What specific pieces of equipment are racers using? Won't a bulky PDF strapped behind cause drag in aggressive conditions? I've never used an ankle leash but it seems that it could be a handful during remount.
thanks
Submitted by bluesea on Sun, 11/26/2006 - 8:38am
Leash - I think a leash is a must in big water, especially when its windy. I've had my boat blow away from me after a huli in high winds and had I not been paddling with friends, it would have been a long swim home (if I made it). Not to mention, kiss your kanu goodbye. It can happen faster than you think.
PFD - You can buy some pretty small PFDs and the added bulk isn't problem enough to warrant not having it with you. Put it in the bungies and duct tape it down flat. This issue is always like the one where paddlers fret over adding ounces to their kanus or paddles, but have ten extra pounds hanging over their board shorts. If the PFD is your biggest problem, then you're a better paddler than most of us. We practice without them in Cali, but they're required for races.
Extra Paddle - Like the PFD, it doesn't add too much weight or drag, but sitting there with a broken shaft watching everyone pass you sucks ass. Seen that happen.
The list could get longer if you're talking about long paddles with just a few friends (GPS, Cell phone, etc.) but its rare that you're out of sight from a safety boat or far from shore during a race.
#1 Sun, 11/26/2006 - 10:16am
e02060,
I thought it was interesting that you practice without a PFD but they are required for races. Seems like it would almost be more important for practice because you don't usually have a safety boat handy. I think the USCG requires you to have them accessible any time you paddle. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on the USCG rules.
I direct a race and I required PFDs on all boats and depending on the conditions participants may be required to wear them. This year racers will be required to wear a leash if they choose not to wear their PFD. All racers are supposed to be carrying a whistle also.
#2 Sun, 11/26/2006 - 12:01pm
yeah i have never practiced with a pfd in one mans but i do always paddle with at least one buddy whenever i leave the harbor...pfds are required during races and i have never really worried about the extra ounces...also never paddled with an extra paddle...as long as u paddle with a buddy you should be okay for the most part...usually...
#3 Sun, 11/26/2006 - 12:42pm
I've carried one when I've gone alone and occasionally we take them if we're going to do a long run that takes us miles offshore. But generally our practices are somewhat parallel to shore and theres always at least two (if not ten) of us. I figure I've got two floatation devices with me (ama and kanu) and the leash will keep me tethered to the boat in the event I have a heart attack and fall in. In that case, the kanu will act as a "bobber" and the Coast Guard can watch sharks take hits at me.
I don't think PFDs are required for boats of our size (otherwise paddleboarders would need them too??). If they are required, the Coast Guard that we wave to every week don't seem to care. I certainly can't imagine WEARING one to paddle in.
#4 Sun, 11/26/2006 - 1:18pm
I don't want to discourage anybody from attaching a PFD to their canoe-- but i've never heard of one actually being useful. I used to paddle in a resevoir and i would always get scolded from the lifeguards for not having one-- so out of principle i wouldn't bring a lifejacket with me... and i grew to hate the idea of having a lifejacket on my canoe. I cannot imagine somebody flipping over and having the time to grab their lifejacket before their canoe blows away. But a leash on the otherhand.... i used to wear a leash religiously. The worst thing that can happen to you in the water is to have your canoe blow away, and if you have a PFD and no leash... then there is no sense to the PFD, and if you have a PFD and a leash, so your canoe cannot blow away, then there is still no sense to the PFD.
Sorry if i've offended any diehard PFD fans.
Bring a leash and a whistle--- they're infinitely more useful than a lifejacket.
#5 Sun, 11/26/2006 - 2:46pm
The Coast Guard will give us a ticket here in VA if we don't have a PFD on our OC1 or OC2. We are required to have six in the OC6. I had heard that they don't really enforce that in Hawaii. Guess we are just lucky here. ;-)
It's probably true in practical application PFDs don't do you much good as a leash in warm water paddling. I will say that if you paddle in cold water like we do here you learn not to go out without one on. I've flipped in 38 degree water and I was very glad I had the extra floatation as I was gasping for air.
Check out Skipper Rich's article on boating safety in the OCPaddler's article section.
#6 Sun, 11/26/2006 - 3:10pm
I'm going to agree with frosso in saying cold water is entirely different. My experience in it is limited to one race that wasn't even very cold, I'm guessing upper 50's, rainy and probably similar temperature water. We were required to wear pfd's and at first I was a bit surprised that anyone bothered, even if it is the law. I wore surf shorts, a long sleeve jersey and the required pfd. A few minutes into the race my hands and arms starting going numb. I stopped dipping my hands on every stroke and that helped, but the pfd kept me warmer than anything else. By the end I was pretty happy about the life jacket even if it was a little constraining -- it was a pretty good life jacket, although some of the other ones I saw seemed like they wouldn't interfere any more than a water pack.
#7 Sun, 11/26/2006 - 4:15pm
The Wavechaser races in Northern California require you to have a PFD. If you are not wearing it, you have to be leashed to your boat. This goes beyond the Coast Guard requirement of just having it, since some people have had their PFD on their boat, only to huli and watch their boat (with the PFD on it) drift out of reach.
Inflatable belt-pack PFDs are commonly worn by OC-1 racers in warm weather, since they are not bulky or heavy and don't interfere with paddling (unless inflated, but you wouldn't inflate it if you were able to keep paddling). Non-inflatable PFDs designed for paddling don't interfere with paddling, and therefore may be good to wear during colder weather.
If you can get back on your OC-1 from the right side, an ankle leash should not be any trouble. If you have to get back on from the left side, it will be wrapped around the main hull, so you'll have to unstrap and restrap it after you get back on.
When paddling in open water, remember that your PFD and your OC-1 float more easily than you do. Best to keep them attached to you, just in case.
#8 Sun, 11/26/2006 - 4:42pm
The quickest way to unleash, is to have a quick release cilp on, clip off device attached to the canoe end of the leash. Similar to the clips on a common back pack. Unhooking double wrap velcro from your ankle is fiddly.
Cheers Rambo
#9 Sun, 11/26/2006 - 5:17pm
If you are getting heat from the united states coast guard,,remind them that what you are operating is not technically a pleasure craft-- it is a racing boat...the harbor patrol in your area may have other ideas and cite you anyway..what is next? helmets?
#10 Sun, 11/26/2006 - 5:36pm
For those that hate wearing a bulky PFD ,this is what some of us use up here racing and its awesome
http://stevestonmarine.com/product_detail.php?id=31162
This is a belt PFD that is legal for use in racing up here .Its lightweight ,compact ,self-inflating at the pull of a cord and does not restrict you in anyway while racing .Its definately something you want to have and I luv mine .
#11 Sun, 11/26/2006 - 8:09pm
alright... i take back my statement about my universal hatred for PFDs... if you are wearing it than it's totally fine. I just despise the whole thing about attaching a PFD to the canoe... cause the only time you're going to want to use it is when it'll be too late. But if it's attached to you-- then it's all good.
#12 Sun, 11/26/2006 - 11:27pm
"When paddling in open water, remember that your PFD and your OC-1 float more easily than you do." .. Ha ha, must be a thin man that wrote this one! I float just fine, two PFDs on my chest and one more in the behind.
"Best to keep them attached to you, just in case." ...I always do! :)
#13 Mon, 11/27/2006 - 1:22am
"The quickest way to unleash, is to have a quick release cilp on, clip off device attached to the canoe end of the leash. Similar to the clips on a common back pack. Unhooking double wrap velcro from your ankle is fiddly.
Cheers Rambo"
Ahh, since I hardly ever huli it would have taken forever to figure that out.
#14 Mon, 11/27/2006 - 8:51am
Never understood the logic of requiring a PFD on an OC-1, OC-2. If you're with your canoe you've got its flotation. If you're not with your canoe a PFD on board does you no good.
#15 Mon, 11/27/2006 - 1:06pm
i would rather use a leash than any pfd...and besides a pfd will only do u any good if ur wearing it or ur leashed to ur boat so that the pfd doesn't float away with ur boat...
#16 Mon, 11/27/2006 - 4:34pm
Having a PFD with you IS a requirement in US waters and you can be cited for not having it. Depending on the type of PFD you may also have to be actually wearing it (such as the inflatables). $250 fine if they bust you.....and that can be the CG or the local harbor patrol folks. Being leashed to your canoe is a really good idea, but it won't spare you a ticket if you get caught without a PFD and it won't keep you from drowning if you get knocked out or hypothermic.
One of the problems with automatic inflatables is that they are designed to inflate when you get wet. Now I know that nobody here ever gets wet when paddling so this should not be a problem........right.
In the last two years or so there has been a big improvement in inflatables - there are new designs out that will only inflate if they get SERIOUSLY wet rather than just the normal splashing or momentary wetting that you get with a huli. They cost quite a bit more than the older inflatables, but how much is your life worth?
It is absolutely correct that no PFD will do you any good if you aren't wearing it or can't get into it when you need it.....but then it's kind of too late to put your seatbelts on in your car if the crash has already happened too.
Skipper Rich
#17 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 10:49am
I've been thinking more about saftey lately. Does anyone out there actually wear a pfd while paddling? Is there a make and model of choice? I've never seen anyone here in Hawaii wearing one. I can't even remember seeing anyone carrying one on their canoe. I was once stopped by the CG while doing a NorthShore run. They let me go with a warning.
#18 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 11:52am
I've seen a couple of paddlers with inflatable types townside.
I'm going to go along with the idea that if one loses their boat, the PFD becomes a hindrance. You shouldn't be paddling where and when you do not have the ability to swim back to shore.
#19 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 12:28pm
Here are some links to help you select. Note that these must be WORN to meet USCG requirements in U.S. waters.
Specifically designed for Canoe and Kayak use
http://www.stearnsrec.com/dyn_prodlist.php?k=78029
Hydrostatic Inflatables (various prices around $200+)
http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products/product.php?id=506
The above are just examples. Both Stearns and Mustang are very respected names in marine survival gear, but that's not to say there aren' others that are just as good or appropriate.
Skipper Rich
#20 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 12:28pm
A note to Whitewater:
So you're out paddling sans PFD but within swimming distance of shore and some yahoo on a power boat that isn't paying a lick of attention nails you - You're not dead but you're severely injured or knocked unconscious so you can't swim.......what then?
It happens......especially considering some of the yahoos we see blasting around the water in power boats and PWCs without a lick of sense of concern for the safety of others
Skipper Rich
#21 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 12:35pm
After my fiasco, I bought and wear this pfd when paddling alone. (Thanks Rambo!)
It is either C02 via ripcord -or- manually inflated. (It does not inflate just by getting wet). I actually removed the C02 cartridge, because it is only a matter of time before I snag that rip cord getting back on my canoe.
If you look at Amazon, you can get it cheaper.
Ken
#22 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 12:53pm
Yup, they're just about perfect for paddling. Just wear around you waist and you still look cool if your the type to worry about your image.
Just don't throw all caution to the wind and think you are invincible because you have a PFD, still take the usual precautions and don't rely on the PFD to save you.
Cheers Rambo
#23 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 1:13pm
Kanu The Rock
Greg,
Yes I do wear a PFD, always, due to cold water temps (often around freezing in the ocean here). I use the kokatat orbit tour. Its minimal. I barely feel its on me and it has big pockets for extra gear like phone etc.
Happy paddling
Bob
#24 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 1:19pm
Plenty have already said before, but to list them:
1) leash
2) spare paddle
3) cellphone (in bag)
4) length of rubber
5) pfd
6) paddle plan -or- someone expecting you at a specific time
The bulkiest item of these is the paddle, and most have solved that by strapping it to an iako. And I can not even imagine going out without a leash. If I could have only one item in that list, it would be the leash. It has saved me many times already.
#25 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 1:28pm
Kanu The Rock
A couple bungees and you can place a spare paddle on the aft deck, blade near seat and handle along near the rudder shaft area. No wind resistance like you get if its strapped to the iako.
Bob
#26 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 1:35pm
Kanu The Rock
A couple bungees and you can place a spare paddle on the aft deck, blade near seat and handle along near the rudder shaft area. No wind resistance like you get if its strapped to the iako.
Bob
#27 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 1:35pm
Kanu The Rock
A couple bungees and you can place a spare paddle on the aft deck, blade near seat and handle along near the rudder shaft area. No wind resistance like you get if its strapped to the iako.
Bob
#28 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 1:36pm
Kanu The Rock
sorry for the multiple posts. the spare paddle bungees can be permanent installs.
#29 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 1:38pm
paddle with a friend.
I cannot quite agree with people that paddle outside swimming distance off shore.
Here is what happend:
early morning group paddle. choppy conditions, technically difficult to paddle, but not overwhelming weather.
The paddle back in is a downwind run, and usually it ends up being a race.
One in the group noticed that the kayaker was not in contention, was surprised and looked over his shoulder. He caught a glimpse of what he thought could be a boat, turned around and raced back.
He found the kayaker fighting for his life: his toe had become entangled/snared by the rudder cable. He was floating in the water, couldn't free his leg.
Even with help the scenario didn't look good until one of us made the decisive move to just tear out the entire rudder paddle/assembly. He succeded and they were able to free the toe and everybody got home safely.
I doubt that a pdf would have helped, maybe, if the kayaker would have managed to get it inflated in the condition he found himself in.
Thus, if I do not have a friend with me of whom I know that he will look over his shoulder to see if everything is ok, I stay inside.
Pdf/leach/phone all good - without a friend: don't go.
#30 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 8:14pm
I use a pdf and wetsuit in Van Canada also cell, baged and straped on always. when Im alone wich is moor often than not.
othere wise wet suite and strap.
and in summer just a strap if im with friends.I add cell when Im not.
better to have it and not need it than to
need it and not have it.
Fact-- the most dangerous sport is fishing [death by drowning]
#31 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 10:40pm
Another good idea is to practice your skills.
Deliberately huli your canoe in rough waters once in a while (when paddling with a friend). You don't want to discover that you are unable to remount when you're alone...
Replace your leash every year. It's your most important security equipment. Don't try to save a few $ using that old leash from your son's bodyboard.
In Tahiti 3 paddlers died during the last 5 years. One of them was knocked down, his head hit by the ama. Can't help thinking that he would still be here if he had been wearing a life jacket...
#32 Tue, 01/08/2008 - 11:11pm
I should add that we all need to evaluate and prepare for the potential survival needs of our particular paddling venues. I paddle on the south shore of Honolulu and if I lose my boat offshore in 30 kt conditions, and need to broach current and swell to swim back to the beach, a pdf will hinder rather than help.
#33 Wed, 01/09/2008 - 7:02am
Skipper Rich
A good point whitewater, but on the other hand, if you were wearing the fanny pack style pfd you would have the option of deploying or not as the situation warrants, with no impact (or practically none anyway) on your ability to swim.
I'm not trying to be deliberately argumentative - just posting so folks see different perspectives on the same situation so they can choose for themselves what best suits their needs.
#34 Wed, 01/09/2008 - 7:18am
I agree. But even more importantly, paddlers need to have an honest assessment of their physical and boat handling abilities, as well as their knowledge of the ways of the ocean. It seems to me that when a person needs a pdf, they need to be rescued. The whole point is self-sufficiency. What happens when having all of the right safety equipment, a paddler ventures out past their self-rescue range, gets crosses up in a big swell and has the iakos come apart?
#35 Wed, 01/09/2008 - 7:55am
They hope like heck they brought along a radio or cell phone to call for help and have a PFD on or dang handy.
No matter how much safety equipment you have along. or how self sufficient you are, bad things can happen, even if you are well within your own abilities.
Self sufficiency is a great concept, but there really is no such thing as total self sufficiency, and self rescue isn't always possible even if you're within a stones throw of shore.
You still are not addressing other very real possibilities such as being knocked unconscious or otherwise injured. You may be WELL within your self rescue range, but under those circumstances you're still toast if you don't have something to keep you bouyant while you await rescue.
All stuff that deserves weighing in the decision making process.
#36 Wed, 01/09/2008 - 8:58am
This may be a little Walt Disney but if the worst did happen how it would affect your people & your club other local paddlers. and if you were safe and did the right things you be setting a good example for other’s to follow.
Remember Newton’s law.
#37 Wed, 01/09/2008 - 11:12am
mulus, if you set aside my personal preferences for a moment, the point I am trying to make right now is not to use this equipment as a crutch in the pursuit of high adventure.
#38 Wed, 01/09/2008 - 5:12pm
Another paddler died in Moorea (the nearest island of Tahiti) yesterday. He was seen falling of his canoe by someone onshore. By the time the rescue reached the canoe he had sunk. His body has not be found yet. He probably had a heart attack while paddling.
Then again, if he had been wearing a pfd or a leash he would have not sunk. And maybe the lifesavers could have done something...
#39 Wed, 01/09/2008 - 9:33pm
Like sky diving when they give you a helmet. I don’t see the purpose of a helmet if your shoot doesn’t open. I love the seconds before the race starts. I guess for me it all comes down to calculating the odds. Even when I was adrenalinist I’ve paddled since 1979 maybe 400 times a year and had a couple close calls but now I have to add 3 kids into the calculation. So if I’m alone I take all that stuff. My boys 7 and him and I will race doubles and win and then race singles against each other someday. We paddle a lot together a lot already. Maybe he will compete in the molo singles.
douse a single man do 41 miles in one run by himselfin the molo?
#40 Wed, 01/09/2008 - 9:38pm
Sorry to hear that Hiro
#41 Wed, 01/09/2008 - 9:42pm
This is what I say weeky to paddlers in my club :
"Never paddle alone"
and
"If you ever paddle alone, take all the safety gear you can i.e. a leash, a pfd, a spare paddle, a bagged cellphone, a whistle, etc."
and
"Make sure that someone knows where you are and that he/she knows when you are supposed to come back."
Sounds like I'm speaking in Chinese. They go paddle alone with nothing but a bottle of water, without telling anyone when they leave, where they go and when they intend to come back...
#42 Wed, 01/09/2008 - 9:50pm
And THAT Whitewater is a GREAT point. All too often folks think they can take extra chances because they have the safety equipment.
#43 Thu, 01/10/2008 - 5:08am
Wow, old thread resurfaces...
It is worth noting that the Wavechaser races in California now require wearing PFDs. I.e. you have to have the PFD directly attached to you, as opposed to being allowed to have it indirectly attached under the old race rules (under the old race rules, you were allowed to just have a PFD on your boat if you were leashed to your boat).
#44 Fri, 01/11/2008 - 8:38pm