Personal Info on Kayak

Pretty soon we will have to have CF numbers...Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Kayaker
Posted: Mar 03, 2010 4:43 AM PST
Updated: Mar 03, 2010 5:16 AM PST
 CAPITOLA, Calif. - The Coast Guard is urging those who take to the waters to mark their boats and kayaks. This follows a massive search that they say could have easily been prevented.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a distress call after a kayak washed ashore in Capitola. They then launched a search for the kayaker, only to realize hours later, the owner had been found on Sunday. His kayak was just never recovered.

This comes off the heels of a new program the Coast Guard just launched called "Operation Paddle Smart."

They encourage boat owners to apply this water-proof sticker with their name and contact info, so any missing items can be returned and they can prevent any more events like this from happening.

Here's the link to find out more about Paddle Smart: http://www.uscgsanfrancisco.com/go/doc/823/482767/

Good Thinking on the sticker,
Just hope we don't have to start registering yaks

I have my DL # engraved on the back of my kayaks.

Some type of identifying marks/info are a good idea, IMHO.
If you look at my boat, or say, Fishmaster1's or Fishunter's boats with the custom artwork on them, there's no mistaking them. Maybe it wouldn't be quite as "by-the-book" as some sticker, but those yaks would be easily identified by anyone who was looking for them.
I don't wnt to have to register my kayak, unless all surfers & bodyboarders have to register their craft too.
& don't forget about the body surfers, they would have to register their chests & fins.

No NCKA'er would abandon their yak.

No NCKA'er would abandon their yak.

truedat!     and as soon as more yakers do get into trouble, rest assured, we'll be registering our crafts.
......so dont get into trouble!

Definitely a "win-win" situation.  I would put the sticker somewhere in the hull that easy to spot but not in plain view where anyone can see my personal's info.

ive got name, address and cell # in my float tubes, pontoon boats and my kayak, my whitewater buddies in colorado always told me it was a good thing to have in case you get seperated from your boats and search and rescue can start there and save me a big bill later, cameron

I think a phone number on the kayak would be sufficient enough...don't think I'd want too much info on there.

I think a phone number on the kayak would be sufficient enough...don't think I'd want too much info on there.

Don't you want to include your address so they can send the kayak & bill to your home?   

I'm going to check in on this.  As a retired coasty I have access to Coast Guard Island, so if they have some stickers I'll try to pick some up for our review.

Paddle Smart Identification Stickers FB page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paddle-Smart-Identification-Stickers/316164896505

If you want more information on how to participate or how to obtain materials please contact Pacific Area Public Affairs at 510-437-3375 or via email at [email protected]

I don't need a $28 California official sticker. I have a drawer full of Sharpie's. My name, address, phone# is already inside my kayaks.

yeah!!!! they can log onto NCKA.ORG and find me there!