While I'm "preaching to the choir", my previous post this morning, I'd like to say a few more things about paddling safety, at least my philosophy.
It's a no-brainer that water sports have an inherent danger. Kayaks and canoes go in the water, we breath air. Preparation is the only way to prepare for this.
With regards safety, I place wearing a PFD as primary, having skills with rescue practice secondary, and having the appropriate equipment third.
Preparation includes having and knowing how to use the right equipment:
- Basic water safety equipment (PFD, whistle, flares etc...)
- Rescue equipment
- First-aid kit
- Repair kit
- Hypothermia kit or all weather kit
- Spare paddle
There is much on the web about the contents of these kits, I'll not go into detail here.
Probably the most important issue for me is wearing a PFD. As a paddler, a kayak instructor, swift water rescue technician, and more importantly a mother trying to set the right example. I ALWAYS wear a PFD, and have made it a rule (which I rarely break) not to paddle with those who don't.
Interestingly most races do not require that PFDs be worn, only kept in the boat. I don't agree with this philosophy. Of course I understand the hassle, and I certainly understand and have experienced the chafing.
Safety is more important.
All things related to my kayaking experiences and interests, and everything else life throws at me.
About SandyBottom
A senior with 2 kids grown and flown, married to Paul 30 years, a recently retired medical researcher, and was a sometime adventurer. Now, its ALL about the adventure. I was born and raised in Hawaii, and have a love of the outdoors, camping, the beach, and the ocean. I started paddling with white water in 1981 when I met my husband. My first real sea kayaking experience was actually on a sit-on-top in Kailua Bay on the Island of Oahu in 1987 while we were visiting family. Two children and years later, a chance opportunity to try sea kayaking again in 1996 resulted in a love and passion that provides me with fun, excitement, relaxation and/or exercise, and most of all, adventure. I’ve not stopped since.
More About SandyBottom
Paddling expeditions have included a 2001 NC coastal expedition, 2003 month-long expedition in SW Newfoundland, 2006 Lake Michigan expedition, 2009 Georgia Coast paddle. Paddling Challenges/Races include 2004 - 2013 WaterTribe Everglades Challenges, 2006 (solo) and 2012 (teamed with son) WaterTribe Ultimate Florida Challenge, 2011-2012 Watertribe NC Challenge, and the 2007 Missouri River 340.
Other challenges have included various triathlons including 2 half Ironman, BCU4* certification, Level 3 ACA Coastal Sea Kayak Instructor Certification. More recently, I've been learning to sail on our home built Core Sound 20 sailboat "Dawn Patrol".
Hopefully much more still to come as I start to work on my HUGE bucket list.
Other challenges have included various triathlons including 2 half Ironman, BCU4* certification, Level 3 ACA Coastal Sea Kayak Instructor Certification. More recently, I've been learning to sail on our home built Core Sound 20 sailboat "Dawn Patrol".
Hopefully much more still to come as I start to work on my HUGE bucket list.
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Cluster Map (since 6/21/2010)
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Cluster Map (6/06 - 6/07)
2 comments:
Since beginning to paddle 10 years ago or so, I have twice gone out without my pfd. Both times I knew it was wrong, but went anyway. Both times I returned within minutes feeling stupid and naked without it. A good feeling to have. Hopefully I won't have to feel it any more, unless, of course, I really am stu.... na, I'm not!
I constantly struggle with whether or not to use a pfd when in my SOF and wearing a tuilik which gives me lots of floatation. Of course, the boat is meant to never wet exit since I am "jammed into" it. More or less a roll or die situation. BTW, I am wondering where you "sea" kayak in your area.
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