|
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
TEN ESSENTIALS:
- Compass
- Proper Clothing
- Extra Food
- Waterproof Flashlight
- Fire Starter
- First Aid Kit (incl. moleskin & tape)
- Sunglasses
- Pocket Knife
- Maps
- Waterproof Matches & Container
BOATING GEAR:
- Secure Buoyancy, Bulkheads or Bags Fore & Aft
- Sound Hull, Deck and Spraycover
- Lifejacket and Whistle
- Flares (On Your Person)
- Bilge Pump
- Self-Rescue Paddle Float
- Tow Line
- Good Paddle and a Spare Paddle On Deck
- Wet or Drysuit
- Rain Gear, Hat and Spare Clothing In A Dry Bag
- Chart and Current and/or Tide Info
- Sunblock and Lip Block
Without wishing to alarm anyone, we want to make it clear that sea kayaking is an activity that always demands sound judgement and caution, no matter how experienced you or your companions are.
THE GREATEST SINGLE DANGER TO SEA KAYAKING IS HYPOTHERMIA! COLD WATER KILLS! WEAR YOUR WETSUIT. LEARN ABOUT HYPOTHERMIA!
File a float plan with a friend, so that someone will know where to look for you if you are overdue. Start gradually in moderate weather, close to shore,with an experienced companion.
|
HAZARDS
WIND
Avoid padding in whitecaps until you thoroughly appreciate their effect. Wind can:
- upset a kayak
- make turning difficult
- create unmanageable waves
- prevent you from holding course
- slow you down
FOG
- can result in sudden and total disorientation.
CURRENT
You will encounter two types of currents on the sea:
- tidal currents in tight waterways
- ocean currents between offshore islands
Strong currents can aggravate conditions caused by adverse weather, particularly when current and wind are opposing. They can also cause difficult eddy and wave conditions even on utterly still days.
PRECAUTIONS:
- Read your chart to identify danger points.
- Calculate Slack Time and cross when curents are slowest.
- Paddle in currents under controlled conditions to learn how you and your boat handle them.
PEOPLE HAZARDS
Power boats, tugboats, ships....... Never try to pass in front of one, or between a tug and what it is towing. Make yourself visible, but never assume right-of-way, or that they can see you!
LAKE PADDLING Except for tides, large lakes pose most of the difficulties and dangers of the sea. Wavelengths are shorter, and the water is cold Fall through Spring
|
