It was good but..it wasn't worth it!

[PAL]

Those inflatable PFDs are a hoot, aren't they? Pow! Wow, epic share. Getting back on the PA was no easy deal if you had to strip. Like Zed says, good thing it wasn't cold out.

What's your PA ladder look like?

[Rambo]

Quite an experience and that's just nuts going out in that kind of condition. Experience pays off but then glad you both made it back safely to share the epic adventure with us.

[ful-rac]

Originally Posted by PAL

Those inflatable PFDs are a hoot, aren't they? Pow! Wow, epic share. Getting back on the PA was no easy deal if you had to strip. Like Zed says, good thing it wasn't cold out.

What's your PA ladder look like?

Here is the PA ladder if your interested.

Originally Posted by FlyFishinYakr

btw: don't you carry a bilge pump? (curious)
Sincerely

Yes I do carry a bilge pump, I had it out on deck with me that night. It was a westmarine bilge pump, it doesn't float. Like I said in a previous post it was one of the first things that sank to the bottom.

[Sdspeed]

Originally Posted by ful-rac

Here is the PA ladder if your interested.








Yes I do carry a bilge pump, I had it out on deck with me that night. It was a westmarine bilge pump, it doesn't float. Like I said in a previous post it was one of the first things that sank to the bottom.

Thanks for sharing and we're glad to hear your here to tell us and remind us of safety issues. Someone mentioned the ladder cracking the PA, did it? And will you go back to using the same style of PDF? Would a different style still been in the way and have to be jettisoned?

[ful-rac]

Originally Posted by Sdspeed

Thanks for sharing and we're glad to hear your here to tell us and remind us of safety issues. Someone mentioned the ladder cracking the PA, did it? And will you go back to using the same style of PDF? Would a different style still been in the way and have to be jettisoned?

No the PA did not crack from the ladder. That was frank... if you haven't picked up on it yet...Frank just happens to be an idiot.

The self inflating PFD is good probably not the best one to use on a kayak...although I did appreciate the fact that it inflated for me at the right time...it's probably more better suited to be used in a boat. Now a manually inflated one would probably be better for everyday use...

Would a different style been in the way? I guess it would depend upon the person...for example a small skinny guy probably wouldn't have a problem...but a big fat guy like me just might have one.

[bmercury]

Lobster season is just a who's who of unsafe practices. Someone always dies during the first week, this year was no exception. I will rarely do any kind of night fishing during lobster season any more just because the disregard for safety is so blatant.

Usually its the divers that die first and most often, this year no exception.

http://fox5sandiego.com/2014/10/02/5...-season-began/

But I have also seen plenty of unsafe boating and kayaking, usually with alcohol involved and always with excess velocity on part of the boaters.

Just remember that getting home to your loved ones is more important than lobster.

Originally Posted by ful-rac

Now a manually inflated one would probably be better for everyday use...

Manually inflating PFD? Not a good idea. By the time you need the PFD you are likely to be unconscious/otherwise incapacitated/unable to take the proper action in an emergency. That manually inflating PFD is not going to do jack shit if you get run over by a boat, or are having a medical emergency.

Just get a PFD that does not ever need to be inflated.

[GregAndrew]

It is extremely easy to invent reasons to protect yourself from any kind of danger imaginable. But really, how many people does anyone here know that actually got hit by a boat, let alone knocked unconscious? Or even lost consciousness from falling off their kayak? Same goes for the odds that you are going to spontaneously develop a medical condition that incapacitates you. Not that those with known medical conditions wouldn't be at higher risk. You are far more likely to get run over as you jog, bicycle, skateboard etc. down the street IMHO.

Being able and prepared to save yourself far outweighs the tiny odds that a self inflating PFD is going to save your unconscious body. Especially when you have to remove it to remount your kayak. In that vein, would another length of rope and step have helped you to climb up onto your kayak Tony?

[DanaPT]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

It is extremely easy to invent reasons to protect yourself from any kind of danger imaginable. But really, how many people does anyone here know that actually got hit by a boat, let alone knocked unconscious? Or even lost consciousness from falling off their kayak? Same goes for the odds that you are going to spontaneously develop a medical condition that incapacitates you. Not that those with known medical conditions wouldn't be at higher risk. You are far more likely to get run over as you jog, bicycle, skateboard etc. down the street IMHO.

Being able and prepared to save yourself far outweighs the tiny odds that a self inflating PFD is going to save your unconscious body. Especially when you have to remove it to remount your kayak. In that vein, would another length of rope and step have helped you to climb up onto your kayak Tony?

I'd be honored "to go" while kayaking vs. a stupid car wreck caused by some drunk ass texter who ran a red light.

[roadx]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

It is extremely easy to invent reasons to protect yourself from any kind of danger imaginable. But really, how many people does anyone here know that actually got hit by a boat, let alone knocked unconscious? Or even lost consciousness from falling off their kayak? Same goes for the odds that you are going to spontaneously develop a medical condition that incapacitates you. Not that those with known medical conditions wouldn't be at higher risk. You are far more likely to get run over as you jog, bicycle, skateboard etc. down the street IMHO.

Being able and prepared to save yourself far outweighs the tiny odds that a self inflating PFD is going to save your unconscious body. Especially when you have to remove it to remount your kayak. In that vein, would another length of rope and step have helped you to climb up onto your kayak Tony?

Greg, i think you need to invite me to every outing you go on(killing white bass, halibut and yellowtail) to ensure you have a buddy incase you go unconscious.

seriously Please invite me!

[ful-rac]

Originally Posted by bmercury

Manually inflating PFD? Not a good idea. By the time you need the PFD you are likely to be unconscious/otherwise incapacitated/unable to take the proper action in an emergency. That manually inflating PFD is not going to do jack shit if you get run over by a boat, or are having a medical emergency.

Just get a PFD that does not ever need to be inflated.

Your right, a standard pfd is the safest for sure. But for some of us it's not the most comfortable or practical. I am in no way telling people which pfd to use over another, that's a personal choice or preference. We all make different choices in our lives. If I choose to wear a automatic or manually inflated pfd or no pfd at all then that's my choice. Kayak fishing is a risk, and it is understood that it is a risk.

[Sdspeed]

Tony, after this experience are you gonna change anything? Longer ladder with more rungs? Hand holds or a grab bar at the rear. I heard you were fighting leg cramps so thats what made me wonder more about the ladder.Is there any alteration to the PA or any kayak that comes to mind that could be helpful? Thanks.

[Southman]

There's something about a rough ocean with rolling swells and whitecaps. Add to the mix the darkness and most of us are definitely way out of our comfort zone.

Glad you made it in uninjured and thanks for posting. It helps to visualize what you went through and for us to think what we would have done in that situation.

Stay safe.

[roadx]

good read. glad you had a buddy with you and are back safe with bugs.

i flipped my pa 12 in the bay and it was no fun. if i didnt have help i would have not been able to flip it back upright.
lesson learned.
i too made a PA ladder in the back (i only used rope without the pvc/aluminum rung) and i use my game clip on a rope that is attached to one of the sides rail that will stretch across the mid section so i can use to flip it upright.
theres no way *my arm can reach the opposite side rail to flip it.
get a hand pump people (no matter what yak you have)! the pa will fill up with water with the hatches closed. the front hatch does not seal well enough while upside down to keep out water.

be safe