Re: [Paddlewise] Safety in Recreational Kayaks

----- Original Message -----
From: "ScanSport" <SCANSPORT_at_CONNRIVER.NET> said:
>I am trying to find a way to make the boat/paddler combination
> more seaworthy. Since I see no way to reach all the beginning paddlers,
our
> best bet may be to make the boats a bit safer. That should have a positive
> effect on the combination.
>

Since it would be very difficult for "law enforcement" to know whether a
boat was a "rec" boat or a serious kayak why don't we also legislate and
require the use of:
1. Hand held flares
2. Flare pistols
3. Parachute flares
4. VHF for all trips longer than 1 mile
5. Epirb for all trips longer than 2 miles
6. Signal mirror
7. Compass, chart of the area, and GPS for when fog rolls in
8. Spare paddle
9. Paddle float
10. Bilge pump
11. Tow rope (must be minimum 45' long made of floating line with a breaking
strength of 1,000 lb or more)
12. Certificate showing you have demonstrated the ability to successfully
perform:
        a. paddle float reentry
        b. Re-enter & roll with a paddle float
        c. Proper radio procedures
        d. Navigation
        e. Surf launch
        f.  Surf landing
        g. Paddling in conditions worse than on the day in question.
13. PFD (worn not carried)
14. Skirt
15 Paddle leash
16. Whistle
17. Radar reflector


There comes a time when PEOPLE NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for their own
actions. We can't legislate it all. I'm sorry if some people put out in
conditions that they are not qualified to be in. As Scott said, maybe that's
the way nature culls the intellectually challenged from the population.

Steve Holtzman


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************