respect the ocean 2. MY experience

[PAL]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

The dangerous irony with these situations is that instinct tells most people to stay on their yak when the smart thing may be to jump in the water. If you have taken on a noticeable amount of water in less than flat conditions. And it has made your yak unstable or very low to the water line. You should probably not open a hatch to pump the water out without getting off. Getting off does several good things for you. It makes your yak more stable by lowering its center of gravity. It raises it in the water line (hopefully above the chop). It allows you to access parts of your yak that you may not be able to reach atop it. And it allows you to position your body to block the swell/chop from washing into the hatch you are pumping out of. Complacency is probably the most dangerous thing for us kayakers. I am guilty of it big time. But having a plan for what to do when the stuff hits the fan can help greatly.

It was windy, right? Few of us can swim quickly enough to catch up to a wind-blown 'yak. Just something to consider. A paddle leash or game clip can double as a safety tether in extreme situations (yes, entanglement hazard).

[William Novotny]

Originally Posted by PAL

It was windy, right? Few of us can swim quickly enough to catch up to a wind-blown 'yak. Just something to consider. A paddle leash or game clip can double as a safety tether in extreme situations (yes, entanglement hazard).

You make a very valid point. The way the wind current was ripping around the point, the kayak was drifting at a rate faster theni can paddle. I would not have liked trying to swim after it

[GregAndrew]

Originally Posted by PAL

It was windy, right? Few of us can swim quickly enough to catch up to a wind-blown 'yak. Just something to consider. A paddle leash or game clip can double as a safety tether in extreme situations (yes, entanglement hazard).

Sliding or hoping (as the need may be) off to the down-wind side and holding on to a leashed paddle or game clip are good points. Also keeping a good grip on your yak as you maneuver around it is very important in windy conditions. Also remember to fix or slow leaks first (if you can), then work on the bailing of water.

[bluesquids]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

Also remember to fix or slow leaks first (if you can), then work on the bailing of water.

There's a Product called "Stay Afloat" made to temporary fill cracks and holes.
Also, toilet bowl seals will serve the same purpose for about $2.00
http://www.westmarine.com/polyester-...14oz--11142122