Gordin said: I have a cell phone <snip> But I'm thinking I may be kidding myself. If you're in the water for any time at all the cold might render your ability to manipulate the buttons an impossible task.<snip> ------------ Gordin, Cell phones, as you allude, are a back up to a VHF "waterproofed" radio. Cell phones are good for communication back home and other conveniences, and as a back up to a VHF when actually on the water. A cell phone in a cheap alternative to a VHF, and as such they tend to be used a bit more readily during the first few years of gear acquisition. I hope technology improves and perhaps a water resistant cell phone unit will come out in the future. The buttons fry at the first hint of water. I have not had much luck with cell phone bags, but would suggest you invest in the most malleable one possible, for better feel and manipulation. As far as frozen fingers, you might consider carrying a good pair of sea kayak specific gloves somewhere handy for immediate placement on your hands in a cold water/weather emergency. You can always slip one off for a moment to make a call. I don't go anywhere without my gloves being quickly available. Secondly, if there is any doubt about the prognosis for self/group rescue, use your communication device immediately while you still have the ability. You can always send a pan-pan, rather than a mayday, so authorities are alerted to your plight without sending out the choppers. In the end, get out in some stormy seas with friends, and try out your communication/bag arrangement. And do be aware that on open west coast paddling, even a VHF at 5 watts in big swell, might pose some line of sight challenges. I'm still considering more advanced communication as the price comes down. Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 1/26/02 7:00:36 PM !!!First Boot!!!, dougl_at_islandnet.com writes: << You can always send a pan-pan, rather than a mayday, >> What's this? never of this. It sounds very useful. Joan *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Joan (and anybody else who might need help with radio procedures). Check out the following FCC site for radio procedures. It defines Mayday, Securite, and Pan Pan calls and has a lot of good info concerning proper radio procedures. http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/fctsht14.html#SEC5 By following proper radio procedures you dramatically increase your chance of being understood. Steve Holtzman Out (*NEVER* "Over and Out) ----- Original Message ----- From: JSpinner2_at_aol.com To: PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net Sent: January 26, 2002 11:15 AM Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] cell phones/technolgical aids << You can always send a pan-pan, rather than a mayday, >> What's this? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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