VHF radio?? distress equip.

[semiwrecker]

new to the kayaking scene. just got a hobie and i wanna take it out to la jolla next thursday. ive made a couple test runs to el cap bass fishin and to san diego bay last week. this would be my first time out in the big pond. i got all the gear i think i need. just wondering about distress equipment??? is a vhf a must? flare gun? air horn? you tell me? :bigear:

[prowlerdude]

VHF and PFD a must. A good whistle wouldnt hurt

[semiwrecker]

VHF and PFD a must. A good whistle wouldnt hurt
got the pfd and whistle.. so check and check.. thanks for the reply. how much am i lookin at spending on the vhf?

[stairman]

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=74453&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10103&subdeptNum=10251&classNum=10253


this one will do the trick

[prowlerdude]

Ive been using this for two years now after my non floating radio went for a dive. Icom makes a similar one also :)

http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/servlet/the-860/Standard-Horizon-HX750S-Floating/Detail

[Billy V]

Make sure you have the Coast Guard and SD Life Guard Dispatch phone numbers programed into your cell phone.

Floating hand held vhf, a loud whistle, and good life vest are also a must.

Shit happens fast, so be prepared.

[bigbarrels]

Here this might also help with your question:) Not only should you have the safety equipment but make sure it is readily available to use

Like Billy V said, shit happens fast!



http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=7167

[Kesepton]

Man, I just read through that thread, thats crazy. I really need to get a bilge pump and vhf radio now. What I dont understand is why no one carries a mirror. I do a lot of backpacking, and you always have a mirror attached to your compass (which you always have as well....) Technology fails, sometimes simple is better.

[cowboybill]

My OP, bring everything you can, but as light as possible...

I am going to add a flair gun and Fog Horn, as once last fall, I was out with 2 buddies near point loma kelp, and the fog just dropped, or formed on us; I mean visibility went from well over 1000 yards to less than 100 yards in minutes...
Then next thing we know, we hear a boat heading our way....closer, closer....Then we see him coming right at ME! We all start waving paddles, and I am blowing hard on a survival whistle, and getting ready to DIVE!
At about 50 yards the guy swerves....and all was OK...but it rattled me for a bit...
It was a lobster boat, going too fast for conditions, trusting radar, but we sure werent showing up on his screen!!

Point is like everyone says; things can change in an instant!
If you think you could need it, bring it! But keep it simple...

After that day, I have also made a point of entering critical points on my GPS, and keep a simple compass handy so if I am out, and fog or darkness or ??? happens, I have some reference points to help me get back...

[Joe11]

In addition to the safety equipment, make sure you can get back on your kayak in case you end up in the water before you get out there.

[Billy V]

Man, I just read through that thread, thats crazy. I really need to get a bilge pump and vhf radio now. What I dont understand is why no one carries a mirror. I do a lot of backpacking, and you always have a mirror attached to your compass (which you always have as well....) Technology fails, sometimes simple is better.

I carry a LED LENSER flashlight called The Frogman

Its small and very bright, even in daylight and waterproof to 197 ft.
It makes a good signal light.

Be aware that people counterfeit these lights and sell them online. Buy from a good dealer if you choose.

http://www.zweibrueder.com/ENG/startseite_1024.php

My Model Here --> http://www.zweibrueder.com/ENG/produkte/html_highperformance/html_Dserie/d14.php?id=d14
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Still in all.......
The best safety plan is to fish with a friend.

[semiwrecker]

sinking is bad enough but sinking in the fog then having a boat coming straight at you would be brutality... terrible situation. thank guys for all the responses really helpful :you_rock:. a friend would help too big time... i dont have friends that kayak fish so a radio is gotta be the ticket. thanks again :notworthy: