Re: [Paddlewise] Flare and radio question + Scratching itch

At 09:19 PM 7/16/99 +1000, Peter Osman <PeterO_at_ambri.com.au> wrote:
>Thanks to Wayne Langmaid who sorted out all my flare questions and opened up
>a raft of other kayak opportunities. I'm still in the market for a handheld
>combined VHF/27MHz/seaphone - anyone know where I can get one? (A fellow
>seeker wanted it combined with a GPS so if anyone knows of one??)
>
 

Peter,

I think I missed any discussion we had about flares.  I'm interested in
hearing what was said.

BTW, this past July 4th, I decided that I had had my flares long enough and
it was time to replace them.  They still had a year to go on their
expiration date, but

a)   I want to be conservative, safety wise, and not wait 'til expiration.
b)   I'd never fired one off before and wanted to do that in a "non
emergency" way for experience.


So, I fired off my three "Sky Blazer" flares.  I'm happy to report that all
three worked perfectly (despite reports from others that they are less than
reliable).  I was, however, disappointed at the short time they were
airborne.  Yes, they performed per their spec., however I had visions of
"Lifeboat" and "Titanic" movie scenes in my head.

Now for the not-so-smart part.  I shot these flares without having
replacements ready to take along paddling.  I had added flares to my
compliment of safety equipment a few years ago and, like all my safety
equipment, I now feel naked without it.  Sorta like driving without a seat
belt.  Just feels out of harmony.

Now I had bought the Sky Blazers at REI in California (I live in NY) and
noticed when I got home the little message on the package that said not to
take these on airplanes.  Opps, I'd better not do that again.  But, no
problem, I will just go to my local West Marine and buy replacements.  When
I got to West Marine, the place had been picked clean.  Still, no problem.
I have book marked a zillion web pages of kayak equipment.  Well, nobody
had flares on their web page.  I guess it is just not a mail order commodity.

What to do, what to do?  (BTW, I have a street address for the Sky Blazer
people but no web page.)  Well, I always have the West Marine catalog.
They list flares in their catalog for (are you ready for this?) jet skis.
There is extra shipping for hazardous material (now I'm beginning to
understand).  These are not the same as my (now tested ) Sky Blazers though
so I feel like I'm starting over.

This must be Friday, I'm really starting to ramble.

So paddlewisers, what flares do you use?  Why?  Where did you get 'em?

As always, TIA

Bill Leonhardt
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