The sad fact is
people die in calm waters unnecessarily. Sometimes there are things (weather conditions, boat traffic, etc.) you can’t work around; if there was, we wouldn’t have ‘accidents’.
I carry one (a paddle float). I’ve never used it out of need. I’m a very competent paddler, with a decent enough roll. I will always carry one. It’s small, light, and in no way effects the simplicity and enjoyment of paddling.
It sounds like you have made up your mind (right from the get go) that you don’t need this piece of equipment. Filtering out the ‘fluff’, here, there are many reasons to carry a paddle float. If you don’t want to, fine. But now I am curious as to why you think you need a PFD to be happy.
Paddle float
Not sure I ever questioned the use of a paddle float since we already have them. However, thanks for the advice.
I think you are missing the point
experienced boater are trying to tell you that the best layed plans go wrong, stuff happens. You need to be prepared and able to rescue yourself if you go out on the water.
And a Stirup
Adding a stirup to your paddle float can make re-entry easier. You can find them at www.northwater.com. They are pretty cheap. The web site has instructions on their use.
Lou
No, not really
I am not missing the point and have read everyone’s advice and will take it to heart. I will be prepared----I will learn self rescue and assisted rescue and how to rescue others and I will have every possible safety accessory needed to go kayaking. My profession in the medical field has taught me that anything can happen, anywhere and at any time. I will probably be way overboard (ha ha) with the amount of lectures and safety equipment that will go along with me and all that kayak with me. That said—leaving now to kayak–to learn my self rescue and have a great time.
try it!
Glad to hear you’ll take a class on the basics. That will make you more confident and maybe take some of the anxiety out of it.
I’m a pretty big guy but have learned thru different classes and clinics, a lot of different ways to get myself back into the boat. First time wasn’t too easy but now there’s nothing to it.
As far as the weather goes, I’ve been out in calm conditions that quickly turned on me. I check the weather before I go out, but there have been times where the weather has changed with no indication from the forecast. If you’re on a small lake or river it’s less of a problem, but still something to be aware of.
Troll. Put your subject in subject line.
With best intentions…
With no malice or disrespect to you, your responses lead me to believe… at this point in time… that you don’t know enough about kayaking to know what you don’t know.
You may be able to parallel park your truck better than anyone else on the planet, you may be an ace in the medical field, but Mother Nature is merciless, underestimated her and you may pay the ultimate price.
Kayaking can be a very safe sport, or a very dangerous sport…much of that depends on the experience and attitude of the person sitting in the cockpit.
With best intentions,
Waterrat
RE: Waterrat–with best intentions…
– Last Updated: Aug-01-05 10:33 AM EST –
Well--no kidding! If you go back to my original post you will see I wrote--->>>>I am really, really new to kayaking............. My entire post was about being a novice at this---that is why I posted here---for answers and advice from experienced people. I didn't know I needed to be a professional kayaker to post. Instead, I get attacked by 'militant' kayakers---I feel like you are just an extension of the Le Leche League of Militant Breastfeeding Mothers! Gosh---last time I will ever post here. I will look for a more accepting kayaking board that welcomes novice kayakers---if there is any.
DISCLAIMER: This reply is intended for the people that it refers to.
THERE ARE OTHER WHO HAVE POSTED SINCERE, HONEST ANSWERS. TO ALL OF YOU WHO DID THAT--I GIVE A HEARTY "THANK YOU"!
Be safe
A few years ago my wife and I went out power boating with a couple of very over weight friends…they are both super people ( one male 38 approx 5’-8” 260 lbs and the other female 46 5‘-4“ 270lbs) and we enjoy their company. Both have been swimmers all their life. Both are intelligent. .
On the day we went out with them, they dropped my wife and I off on a spoil island and took off down the intercostals. About an hour later they came limping back to the island.
They were both quite shaken, when we asked why, they told us they stopped the boat for a swim, jumped in and found because the their weight and lack of strength they could not get back into the boat…we are not talking about climbing over the side, just pulling up one self on to a huge swim platform that ran the full width of the boat and was at water line level. Luckily my female friend was finally able to get herself on board and by the slimmest of margins were they able to get him up on the swim platform. They were both exhausted. This was in perfectly calm water. By the grace of God they are both still alive.
Some activities require a level of fitness to be safe and enjoy…there is nothing positive about encouraging someone to engage in a sport which they are not in condition to participate in, without proper preparation. The laws of Physics do not yield to political correctness.
Regards,
Waterrat
If you do nothing else Kid,
– Last Updated: Aug-01-05 11:32 AM EST –
..at least pick up a copy of "Sea Kayaker's Deep Trouble" and give it a read. Then you'll see where folks like the Rat are coming from. Lots of the fatal case studies in this excellent book involve folks who had no intention of paddling in foul weather. Two weeks ago I lost a friend who capsized and drowned in 7' of water, 40' from shore on a calm lake. Stuff happens, it's best to be prepared for anything and to heed advice from more experienced folk. My friend wasn't and didn't.
Stick around!
I am sorry you took it that way…
I am sorry you took my honest attempt at helping you as an attack
I have been blessed to live in a warm climate and grow up on the water… to gather a lifetime of on the water experience in multiple water sports. Personally, I appreciate when someone who is knowledgeable about a particular subject, takes the time to give to me the benefits of their experience.
I was trying to share with you the way others have shared with me. Trying to give back the way others have given to me. I have tried to be sensitive in the way I have worded my replies to you, but it looks as if I have failed miserably in that regard.
If you withdraw from this forum you will do a great disservice to your self…there is a vast amount of knowledge to be had here on kayaking…
In the years I have posted on this forum I have never been lashed out against like this…you can rest assured that I will never reply to one of your posts again. You may view this as some kind of psychological win…maybe one day you will realize that there are some people in the world that are just trying to help you… without strings attached.
Have a nice life,
Waterrat