Aloha everyone, I get a lot of calls and a lot of e-mails about Hobie AI Safety. I live on the north shore of Oahu in the islands of Hawaii. These waters are some of the most dangerous in the world. In this blogg I will address all the things I do for safety. With the sport of kayaking growing at a very fast pace and the hobie AI sales going up, I feel it is my duty to share what I have learned. Maybe it can save someone’s life. When you get a Hobie AI you will be able to go places that were never possible in a traditional yak. Be prepared for additional risks. We want everyone who goes out on the hobie AI to come back home. Safety is the most important thing for the Hobie AI owner.
Always, and I mean always wear your life jacket when using the AI. There have been many times I have almost fallen asleep while under sail and simply put about fell into the water. These yaks can flip too I haven’t done it yet but there has been times I have gotten very close. I advise, if you go out any distance at sea, you should become very familiar with how to upright an over turned Hobie AI
Whenever you can, use the buddy system. This is almost the most certain way to eliminate a real disaster. Go out with a friend whenever you use the Hobie AI
You will want two forms of signaling devices. One worn at all times in case you end up in the water. I use my cell phone in waterproof bag it stays on me. I have a hand help VHS marine radio waterproof in the seat bag. I also carry a mirror, whistle, and goggles in tuppawhere boxes under the seat hatch along with a first aid kit. They have big, cheap, waterproof, and air proof, plastic containers at wahl mart much cheaper that otter type boxes.
There are a couple of other things I take when I go. I always take my swim fins. Churchill’s from wahl mart. A surfboard leash as a harness, and the goggles. This is in case I have to get into the water and work on the hobie AI at sea.
If you use the Hobie like we do in Hawaii you will have some things break. One of the most important tools you can carry is a small vise grip pliers. This can be used for steering in case your rudder steering handle comes off. The other thing that will break is the rudder pin. If this happens on the water you will have to get into the water to fix it. Make sure you go out with extra rudder pins. Here you will want to put the surfboard leash harness on, put the goggles and swim fins on, and make sure you have life vest on with a radio or cell phone. Then you can get in the water safely. Trust me on this one guys this could save your akole. Always carry some basic tools, allen wrench set, screw driver set and extra parts.
Always think about safety. The what if and what ands. Be prepared. Good luck to all the Hobie AI anglers and come home safely. Aloha Boogie-D
_________________ I love AI kayak fishing
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