Is it time for safety?

[Hemingway]

Just wondering if it might be time to have a permanent forum topic for kayak safety? We have a lot of newbies coming to the site, and there is always something an experienced person may have over looked.
We could have a sticky at the top just like we do for the meet and greet schedule and fish records. It could consist of a basic list of things put together by a couple of our board members, plus offer a visible place to share new thoughts on the issue.

[Darryl330]

I think that's a great idea. I'm a beginner - actually, I haven't purchased my fist yak yet, but will shortly. I read this forum every day and the sinking yak story is un-nerving, yet had great input on increasing safety.

The bad news is I had just suggested to a friend who is considering getting into this sport to check out snaggedline. That story is going to scare him off, I'm sure.

I'm very glad that Chris made it to back and was able to share the experience with us.

[W69DY]

I concur, we def need a safety sticky.

[EZMD]

Aye
Step one: Make sure kayak floats.

[DaveFX35]

+1

Had an eerie encounter with an abandoned kayak on the Susquehanna the other day, more details in the Boatyard.

Lets start posting some tips. Always good to get a refresher on basics and help out new members.

- Try to go with others or let someone know where and when you're going.
- Run a flagpole, brighter the better. YakAttack makes the Visipole which has a bright orange flag and light.
- Carry a VHF clipped to your PFD and know the channels.
- A signaling device (flare gun, mirror, whistle) is probably a must for big water.
- Keep a knife ready to cut lines that may tangle or if a quick release is needed.
- A headlamp and flashlight for night fishing
- Practice rolling and getting back on your kayak
- Use a trolley to anchor with a quick release. Always anchor from bow or stern. A good bungie on the trolley or anchor line will absorb shock from wake. Have sufficient slack in the line.
- A waterproof phone case could be a lifesaver. Lifeproof makes them for the iPhone and there are universal for other models. Even a ziplock bag may work.
- Study the area on Google Maps and/or Nav charts. Stay alert and use best judgement.
- Report your kayak missing if you ditch. You may get it back but will stop an unnecessary search.

I know I'm missing a ton, these are just off the top of my head.

[zeebyrd]

I joined this forum to learn about kayaking safety and to hopefully join up with some others for safety (in numbers). I am probably one of the few women on this forum, and I'm not sure how comfortable the guys on here would welcome having me along. I am not saying that to be rude at all - its just that I know some guys just want to hang out with other guys when they are fishing, leaving the "old ladies" back at home.

I don't know anyone else who is into kayak fishing. The idea of eventually going out on the Bay by myself is not going to become reality. I'd rather be safe with someone else around than to be on my own, with no previous experience. My experience consists mostly of canoeing on lakes and rivers. I have yakked a bit this year - lakes and this past weekend at Accokeek, where I felt comfortable on my own.

I would greatly welcome a list of safety measures as a sticky - or a topic that people can add to. As I read online and in a couple of books, I keep adding to my list of safety items that I take with me. The more information the better. I'd rather weed through too much than not enough.

Thank you for having this forum. I am truly enjoying it.

[sparky1423]

Don't forget the bilge pump. You can get a manual pump for $20 and store it in the hull. I had a bad hatch seal on my kayak and ended up with 5 gallons of water in my hull, it was not a pleasant paddle back to shore. Now, I never leave home without it.

Laura, you have nothing to worry about. Everyone on the site is kind and professional...I think it's impressive you want to fish with us Neanderthals!

[Tyrone Shoes]

Tell your people where you will be fishing and an approximate return time. Check in as often as possible.

[perchy]

Common sense, but I've seen people take their yaks waaaaaaaayy too close to the pools above dams. The current can make this dangerous.

[frettr00]

Get one of these. It makes getting back into a kayak a bit easier. http://www.kayakselfrescueladder.com/

One thing kayak fishing has taught me is a high amount of environmental awareness. Always stay aware of where boats are in proximity to you. I'm constantly turning my head when I hear one coming up behind me, just to make sure I know they see me. Also when they pass, pay attention to the wake they create as some hulls can create large wake. It's easier to brace and let big swells roll under you when you know they're coming and can position your kayak for them. Getting hit from behind with silent 4 footers that you're unaware of is a bit unsettling.

[Hemingway]

I joined this forum to learn about kayaking safety and to hopefully join up with some others for safety (in numbers). I am probably one of the few women on this forum, and I'm not sure how comfortable the guys on here would welcome having me along. I am not saying that to be rude at all - its just that I know some guys just want to hang out with other guys when they are fishing, leaving the "old ladies" back at home.

I don't know anyone else who is into kayak fishing. The idea of eventually going out on the Bay by myself is not going to become reality. I'd rather be safe with someone else around than to be on my own, with no previous experience. My experience consists mostly of canoeing on lakes and rivers. I have yakked a bit this year - lakes and this past weekend at Accokeek, where I felt comfortable on my own.

I would greatly welcome a list of safety measures as a sticky - or a topic that people can add to. As I read online and in a couple of books, I keep adding to my list of safety items that I take with me. The more information the better. I'd rather weed through too much than not enough.

Thank you for having this forum. I am truly enjoying it.

Laura, most of the gentlemen on here have participated in several co-Ed outdoor activities thur the years, and are happy to share the yak fishing addiction. If you ever want to get a little Eastern Shore salt on your yak just let me know, we have a great group of guys over here.

[Darnell]

I too am new to kayaking and am soooo glad I discovered this forum. I don't know anyone who kayaks so I've only been out on my own and that was on the Susquehanna. I remember the first time the yak hit a submerged rock and how it scared the living hell out of me thought it was a shark or I was sinking. I've been fishing my whole life but never from a boat and being in the middle of a lake alone sure is deferent. Anyho like I said earlier I'm glad I found this forum hopefully ill meet a few members willing to allow a newbie to tag along with them on a bay trip. And this safety info just made me realize I have to make Trip to Bass Pro.

[Moschedmi]

Early this spring I was out the potomac just west of Fletchers boathouse and was using a drag chain, to slow my drift, at the bow. The water was about 45 degrees. I wanted to change positions so I used the anchor trolley to move the line to the stern. The trolley line slipped out of my hands in the center of the yak. the drag chain seemed to grab something on the bottom as I reached for the trolley line. Needless to say I was in the water and having to self rescue. I learned numerous lessons 1 drag chains do get cought, 2 wear proper clothing I had very warm base layers on and my outer was Kokatat tropos pants married with a kokatat dry top, 3 have a change of clothing with you in car or better in a dry bag on your yak, and most important practice, the hell out of self rescue. If I had to wait for rescue I it might have been to late. On a positive note all of my gear was tied down, I didn't lose anything, I stayed relatively dry and I was able to fish for quite a while after the incident.