Kayak Crabber Rescued in Bodega Bay

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/9592386-181/kayaker-near-hypothermic-shock-when?sba=AAS

An hour in the water... can't imagine how that would feel.

It says he had a drysuit and PFD, but the drysuit filled with water. Apparently, no radio, though...

It says he had a drysuit and PFD, but the drysuit filled with water. Apparently, no radio, though...

Good observation.  They probably don't mention it because they don't figure basic little kayak fishers don't know to carry radios...

It's time to consider making a stand here, IMO.  As a club of responsible practitioners of this sport, it's up to us to inform the public that we have standards for safety - we have a culture of safety.  Otherwise we are in danger of being lumped in with those who are unprepared and uninformed.

Shit's going to change for our sport in the near future - that's my prediction based on the number of easily preventable mishaps occurring.

Here's some immediate and easily implementable advice for all of us:  let's talk up safety even more than we have.  Let's analyze these examples of people making bad decisions regarding gear and their activities, and let's make it clear when others engaged in the sport go against accepted safety protocols.

I don't carry a radio.  I carry multiple radios.

I don't wear just a drysuit - I wear a wetsuit under it.

I don't count on one GPS or one compass.

I don't get surprised by my inability to paddle against a current or wind - I carefully work my way toward increasingly farther distances from shore and factor in worst case scenarios.

I know I'm not alone here.  This club has been a shining example of being smart about the sport.  We need to take our reputation and turn it into a standard.

An hour in the water... can't imagine how that would feel.

Especially while drifting towards one of the largest concentrations of GWS on the planet.

I agree with you Eric. They will regulate at some point.  I wonder how he got separated from his kayak? It is a lot harder to spot a person submerged in the drink. He got lucky and will probably still end up with a hefty bill.

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Personally I'm leaning towards leashing myself to my kayak just like a SUP user should too. Getting separated in rough conditions isn't a rare occurrences lately. A PFD is already required by law correct?

Leashing yourself might be a good idea, especially if you are alone. I've seen videos of   NWKA member who uses a retractable dog leash clipped to the back of his PFD.

I agree with you Eric. They will regulate at some point.  I wonder how he got separated from his kayak? It is a lot harder to spot a person submerged in the drink. He got lucky and will probably still end up with a hefty bill.

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that is the beautiful thing about our coasties... No bill... Folks are there to help you if you get in trouble. Call before your situation reaches critical. They will come save you, every time period! Gear up before going out...

Tax dollars going to a great cause!  I don't think the ambulance company will be so gracious for the long ride to the hospital.

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Oh ya, that's gonnA hurt $$$

Personally I'm leaning towards leashing myself to my kayak just like a SUP user should too. Getting separated in rough conditions isn't a rare occurrences lately. A PFD is already required by law correct?

Better hope you don't get tangled with that leash  and if your flipped yak is going into a reef maybe you don't want to be attached.

Or dragging you backwards through a kelp bed.......

I agree with Cabeza de Martillo.  We already tether our gear to try and limit what goes in the brink.  I don't think personally that I want to be tethered and have to face getting tangled underwater and needing a breath any more than what I've already have resigned to deal with.  I can say this isn't an issue that I've had to face and keeping safety in mind, hope to never face it.
 

When I was in the military, we always went over what we were planning on doing/going for the day and went did a safety briefing at the beginning of every shift. It would be a good thing for our club members to do a quick rundown and go over safety before you leave the beach. Especially for NCKA events since there are a lot of us on the water. Just make one person in charge of safety to go over the stuff just to make sure everyone in the group are all on the same page and make sure everyone has the right gear and didnt forget something in the car or at home. People tend to bring extras and might let someone borrow what their lacking. It's easy to get complacent since we fish out of our kayaks all the time without any problems but problems happen way to fast and you never know when it will happen to you. As this sport is growing we will see some kind of regulations... more than having a whistle and a PFD with you (were not required to have it on, just one with you). VHF radio should be a required item to have with you, especially when you are going out on the salt!

 I'm pretty sure this guy didnt have a dry suit and it was a semi dry suit. Hopefully he doesent stop using his kayak and learns from his mistakes.

I’m not worried about getting tangled up bc I always have a knife on me to cut free. I’ve been thinking of leashing myself long as I can remember when I first started touring. Everything has costs and benefits to it IMHO.  Personally I feel a floating kayak is my lifeline vs getting separated. I’ll have about twenty’ of line connect to my pfd and line loosely tucked into an open pocket to a carabiner attaching to my kayak. Whether it be a rogue wave or shark knocking me out, I’ll be  teathered.