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Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski
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Thanks for the plug Gerry!
There are indeed a bunch of us who fish in kayaks as well as boats and the surf. Like Torchee, Brianmccutch, Clamstrings, Ray from Grumpy's, Howard380 and many more.
NJ Dave is a million percent correct... PFD is #1!!!!
I got my first kayak in 2009. Prior to getting it, I read everything I could about safety. Safety is very important, especially when out in a kayak. Here are some basics to get you thinking.
- PFD - A lifevest is never an option. Always WEAR it! If you flip over and are knocked out by your yak, then it won't matter much if you have it strapped to the yak and not to you.
- Dress for the water and air temperature. Here in NJ that means if it's 70 outside, but the water is 50 then you need a drysuit, waiters and drytop or wetsuit. You'll find a lot of opinions on which one is best. My 2 cents (and some of this from experience) is you need to consider something happens and you are unable to get back into your kayak. Will you be able to stay dry and warm while floating around in the ocean for some time? I use a drysuit.
- Have a signaling device. A loud whistle or air horn. Also a mirror, or some other reflective device, like an old CD. You may need these for getting someone's attention for help or letting a boat know they are headed for you.
- Get a good waterproof, floating marine radio and know how to use it. Know the proper way to call for assistance if you need it and check to ensure people can hear you every time you are out on the water.
- File a float plan - This can be as simple as letting others know where you are launching, where you are heading and when you will be back. If you change your mind, then just let them know your new plans.
- Use a flag so boats can see you. Kayaks are low profile and are easily lost between swells when boats are nearing. A flag can raise your visibility above the swells.
- Always be conscious of your environment, especially: other boats, currents, swells, wind direction and is it picking up, rips and the weather. Always consider your exit plan from wherever you are.
- Stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water and a couple of energy bars.
- The rule of thirds applies to kayaks as much as it does for boats. For boats it says something like you should have enough fuel so a third gets you to your destination, a third gets you home, and a third for reserve. For kayaking, your energy is your fuel. Be sure only to go as far from your launch as a third of your energy can take you.
Those are what I think are the essentials. Once you have all that down, then you can go nuts with GPS, Fish Finders, all kinds of cool rigging, etc.
So go ahead and observe, ask questions, try new things and have fun!
