A sticky for ocean newbie questions?

[Northern Boy]

To keep folks safe and happy?

And give not-so-newbies a reference list to point newbies to

Along the lines of;

When kayaking in the ocean for the first time it is strongly/absolutely recommended that you

1. Go with at least one other person who is experienced.
2. Have a good personal flotation device (PFD; life vest).
3. Consult and understand the weather forecast (nws.noaa.gov).
4. Have practised self-rescue in your kayak before going.
5. Have a wetsuit (we could debate this one).
6. Have a marine radio and know how to use it.

What else?

[Abking]

Good topic, Phil.

I think you need to add:

1)  Compass;
2)  GPS;
3)  Water;
4)  Spare paddle;
5)  Sunscreen;
6)  Bilge Pump.

1)  being the absolute most important item.

Of course, I think everyone should have a video camera too!   

[Yakattack]

Great idea Phil!

1. Tether everything that you do not want to lose.

[HDRich]

All of the above and:

Flare gun

Canned air horn

hull full of pool noodles

[Abking]

1. Tether everything that you do not want to lose.

All of the above and:
Flare gun

Canned air horn

hull full of pool noodles

Very good - I agree.   

[Dale L]

IMHO

Great thread idea Phil!!

If you're new to the ocean,

a wetsuit (farmer john) is not debatable,

it's a sensible safety requirement,

after a little experience you can make a more informed decision, then decide if you need to continue wearing it.

I was a diver before I was a yakker and being in a wetsuit all day doesn't bother me. makes me feel safe, (of course it does have a relief zipper)

Oh and I do have a compass firmly attached to the yak.


dale

[mickfish]

First Aid Kit
Tow Rope
Strobe

[Jedmo]

Yes to all of the above but don't forget the dramamine or the scopace.
Otherwise you'll end up like me chumming the water. Oh, one more thing,
nice pair of sunglasses and a wide brim hat.

Jedmo

[Mooch]

...always leave a float plan with a friend or family member (just in case you go missing, at least someone will know where you launched from or where your heading to)

* A whistle is also good to have - I use the Fox 40 pealess whistle (attach to your PFD)

* A compass is a very good back-up - in case your GPS batteries die on you.

* Food (snicker bar or energy bar) and water (I have a water bottle and drop a Nuun tab in it: Nuun- portable electrolyte hydration)

* Dive knife

* Polarized sunglasses

[Eric B]

Dielectric grease on all electrical connections, (don't forget the VHF battery terminals), and Corrosion-X on all other non-stainless steel metal.  Best to plan on everything being submerged.

Also a pair of pliers for removing stubborn hooks, preferrably with a cutter built in just in case you hook yourself.

[Sin Coast]

Spare paddle tucked inside the hull.

[tallpaul]

Fifty cents to call your mommy   

[FindThatFish]

To keep folks safe and happy?
.
.
.
What else?

to be safe and stay safe,,,you already know what you need. 
to be happy and stay happy,,,don't forget your fishing gears and water-proof camera!!! 

[otolith]

glad this thread got started, cant figure out anything to add 

eric b, great suggestion, would never have thought of that. going to make that happen asap before i hit the salt again.

[CaptainKayak]

I'm a newbie with only one launch under my belt (Thanks to Northernboy and others for Stillwater) but I made sure to carry at least a couple of powerbars or fruitbars in my drybag. I felt comfortable and safe while on the kayak and I think I can partly attribute that to the gear I brought with me.

I had the following:
Water
Food
bilge pump
wetsuit
vhf radio - I didn't say much but I intently listened to what was going on.
hydrosilk shirt
hydrosilk socks
neoprene shoes
sunscreen
polarized sun glasses
paddling gloves - I didn't use it but had it
hat
tow rope
PFD with mirror,whistle, and flash capable lights in pockets to grab attention if I get dumped and get separated from my kayak
Tethered as much equipment as possible

What I wished I had:
GPS - I have this now for the next launch
Compass
Swim Flippers - I don't know why I think I need this but for some reason my brain tells me to stow it inside the hull