I don't mean to be a killjoy but I feel that all Kayaks going further than 100yrds off shore should be required to have a bicycle type orange saftey flag flying so that they can be seen in the larger waves by boaters. I have almost run a couple of Kayaks over because they blended in so well with the water I did not see them.
Kayak saftey
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Cap, you are certainly not being a "killjoy".
Kayakers, take heed to what the Cap'n said, visibility is important, especially to those going 40-50 MPH!
Bicycle flags are way too small, my kayak is YELLOW, which cannot blend with any water I paddle in. Some guys put reflective tape on their paddles as well.
Frankly, I think a flag is WAY too small, but thanks for showing our users the view from your console!
SandLANCE <@)(((((((((((((((((()><<
(The angler FORMERLY known as "Flounder").
Kayakers, take heed to what the Cap'n said, visibility is important, especially to those going 40-50 MPH!
Bicycle flags are way too small, my kayak is YELLOW, which cannot blend with any water I paddle in. Some guys put reflective tape on their paddles as well.
Frankly, I think a flag is WAY too small, but thanks for showing our users the view from your console!
SandLANCE <@)(((((((((((((((((()><<
(The angler FORMERLY known as "Flounder").
no kayaker is willing to risk their lives to go fishing..its about having fun and relaxing, not causing more stress that you are gonna die...
generally boaters are very polite and slow down when they see a kayaker..some have even approached me in their 100k boats and said "now thats cool, i gotta get one of those." kayakers need to be more aware of their surroundings and boaters need to be more aware that kayaks are becoming more popular and their chances of seeing one on the water is increasing every day...we all know that boaters sometimes just dont look...
whats great about kayak fishing is the areas u can get into with the kayak that you cant get into with a boat...kayaks have no business being in a shipping channel or where there is a lot of boat traffic...if i am going to fish a channel, ill usually hang out on the outside or tie up to the buoy...if someone were to come straight at me, its a matter of seconds before i can grab my paddle and get out of their path...its a lot safer than you might think...
if you kayak at night, you should have more lighting on your yak than the titanic, and not fish where there is any boats..always having a buddy with you is a good idea also..
generally boaters are very polite and slow down when they see a kayaker..some have even approached me in their 100k boats and said "now thats cool, i gotta get one of those." kayakers need to be more aware of their surroundings and boaters need to be more aware that kayaks are becoming more popular and their chances of seeing one on the water is increasing every day...we all know that boaters sometimes just dont look...
whats great about kayak fishing is the areas u can get into with the kayak that you cant get into with a boat...kayaks have no business being in a shipping channel or where there is a lot of boat traffic...if i am going to fish a channel, ill usually hang out on the outside or tie up to the buoy...if someone were to come straight at me, its a matter of seconds before i can grab my paddle and get out of their path...its a lot safer than you might think...
if you kayak at night, you should have more lighting on your yak than the titanic, and not fish where there is any boats..always having a buddy with you is a good idea also..
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This is a VERY IMPORTANT topic and allows me to interject.
If you kayak, safety must be your first priority because many things can go wrong when you are out there. Believe me, I've encountered a few events where my life was in jeopardy and I've quickly learned from it!
Here are my 10 necessary items you should always have when kayaking.
1) PFD vest (Personal Floating Devise)
2) Safety Whistle
3) Set of Pliers
4) Two Flash lights (1 back up)
5) An anchor with a "quick" release
6) Appropriate dry apparels
7) Bright color kayak / or a set of bright paddles for visibility
8) Lures… Single hook lures are easier to unhook fish!
9) A large sponge or manual pump (For sit in kayaks)
10) Rod guard (rope attached to kayak)
Also, keep close attention to the weather conditions (especially fronts) because any wind above 15 knots will give you a hard time.
Understanding tides is also important because it can save you time and energy when you plot your path carefully!
One the final note… NEVER ASSUME that the boaters can see you and give you way! Always be on guard and give plenty of time for your safety!
Happy paddling and may the big one tow ya around!
"Crazy" Alberto
[email protected]
If you kayak, safety must be your first priority because many things can go wrong when you are out there. Believe me, I've encountered a few events where my life was in jeopardy and I've quickly learned from it!
Here are my 10 necessary items you should always have when kayaking.
1) PFD vest (Personal Floating Devise)
2) Safety Whistle
3) Set of Pliers
4) Two Flash lights (1 back up)
5) An anchor with a "quick" release
6) Appropriate dry apparels
7) Bright color kayak / or a set of bright paddles for visibility
8) Lures… Single hook lures are easier to unhook fish!
9) A large sponge or manual pump (For sit in kayaks)
10) Rod guard (rope attached to kayak)
Also, keep close attention to the weather conditions (especially fronts) because any wind above 15 knots will give you a hard time.
Understanding tides is also important because it can save you time and energy when you plot your path carefully!
One the final note… NEVER ASSUME that the boaters can see you and give you way! Always be on guard and give plenty of time for your safety!
Happy paddling and may the big one tow ya around!
"Crazy" Alberto
[email protected]
I agree with the safety flag. I had one set up in my first kayak. If you have a fishing seat its easy to set up.
Al, a whistle is OK but I also bring along an air horn. Much louder and it might make the difference.
Most boaters are courteous but some, as with all people, are .........es.
I have had boats who clearly see me totally disregard that I don't have a motor and can't move off at 20 mph. They've come very close.
I rarely fish places where I have to deal with boats. The only time I do is in the ocean when the fish are off the beach. Its a blast being part of the fleet and they get a kick out of it and me in NJ. In Montauk I find and have heard from others that its not nearly as friendly.
Kayaks can fish places where boats can't and that's where the best fishing is. That's where I spend the majority of my time kayak fishing.
Al, a whistle is OK but I also bring along an air horn. Much louder and it might make the difference.
Most boaters are courteous but some, as with all people, are .........es.
I have had boats who clearly see me totally disregard that I don't have a motor and can't move off at 20 mph. They've come very close.
I rarely fish places where I have to deal with boats. The only time I do is in the ocean when the fish are off the beach. Its a blast being part of the fleet and they get a kick out of it and me in NJ. In Montauk I find and have heard from others that its not nearly as friendly.
Kayaks can fish places where boats can't and that's where the best fishing is. That's where I spend the majority of my time kayak fishing.
I recall some time ago a data compilation concluding that the rate of death and serious injury from very small craft was much, much higher than on all other boats. I don't recall if jetskis were included, but the study definitely pointed out that kayaks, canoes, jon boats and the like had contributed to the results.
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