Re: [Paddlewise] 0 for 3!!!

I had the same experience several years ago.  Joan and I each had three 
small (pocket-size) hand held flares that were just past their 
expiration dates. One or two of them fizzled, the rest did nothing at all.

Pains-Wessex hand held flares are reputed to be reliable (USCG and SOLAS 
approved).  They are also larger (and more expensive) than the flares 
that fit into a standard PFD pocket, but -- as you say -- a bird in the 
hand.... Paddling mostly in the the populated New York Harbor, Hudson 
River and Connecticut shore areas, I don't always carry flares.  When I 
do, I carry two Pains-Wessex flares in my day hatch.  One is a parachute 
flare, and the other is a white hand flare to be used when I can see my 
rescuer trying to home in on me. Of course I always have my VHF and a 
cellphone in a waterproof bag, as well.

Bob Volin

Bob Carter wrote:
> Last night a church member took a bunch of youth up here doing a program for
> the church over to LeConte Bay on his fishing boat. It was foggy and there
> were no other boats in the bay so he fired off an old parachute flare to see
> if it still worked (it did). He monitored the radio to make sure no one saw
> the flare and paniced. I happened to have my PFD with me and decided to test
> out my three hand held flares. 0 for 3!!! Not a one even so much as fizzled!
> I am thinking of going with the pistol type flare system though where I will
> store them on me while I paddle I have not figured out yet.
> A bird in the hand may be worth two in the bush but a handheld flare is
> worthless
>
> Bob
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************