Mayday Recovery

This is a really important topic. I used to race kayaks in flatwater, competed in nationals several times and have a few medals. I believe my sister is a 2 time K2 national champ. I've got thousands of hours on the water in a kayak (over 100 this season alone). The boats we raced are nothing like the boats we fish from. It wasn't a mater of if, only when you went in. They were just super tippy. I've attended hundreds of safety meetings and when given the chance I will gladly attend more. Accidents happen, being prepared for them can be the difference between life and death.

Wearing a life jacket on board a kayak is a no brainer. I'll admit that even I have a tendency to  unzip mine occasionally, but that's only to take off a hoodie or take a leak (pull my wetsuit top down). When that's done the life jacket is back on and zipped up. If it's an issue of comfort you're not wearing the proper vest, there are soooo many vests out there that it shouldn't really be an issue.

Everyone should be able to self rescue, but it's a whole lot different in a pool. The ocean isn't static and with experience the swell can hurt or help you when it comes to water mounting. It's a good idea to take a trip and just practice water mounting. I would also recommend doing it on your fully loaded kayak, your rigging might get in the way of you being able to mount and that's worth considering. I have an anchor trolley on a bungie line that allows me to put a foot on the line to aid in watermounting, it works pretty well. When I first got my boat I was mounting it from the rear (SCK Raptor) but I found out when it's rigged that's hard to do because my gear is in the way.

Just remember that when people tell you to always wear a life jacket it's because they give a damn. They want you to be safe!

Do any of you guys carry throw ropes?

Always.

One thing I learned at the rescue classes is, as important as having the throw rope bag, is to practice throwing it. 

Do any of you guys carry throw ropes?

I always have my Scotty throw bag, clipped and ready to be tossed!

Do any of you guys carry throw ropes?

Always.

One thing I learned at the rescue classes is, as important as having the throw rope bag, is to practice throwing it. 

Oh, that!
A while back I began to keep the rope on the front hatch instead of inside.

  "Throw ROPE" ,,,oh,,,   I thought he was yelling " THROW UP"

        With more people jumping into kayaks to fish there's likely to be a lot more incidents like this... unfortunately.

    Two very young Navy sailors drowned last weekend up at Whidbey Island WA  last weekend.   

  "Throw ROPE" ,,,oh,,,   I thought he was yelling " THROW UP"

        With more people jumping into kayaks to fish there's likely to be a lot more incidents like this... unfortunately.

    Two very young Navy sailors drowned last weekend up at Whidbey Island WA  last weekend.   

Were they kayaking?

in case my battery dies on my vhf i have a storm whistle attached to my life jacket

in case my battery dies on my vhf i have a storm whistle attached to my life jacket

+1.  But not just as a backup.  If I end up in the drink, i'm using it first to signal to my closest buddy i'm fishing with. 

I always carry a rape whistle.

I fish with Mr Matt

Dangling,
Saw your post about your Fire Fighter Friend and Camp Far West. I am a member of PCSO Search and Rescue and was on that search and recovery from the start. Sorry for your loss. The Firefighter community is a very strong family, and that was evident that week.
Too often we have a recovery when a rescue is a simple detail away. Please everyone, wear your life jacket at all times. You are wearing it not only for you, but maybe more importantly, you are wearing it for your family and friends.
There is no bigger feeling of joy in Search and Rescue missions than to return a person to their loved one's alive. And there is nothing harder than recovering a body and informing the family.
Be safe. Be smart. And think of your loved ones when making what you think are personal choices. Those choices really aren't personal, they are connected to others.

I fish with Mr Matt

Which is why I carry a rape whistle.

How long is your throw rope?

How long is your throw rope?

Montana will have a field day with this.

Yes perhaps I didn't think that one out all the way.....