Open water paddling safety

[SteveL]

FYI, see link below for a motorboat rescue of a kayak paddler over the weekend. In my humble opinion, in cold water and when in deep water far from shore pfds (float vests) should always be worn when kayak paddling. I am a whitewater paddler and its deeply ingrained to always wear a pfd and a helmet so for me wearing a pfd while kayak fishing is second nature. Not wearing a pfd in open water in the cold is reckless. The paddler that was rescued is very lucky he was near motorboats and that they responded promptly. Cold water will kill you very quickly. Also everyone should make sure they can self rescue in whatever gear/clothing they wear in cold conditions, or be aware that they are unable to self rescue.

There is no substitute for high quality cold weather gear for paddlers--wetsuits and drysuits or a combination of the two are the only way to go. Be safe out there!!!


http://www.tidalfish.com/forums/chesapeake-angler-original-board-maryland-angler/256011-northeast-perch-rescue.html