Thoughts on a recent uneventful rescue - lessons learned

Thanks for the share. hadn't thought about a spare plug...

glad things worked out

The buddy system is a great idea in theory, but for some reason I have a helluva time finding folks to get out so sometimes its not an option. So pump, breakdown paddle, radio flares and extra flotation like pool noodles seem vital.

also keep in mind that in foggy conditions it is really easy to lose your buddy, same for big swell and drift days.  A buddy is great and much safer but we need to be self sufficient.

Just bought 2 of these for myself and 1 for my kayak buddy. It's a pretty nice looking tow rope w/waterproof flashlight and whistle combo for $4: http://www.13deals.com/store/item.php?id=24566

I'm glad I haven't had the pleasure of an unpleasant experience yet as I'm not as prepared as I should be. Working on fixing that... a radio and spare paddle are my next purchases. 

Those guys were lucky to have you there!

I saw the Backwater Assault paddles at ORC this year. I'm going to get one in my stocking next month

I use one for "positioning", but I don't believe it would be good for a backup situation.  Just not enough leverage on it for sustained paddling.

-Allen

after reading your throw rope thread a while back I now carry a section of thin rope to ???
and already have a collection of rubber and cork stoppers from the hardware store and threaded tiny eye hooks into  them to expand them a tad and act as a grabbing point,as the cork tends to get stuck...
thanks for the educating post...things to consider....kayaking alone is bad???even with a radio...I am exploring lowering by rope just past my work at malpaso creek area one day  alone but prepared and with pdf knife and vhf/rope etc..

Luckily you guys were there to lend a hand & they were properly prepared for immersion/safety.

I'll go alone on the lake, but salt I will not. I started to one time I got 50 yards from shore on a foggy day . The hair on the back of my neck said go back you Idiot. So I did just That and haven't done it since. If I see others out there fishing I go and ask them if they mind if I fished close. I have the radio and pfd, shark shield extra rope. Not a paddle though.

Safety gear is great but if you don't know how to use it its useless. A bilge pump would have saved them had they used it early enough. I know hinde sight is always 20/20 but really how do you not know that your kayak is filling up with water to the point is unstable and sinking?  I'm glad it worked put for them this time and that you guys were there to save them. Safety should always be our first priority, know what your getting your self into and how to get your self out of it.

  I'm new to the site and have seen a common theme recently about close calls on the water.  The replies and advice from experienced members is intriguing and overwhelming. Is there a comprehensive checklist of must have/highly recommended safety items available on the site? A spare wine cork is something that I never would have a thought to bring along.

Suggest that this be a stand alone page in the Safety First section.

I think there is..I read a thread (on this site)filled with questions/answers/advice that new members will be forever asking/needing..stuff...many many pages -f it is a permanent thread and when read answers questions I had not even thought of..for instance .We had an extra paddle..after reading that thread i put a half in each cargo hold  of our two main kayaks...if mine floats away before I can catch it ..I now have a back up paddle inside my yak... a piece of line tied by the inside hatch so it does not slide away out of reach

...if mine floats away before I can catch it ..

Backup paddle should be in case your paddle breaks. You need a good leash for your paddle so it doesnt float away

...if mine floats away before I can catch it ..

Backup paddle should be in case your paddle breaks. You need a good leash for your paddle so it doesnt float away

Leashes can break, especially if there's any rope inline, like to the clip.  Clips can get knocked and come undone. I always have a spare paddle and I've never used it.  (Loaned it a couple times though

Bushy

...if mine floats away before I can catch it ..

Backup paddle should be in case your paddle breaks. You need a good leash for your paddle so it doesnt float away

Leashes can break, especially if there's any rope inline, like to the clip.  Clips can get knocked and come undone. I always have a spare paddle and I've never used it.  (Loaned it a couple times though

Bushy

Leashes also can entangle you.  I'm a member of the no-leash club, and I've never had a paddle float away.

That being said, I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't always carry a spare.

-Allen

I've gone back and forth between leash and no leash. I currently leash. My feeling is it's 50/50 pros and cons, so go with what you are most comfortable with.

Thats true, they certainly can can cause problems in surf or whitewater. But Ive had paddles float away multiple times from fighting fish and paddle slips off the yak, or pulling pots the other day paddle got away form me. So leash for me, whatever works for you. I stow it if landing in rough conditions. The best reason to carry a backup paddle is for when you forget your paddle DAMHIK.