) yes forget the paddle - IMMEDIATELY use your arms in a fast crawl stroke back to the kayak - you waited too long.
2) no never/ever take off your pfd it will keep you floating and it has the vhf.
3) yes if you don't catch your kayak
4) in your clothing case yes if #1 fails immediately - kick off those shoes - arch to heel and push - then grab your butt and pull those pants past your knees and kick them off - swim back with full power using arms and kicking...
5) You must use a long teather tied around your waist and the other end to Tony's swim step if you want to try it alone...
