[Paddlewise] Was paddle jacket(add PFD gear)

You said:
<snip>
<<<
It was noted by someone watching that when paddling in strong winds the
jacket inflates, which could interfere with control. This has not been
my experience.
>>>

I also wonder if the jacket-over-PFD would impede swimming due to the
lack of a tight fit.

You also said:
<<<
Moving on, someone on Paddlewise mentioned that jackets worn this way
would cover any emergency equipment carried on the PFD, and this brings
up the question of what sea paddlers do carry.
>>>
<snip>

I've taken to wearing an inflatable vest (by Mustang). I still use my
regular PFD for surf, etc., but find the vest much more comfortable. Due
to lack of pockets, I modified the belt area of the vest by adding two
nylon containers. The large one holds my SeaSeat (mini life raft) that
is deployed with a pull on the velcro lip. In the other bag I carry a
mini-flashlight by Pelican, a small ARC strobe, 3 Skyblazer flares,
whistle (on tether with numb-finger operable clip), mini-space blanket,
rescue mirror with ctr. sighting, firestarter apparatus, sealed money,
and spare vehicle key. On the vest I simply clip my folding rescue knife
to one of the chest toggles.

Warning: some paddlers have added the small strobes to the inside of the
vest, which can be rolled inside and velcroed for use in an emergency.
The problem is the usually available style of strobe has a stainless
steel clip-pin, that if knocked loose, may puncture the inflatable
bladder. This has happened to some Navy dudes I know.

On my older PFD, I carry all the above stuff in various pockets, with
the exception of a permanently mounted strobe on the back of the Lotus
PFD. I have noticed that the inflatable vests blow out their velcro
closures in rough water, which isn't a huge problem, it is just that the
flapping nylon gets kind of annoying.

BTW, on my kayak, I carry a hand held flare gun with a bandoleer of
flares in a front-mounted deck bag, with a tow-line/throw-line in the
same net bag. In my above-thigh day hatch, I carry the VHF, cell phone,
smoke flares, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc., etc., etc. In my rear deck
bag I carry a second paddlefloat, large orange rescue bag, parachute
flare, and hand-held flare. This last flare is very important for
helping rescue craft, etc., actually locate you after firing off an
aerial flare.

I'd like to carry my VHF on my person, but need to purchase one of the
new, compact units. Then again, that setup might make me more inclined
to take greater risks. :-)

Doug Lloyd
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