Can you guys give me some safety tips before I head out by myself?  I don't have much yet as for safety.  Or a plan if something ever to happen, Only a PFD so far.  Thanks an advance

 

sweet ride!

first and foremost, don't just have a PFD but WEAR IT!  have a good waterproof light with you at all times.  i like to wear a hat that contrasts the water and or grass for a little added visibility for boats.  lastly, if on choppy water or moving water (river) i carry a small pool toy that sucks up water and spits it out for quick bailing...  thats about it.  oh and have a pretty decent quality paddle that's the appropriate length....

X2 on the PFD. Mine is also my fishing vest so it kind of forces me to wear it all the time. A good fitting comfortable PFD won't be uncomfortable. I don't even realize I'm wearing mine most of the time. Also, in addition to a whistle for safety a small air horn is a good idea. MUCH louder than a whistle. Also very important, let some what know where you are going and when you plan to be home. It's called a " float plan"

That way someone knows where you are if god for it you don't return or check in.

Todd

I recommend you get a leash for your paddle. Also, make sure everything you carry on board is tied down or has a leash. Store your phone, car keys etc. in watertight compartment or bag. 

 

When the water is warm enough, practice falling off your kayak and getting back in (in deep water). Then you'll know how if you ever need to do it for real. (It's pretty easy to do on a sit-on-top kayak.)

learn how to turn your yak back over and learn how to get back on/in it before you need to do it out on the lake. Do it in a pool where you cant touch bottom or just off a boat ramp so you can get back to shore til you figure it out.

Know how to swim

X2 on the PFD. Mine is also my fishing vest so it kind of forces me to wear it all the time. A good fitting comfortable PFD won't be uncomfortable. I don't even realize I'm wearing mine most of the time. Also, in addition to a whistle for safety a small air horn is a good idea. MUCH louder than a whistle. Also very important, let some what know where you are going and when you plan to be home. It's called a " float plan"

That way someone knows where you are if god for it you don't return or check in.

Todd

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

This.

 

A-Jay

In addition to what has already been mentioned, I always leave a float plan with my wife. It's basically a map of the lake I'm fishing that shows my launch point and all the areas I plan on fishing.

Practice deep water re entry in case you tip over. Everyone puts a lot of emphasis on wearing a pfd, which is important, but so is knowing how to recover from a tipped yak.

What everybody said plus a good knife and portable phone charger. 

 

A PFD that you will wear and a float plan is important.  I also strongly disagree with a paddle leash.  In the unforeseen circumstance that you tip the last thing you want is something else to get tangled in as you try to right yourself.  Paddles float and will generally not get to far away.  If you are unable to swim to get your paddle then chances are you have other things to worry about, like tending to injuries, than getting your paddle.  I feel the same way about leashes on anything in the kayak, especially on a river with current.  If you are concerned about losing gear, use a crate that has a lid and fasten the lid and use rod floats.

 

Gaeirth hit it right on the head too about practicing a re-entry when you can't touch....it is completely different than when you can or in waist deep water.

 

The other piece that I don't think was mentioned is dressing appropriately for the weather.  A quick dunk because you fall out of a traditional boat that is a good laugh can be a lot more deadly when it happens in a kayak.

THANKS for all the replies.  Will definitely take all these into account.  OK one more Question,  I can't seem to find a flag at any retailer store.  Do you guys normally DIY the safety flag pull?  Where do I get one?

Do you mean the flag guys have on the back of their kayaks while on the water?

 

if so, i have seen DIY versions and others with lights built in like http://www.yakattack.us/category_s/1819.htm?searching=Y&sort=2&cat=1819&show=10&page=1 sells but i haven't ever used one myself.  I very seldom frequent lakes that allow boats over a 10hp motor so i am not to concerned about having a flag.  if they can't see me in my kayak bobbing around flinging a rod around, i high doubt a flag will help anything.  now at night, a light is imperative to the safety of yourself and others and usually required by law too.

PFD, some kind of blade, cordage, cell phone, dry bag, and a float plan that you can leave with a wife, parent, friend, etc. Call in if you change your plans. Those are my basics. Cold water or air temps - when the two don't add up to 120, that adds a whole other angle.

Fantastic info from everyone. I agree with most all of it.

 

I'm actually starting to debate with myself the necessity of a paddle leash, as fly mentioned, it's another thing to get caught/tangled in. After a weird situation tonight, I almost lost my brand new Chronarch 50e and BPS Carbonlite rod if it weren't for my other rod's jitterbug hooking the braid and saving it from Davy Jones' locker.

 

Point is that it caused me to re-evaluate my current kayak layout (something I've put a LOT of time into). I hate leashes to anything. This is the first time I almost lost a rod/reel combo in my yak. This event didn't make me think I needed rod floats or rod leashes. On the contrary, I want less around me to hook onto, accidentally knock over, etc. Whether or not I can figure out the particulars is an entirely different matter.

 

Ramble over.

1) Always wear your PFD

2) Always let someone know your whereabouts

3) Get a Lifeproof case + Lifeproof Lifevest if you have an iPhone

4) Know how to get in your yak following a capsize

5) Be smart, know the weather ahead of time as best you can, and always cast an eye to the sky for cloud changes, etc.

6) Carry a knife or knives. I carry two. One sheathed on the back of my yak seat, the other Spyderco is hooked on my PFD.

I always make sure I have a fixed blade knife and whistle attached to my person...and of course my pfd.

I would also add to the list a First aid kit, I keep one secured in one of my watertight hatches.  

For cold water dress for immersion. It could be the difference between life and death.

Are you taking a day or night trip? I carry a small first aid kit that has the small travel sunscreen, bug repellent, poison ivy relief (night trips), liquid skin, and other little things. A whistle is nice if you need to get someones attention.