capsizing

Hi guys,

I've been watching the vids on capsizing with a bit of fear and sweaty hands.  I don't swim very well (more like a set of car keys) and I ALWAYS wear a PFD when I'm OTW.  I've tipped a couple of times just for the experience and was able to right myself and get back on board.  Interesting that others have done it too but with no gear.  I watched the vid where the guy lost almost all his stuff and being the cheap bastard that I am, I wonder if I'd try to get my stuff before I board.  Lashing seems to be the way to go as well as being a minimalist (cheap).  Now the big question.
I'm getting a Hobie Outback and was looking at the AMAs.  How well will they work in preventing a capsizing?  Seems like they'd keep the yak stable but if I did flip, it'd be a real b--ch to right the yak unless I was able to collapse them first.
The dealer says they're a great option but I don't want to buy them if you, the experienced ones, don't agree.
As always, thanks for the advice.

bob

Hi Bob,
The best advise I received when I first got into this madness was to be a kayaker first and a kayak fisherman second. Take a safety class if you haven't done so. Safety is always the first priority!  When you do start fishing from your kayak limit what you bring with you and tie down everything. It is best to have a leash on our paddle and pole while fishing. Practice self rescue!!! Are you planning to fish salt? If so don't go at it alone especially if you're new at this. Post on hookups and join other groups to get the experience. Those on this board are the best at helping out and sharing their experience....

Good Luck
Ben

You say that you don't swim well. For kayaking you shouldn't have to, but it sure seems sensible to improve your swimming, if only to reduce anxiety. A couple sessions with a swim coach in a pool might be a good investment. Too much trepidation takes the joy out of sports.

Cheep Bastard and buying an outback to me is an oxymoron. 

Regarding the Outback, it is a very stable platform.  Regarding the AMAS, yes they have caused some problems with righting an overturned yak.  If you get them practice self rescue with them.  What Ben said is right on.  Read up on what you need for the salt--it is a whole different ballgame than lakes and rivers.  Welcome to the madness!  PS don't get bothered by Hobie envy.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

Thanks all.  I'm probably going to get them and practice trying to right the yak with them on.  Most if not all my fishing is on fresh water.  I fish lakes from the foothills to the high country.  I've always envied the guys I'd see at Doran that brought in the rockies, lings, etc. 
You're all correct that I need to practice before I go out to fish.  Lessons may be in order too.
As always, thanks and I hope to see you on the water!!
 
bob

   I used to leash my poles, but the more I dealt with tangles in the leashes and thought about the pickle I'd be in if a leg got tangled in a leash as I flipped, and as I got a lot more experience juggling things on the yak, I decided to go leashless, though I'm a cheap bastard too, and my combos don't make it over  $150.  I still leash (short) my pliers, mostly so I can find them under my legs , and lip grippers, in case a ling goes crazy and I lose my grip on the handles.
   Of course, my paddle is leashed, and as are my game clip and drift sock when I take it. 
     But other guys are able to deal with a bunch of leashes, or switch just one from pole to pole while clipping the spares to short leashes.
   I used to be able to tell who was a decent swimmer and who was just barely able when I'd take them out on the 15' racing sailboat I had - even though I'd always ask them if they could swim before I'd invite them - the so-so swimmers were stiff and looked uncomfortable, especially when I asked them to hike (lean) out - their butts would go out, but their heads would go in just about as much.   

Instead of leashes, you can put floats on your rods.  You can make em yourself out of pool noodly stuff or buy them premade.   Way easier to just paddle around and pick up your floating junk, and gives you a place to stick the lure in between fishing destinations.  Also, the more you go the less you'll wind up taking with you unless you're a kitchen sink kinda guy. 

BTW, I hate swimming, always have, still do, always will.  But I love fishing.  You're on the right path and the right forum.  You are a kayaker first, fisherman second.  Always wear your PFD equipped with a whistle or noise maker of some sort and preferably a radio.  Take your boat out often and practice.  Fish or no fish, it's always great to be on the water, and be safe.

Dam near everything I've learned about kayak fishing has come from this forum and it's members.  Pretty much the most awesome thing going in yak fishing is this board!

Can't agree more.  I've learned a lot from culling through the topics and seeing what others do.  One of the best things is that folks really do hook up and fish together.
So looking forward to getting my Outback and getting together at Doran.  My wife and I camp there frequently.  It's a true slice of Heaven.

BTW, how do you put the icons on the post?  I've tried dragging them, copying, and clicking on them with no results.

thanks,

bob

It would be awful hard to flip an Outback with amas. You'd probably have to be standing...or trying to flip it over.
But you are right, the amas would make it difficult to "right" the kayak once flipped.

You don't need AMAS for an Outback!  You'll be fine without them. 

Thanks again for the input.  I'll probably get the "training wheels" until my confidence improves, then I'll take them off and put them up for sale.  Everything I've read so far says it'd be hard to tip with them on.

bob

You don't need AMAS for an Outback!  You'll be fine without them. 

I saw a guy flip an outback this summer at PRC and not be able to get back in. Required a power boat rescue. It was his first time on the salt too, and conditions were sporty to say the least. With amas, I'm pretty sure that doesn't happen.

I like the amas plan Bob. That said, you should still work on swimming and water survival technique. The life you save May be your own.

Thanks Crash, 

yeah, can't agree more.  One of my closets friends and his wife just got yaks and want to hit the Blue.  They live in Guerneville.  Neither have any experience on a yak other than playing on rentals on the Russian River.  I told them we all need to take lessons and practice before hitting the surf.  I've sent them videos of folks crashing and I think they got the message.
Lessons, good quality safety gear will keep the coroner from knocking on your door and asking your wife if she's your widow.

Thanks for the advice and hope to see you on the water someday!!

bob