GS4 Lesson Learned

Heard the mishap on the radio, and heard the recovery  Good job boyz! Anyways, on the subject of safety I have a WATERPROOF VHF radio well attached to my vest. I figure if all hell breaks loose and I'm seperated from the yak I can at least put out the call. Spend the extra for waterproof, it might save your life someday. On the front I also have a flat tipped diver's knife, a booming whistle, a plastic reflective signal mirror, and I keep my waterproof camera in the pocket. (wouldn't want to miss any kodak moments) In the hull I keep a couple large noodles for flotation, an easy to release paddle leash that ALWAYS  is un clipped when I beach launch and land. I've heard it can act as a sea anchor in windy conditions on a rollover. These boats can blow away faster than you can swim. (imagine flipping only to come up to a boat drifting faster than you can swim...)  I do have a couple rod leashes that are deployed from behind the seat and are made with bungie cord and quick release clips, just long enough to clear the rod tubes. What I am going to get next is a pump and have it fastened to the hatch cover. I wear polypro under gortex waders with a belt and gortex top. I've been in the drink with it on and I take on some water, but it's manageble, and polypro maintains warmth after getting wet. My deck is very clear from seat to feet. My crate can be togglebolted to the well and I keep a bungie cord available to lock down my plano box for the beach encounters. There's always potential for loss and disaster out there, but I've tried to be prepared for most mishaps. Oh, and I use a flag on PVC over my sabiki rod for extra vis to oncoming PBers when I'm on the big blue. Appearently it works. I've heard many times on the radio "I'm over by Jonesz"  Safety is no accident. Be prepared for the worst, and hopefully you'll never need it...

I have ate it in them too. But was usually prepared in that everything was stowed.  Face it, after being on the water for a while, you become complacent, and stiff legs and sore arms don't work the way they should.  Case in point, all the nice yard sales on the incoming kayaks in the cove. 2' wave dumped many a fisherman on Saturday.

Great stuff Rich...the only thing i tie down like the rest, my paddle, with the "casino card card"...

I got my first tumble sat...don't let me @ bean hollow...And yeah where were the camera's...   Epic day...Glad we could talk @ the cook out...are u going to wear a wetsuit???  I know Montana gets cold in the winter......but NorCal water is freaking COLD....lived half my life in Wy...but I'm from cali I like to be warm!!!

Oh yeah? How many dumps were there, and was it due to inexperience, or crappy conditions? Where are the pics?
No matter how nice it is, I always pucker a bit when coming in from the big pond.

I almost went over on landing.  Combination of being tired and inexperienced, although I saved it with a move I have practiced in the Arcata pool a number of times in a SIK.  I think I garnered about 59678 style points on the recovery.  Thanks to those who helped me.