Kayaker missing off Hawaii

[JohnMckroidJr]

https://bigislandnow.com/2025/04/28/search-continues-for-missing-kayaker-off-the-kona-coast/

The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a kayaker reported missing over the weekend off the west side of Hawaii island.

The Coast Guard in Honolulu received a call at about 10 a.m. Sunday from the Hawaii County Fire Department for an unmanned kayak about 400 yards offshore from Keauhou.

The fire department identified the missing man as Jared Willeford, 42, who was last seen launching a yellow kayak into the ocean at about 8 a.m. Sunday.

Willeford?s family confirmed that his truck and trailer were still at the Keauhou boat ramp in Kailua-Kona. He was last seen wearing orange bib pants, the Coast Guard said.

USCG officials said they issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Barbers Point, along with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to search for Willeford.

Anyone with information should contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM channel 16 or the Sector Honolulu command center at 808-842-2600.

[Pinhead]

I just looked him up and found his Instagram. He's got some pretty amazing big fish pics, likely very experienced kayaker. However, I didn't see one picture of him wearing a life jacket or one in his kayak. I hope he is found alive.

Thanks for posting this.

[MITCHELL]

Waders with no PFD that's a recipe for disaster.
Sending prayers 🙏 your way.
People don't realize how easy it it to get knocked unconscious and fall in the water. Especially taking on big game

[MITCHELL]

Paddling back to the beach one time in la Jolla and going all the way back to my truck to get my PFD because i felt so unsafe. Never be a risk taker...without a PFD. Your out in ocean current...you fall in the water the wind is blowing your kayak like a balloon across the water and ocean current is pulling you the opposite way
And BTW switch backs on big fish are uncontrollable that can throw you off balance.
Your pretty much.just along for the ride. And I caught everything fishing LJ. Day and night 🌙 don't be stupid be safe

[MITCHELL]

You need a tight belt around your waist to cut down on waders filling up with water. Obviously if your in the water and you want to take them off you have to slide the straps under your PHD if they are keeping you from getting back in your kayak.

[Pinhead]

Your last description of getting your waders off....yikes. You would have to be Quick and calm, while you are in the cold choppy water, watching your kayak possibly float off.

All this makes me think of the shelf life of a pfd. Maybe it is time to get a new one after more than 7 years. It looks ok, but....better safe than sorry.

[MITCHELL]

Your last description of getting your waders off....yikes. You would have to be Quick and calm, while you are in the cold choppy water, watching your kayak possibly float off.

All this makes me think of the shelf life of a pfd. Maybe it is time to get a new one after more than 7 years. It looks ok, but....better safe than sorry.

Like you said better safe than sorry sunlight weather's
everything weak.dont want to be in the water and your PFD seams split apart and your foam pops out in a 3 piece jacket. Foam is trying to catch up to your kayak in
the wind. Can you post which one you got so I can get one too:paddleersmilie:

[Pinhead]

Yah, I already started searching for a new PFD. I see there are kayaking PFD's and kayak-fishing PFD's, which seem to have more pockets, plyer holders etc.... That is what I am looking for.

So far, I am looking at the Bluestorm Kinetic Kayak Fishing Vest.

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/bluestorm-kinetic-fishing-life-vest-24tqkublstrmkntcxpas/24tqkublstrmkntcxpas?sku=26796501&srsltid=AfmBOooxAAGQrUkYYp3tUktvSNmQ_rgfpagunoZgZ1 jZjjSp3GUqP-p5P4s

[MITCHELL]

Custom signature BWE fleet style PFD Custom made all the same color limited addition for members to celebrate the living and the gone ✨️

[MITCHELL]

Yah, I already started searching for a new PFD. I see there are kayaking PFD's and kayak-fishing PFD's, which seem to have more pockets, plyer holders etc.... That is what I am looking for.

So far, I am looking at the Bluestorm Kinetic Kayak Fishing Vest.

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/bluestorm-
kinetic-fishing-life-vest-24tqkublstrmkntcxpas/24tqkublstrmkntcxpas?sku=26796501&srsltid=AfmBOooxAAGQrUkYYp3tUktvSNmQ_rgfpagunoZgZ1 jZjjSp3GUqP-p5P4s

To get in and out then A zippers and ho salt build up

[MITCHELL]

As long as they are wetsuit quality.