VHF radio?? distress equip.
 

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:

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?

radio
 

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...classNum=10253


this one will do the trick

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/...loating/Detail

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.

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/s...ead.php?t=7167

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.

safety first
 

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...

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.

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/produ...d14.php?id=d14
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Still in all.......
The best safety plan is to fish with a friend.

fog
 

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: