Re: [Paddlewise] VHF

From: Jerry Hawkins <jhawkins_at_cisco.com>
Date: Thu, 08 Jun 2000 09:09:58 -0700
At 06:23 PM 06/07/2000 -0700, Dave Kruger wrote:
>In my experience, 8 miles is about it from beach to beach, handheld to
>handheld. ...Yak to yak, both paddlers on the water, three
>miles is about all I have been able to get.  [Mainly favorable opinions.]

Funny how people criticize the VHF, despite its clear value in certain situations.  Three miles, eight miles, ten miles -- I carry a whistle (ok, two whistles) which are audible maybe 1000 metres in calm weather and 100 in wind.  I carry a flashy light which is visible maybe 2000 metres on a clear night and maybe 200 in the rain.  I carry handheld and popup flares which can be seen for about the same and last just seconds.  A VHF which can be heard 3 - 10 miles and actually give 2-way communication is a tremendous advantage over other systems.

I hope if I ever use the thing for more than a weather radio, it is to call for help for someone else.  Until that day it is just part of the padding behind my seat back.  Would I ever go out in more risky conditions because I have a (cell phone / VHF / GPS / whistle / flare / kitchen sink)?  No.  Do I feel a little more like I belong on the Bay, with a properly equipped boat?  Yes.

jerry.
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Received on Thu Jun 08 2000 - 09:12:13 PDT

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