowage alongside the seat. On mine, I stuffed the rest of the stuff I wanted to more or less have in the boat at all times in a tiny little nylon daypack and stuffed it behind the seat. This included stuff like emergency water, a couple of candy bars, one of the thin space blankets and a poncho, in addition to the paddle float. -- Wes *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Su - In/on my PFD I carry - always - survival knife, 3 handheld red flares, 2 smoke signals, distress flag, signaling mirror, whistle, handheld compass. When I'm in a place where there might be both fog and other boats, I also carry a mini-air horn. Below the PFD is my tow belt - always. The only tiems I've actually used the tow belt have been times I thought I'd never need it. In the cockpit, always - paddle float, handheld pump, large boat sponge(s). When I'm offshore (as opposed to paddling on my home lake which is only 40 X 1.5 miles and has lots of houses close to the shoreline), in the cockpit oron deck I carry water, a good healthy snack (chocolate bars, granola, cheese etc), firestarter kit. If I had more room in my cockpit I'd also carry a change of clothes there - but I carry that in my day hatch or (if paddling a boat without a day hatch) in the front of the rear compartment. I should carry a spare paddle too, I know, but to be honest, I don't do that unless my wife and I are doing some kayak camping. A very basic boat repair kit also goes with me, in one of the boat compartments, when I'm paddling offshore: fiberglass repair kit, duct tape, light nylon cord, about 6 ft of 18 gauge steel wire, multi-tool (like a Leatherman, only much cheaper). Everything in good waterproof containers like drybags or Aqua-safes. It may or may not sound like a lot to carry and a lot of trouble, but it's always there, already packed up or in to PFD, checked every month or so, so it's almost an unconscious thing. I think many people would say that's just about a minimum, or maybe below minimum. Others will probably tell you about many more things. But that's what I carry. Bill Hansen *************************************************************************** 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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