Safety on the water

[ronaultmtd]

I am always mindful of others when I am out and about- especially driving or fishing...I don’t worry much about what I will do, but what others are doing or what they might do...I drive defensively...and when I am in my kayak, I am constantly aware of other boaters...I always wear my PFD...fly the carbonvisipole flag, but when I hear a boat engine, I search out the noise and pinpoint the boat. I keep an eye on the boat coming toward me and if I am fishing the edge of a channel, I start moving towards shallow water knowing the power boat cannot operate in very shallow water...I have had powerboats come very close to me at cruising power pushing big wakes without regard to how their boat’s wake will affect my safety...on the other hand I have seen considerate, responsible boat operators slow down, wave to me, then power back up after passing a safe distance- I never assume the boater has seen me...the moral of the story- no one loves you like your Mother does...safety is always up to us to do everything we can to minimize risks...kayak defensively.

[mchottie]

No truer words spoken. Visipole w/ orange flag (in my opinion) is worth its cost simply for your safety and peace of mind.

Similarly to going out in winter/cold months using your best judgement for your safety (cold weather gear & drysuit), even the summer months you have to be mindful of others as mindful as you are of yourself & surroundings / level of ability.

[Lisa]

Yeah, I'm beached until wetsuit season begins around April 1st.

Lisa

[Steve6902]

Sad part is you need a license to operate a car, but not a boat. Unless you were born 1972 or later. Then you need some kind of Coast Guard certificate thing. And that's just a computer test to get. We are in fact a vessel and all rules apply to us as it does to big boats. We are the bicycles of the water.

[ski357]

I believe someone mentioned this accident http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-no...man_jumps.html in another thread. It really demonstrates to me the need for defensive boating. A good safety tip I have yet to implement personally, is painting my paddle blades hives orange or attaching reflective material to them.

[ATAK140Jim]

Great reminder? Boat defensively and your chances of having a problem on the water are reduced greatly.

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[J. Rentch]

Great thoughts, I try and practice the same thoughts and ideas.

[blackjack]

Couldn’t agree more, always aware to conditions and surroundings,thanks to Oldbayrunner(Walt) I have a drysuit,and continue to fish,keep all me invited reserved and for the prepared fisherman! And still always have a watchful eye on everyone on the water!

[Oldbayrunner]

Couldn’t agree more, always aware to conditions and surroundings,thanks to Oldbayrunner(Walt) I have a drysuit,and continue to fish,keep all me invited reserved and for the prepared fisherman! And still always have a watchful eye on everyone on the water!

I do miss my old blue n yellow dry suit colors. They matched my Sun Camo yak...lol... But I am happy with my red Mythic.