Hobie Cat Forums

Safety first! When you plan to go out kayak fishing, plan ahead for potential problems.

Possible Safety List Includes:

- LifeVest (Wear it!)
- Trip plan. Let people know where you are going and when you should be back.
- Know how to right a capsized kayak. Practice near a beach and with help near by and practice getting back into the boat.
- Footwear. Think Warm, Wet, Slippery and Rocky...
- Visability. Wear bright colors and or carry a flag on a tall pole.
- Lites, flashlite?
- 1st Aid Kit
- Cell Phone
- GPS
- Space blanket (emergency warmth)
- Flares, Smoke, Die pack
- Repair Kit, Spare Parts
- Bailer or bilge pump
- Internal flotation bags in case the hull floods due to a removed hatch.
- Spare paddle (Extendable paddle / Orange for safety uses)
- Fanny Pack (Keeps cell phone, blanket and GPS on you)

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Here is a suggestion for those of you who kayak in the early hours of the morning, late evening, or those who do it in the dark. Most boaters will use a strong spotlight to scan the horizon for obstacles when motoring at night. If you have reflective tape on your kayak, your boat will be quickly seen by anyone hitting it with a beam of light. People often remark to me after a moonlight group paddle how well my kayak stood out when they shined a mere flashlight across the waters. Reflective tape is relatively cheap, only takes a few minutes to put on, and it does not hurt your kayak. Take a few minutes this week and reflectorize your kayak.

Where would one find such tape? I like the idea of being seen, but right now I don't see me kayaking at night for a while.

Here is one link: http://www.identi-tape.com/solas.html
Some other options are Walmart, automotive stores, and marine centers.

I would suggest a hand-held VHF marine radio, especially for those of you that kayak in the ocean. Sometimes, those cell phones don't work so well and wet cell phones are pretty ineffective. The Coast Guard monitors VHF emergency channels pretty much everywhere a kayaker might go. A radio is also good way to keep in touch with your kayaking buddies and/or mothership while you're out there. $50-$120.USD is what they cost.
A waterproof roll-up bag is a good way to keep stuff dry. Roomy bags are available at places like REI for less than $20.USD.

Hey Ron,
What a great idea. I had been trying to find out if any cell phone companies offered a prepaid cell with no time limit. So far I don't think they do, but your idea solves the whole problem. If ever I am in trouble out in the ocean I'll call the USCG instead of my wife.
Thanks,
David

I'd bet they have a bigger boat.

If you're in the market for a hand held VHF radio and love a killer deal, this has to be the best you'll find. Two radios for $80 including waterproof cases. These may not be the finest radios available but the price is unbelievable! Find a friend who also wants one and split the cost. Second only to your PFD, a VHF radio is your most important life saving piece of equipment.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... 1/542/64/3

If you fish near a lot of boat traffic ,I would recommend alertshirt (www.alertshirt.com) they are 100% polyester "Moisture-wick"which keep you cool and warm when wet and only cost 7.75.

Hey Scott,
A hearty welcome to the site! And thanks for that Alertshirt alert. First time I have heard of these--they look pretty awesome and the price is right!
Dick

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"One Alertshirt fits many Yaks"
Hobie Wan Kenobie

"A VHF hand held allows ET to call home"

Hobie Wan Kenobie

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I also recommend a “pealess” whistle similar to the Fox 40, on a lanyard attached to your vest. Water won’t degrade the pea so you won’t blow the pea out of it (pun intended, but it does happen). This particular brand is used by professional referees and is particularly shrill. It is easier to blow it three quick times in succession, indicating an emergency, rather than trying to shout, especially for any length of time.

There was a pretty sobering story on the KFS website that talks about an innocent outing gone bad that can make you re-evaluate your supplies and whether certain things are necessary.

Give it a quick read - I'll post the link hoping that it doesn't pose any sort of conflict (can't imagine that it would:)

http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee/forums/a/ ... 9341052561

I'm surprised no one talks about leashes.

I don't meant a paddle leash. I mean leashing your self to your kayak. It's a hell of lot better than a PFD.

Just use a surfboard or boggie board leash.

Why? Wind. Technically the racing associations in Hawaii won't let you race if you don't have your OC-1 leashed. If you fall off by the time you surface the boat could be moving away from you faster than you can swim.

After a huli (capsize) righting some guys have failed to immediate grab their boat while swimming a few strokes to get their paddle. Bye Bye.

If your scared of getting dragged under by surf, coming into the beach you can always unhook.

More later in other threads on using your leash attachment for swimming to avoid peddle/paddling cramps and for reef exploration & spear fishing.

Aloha

Dan