A dire event

Not to beat a dead horse, BUT !!!

A great idea just came to mind which I think would be most helpful. ( Maybe not so great after Krusty's response ) I definitely see his point

 A tool onboard that we all carry and could put to use in case of emergency!

Like the flotation device that is secured to the end of the paddle and secured to the kayak as a type of outrigger for support . I could have probably improvised my life jacket to the end of my paddle which would have served the same purpose. Going to try on my next self rescue practice. That will be a while though. If anyone else could try sooner. Please post. Of course this is just a last resort option.

DO NOT TAKE OFF YOUR PFD!!! Once you take it off, it will be very difficult to put it back on in the water if you are unable to get back on your kayak. The buoyancy of the PFD will keep it at your face level when you are in the water, and you will have a tough time pushing it underwater while trying to zip it up. Invest in a paddle float if you want to use it that way.

Not to beat a dead horse, BUT !!!

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DO NOT TAKE OFF YOUR PFD!!! Once you take it off, it will be very difficult to put it back on in the water if you are unable to get back on your kayak. The buoyancy of the PFD will keep it at your face level when you are in the water, and you will have a tough time pushing it underwater while trying to zip it up. Invest in a paddle float if you want to use it that way.

I don't recommend taking off your pfd as well. ( This could have been a last ditch effort because my left arm was disabled.) But in this case it may have helped me. I did want to mention that if had to, try and tether it first. I am not recommending it. But I did take my pfd off and positioned it under my torso so that  it lifted the middle of my torso higher and I was able to swim a little easier. You are right in that I thought that if my pfd got away from me It might drift to fast from me or might not be able to put back on. My decision to take off my pfd and adjust it is a decision I would not recommend but helped me. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned  it.

I have purchased a paddle float. It is in the previous post.

 ( Maybe not so great after Krusty's response ) I definitely see his point .

I definitely do not want to send the wrong message to the new guys or even the seasoned guys. I am stating this would have possibly aided me in my situation only !!

I hope I make the south bay party Antonio !!