SAFETY EQUIPMENT for Sea Kayakers

Outline of a clinic at WMCKA 2010 kayak symposium:

1. What is Safety?:
   1. "Getting out is optional, coming back mandatory!"
      
   2. #1 killer of sea kayakers = exposure to elements: cold, lightning, heat
      
   3. Avoid collision with other vessels, people, and property
      
2. Before paddling:
   1. Body:
      1. General conditioning and flexibility
         
      2. Safe application of paddling skills
         
      3. Know your personal limits—endurance, power, medical conditions
         
      4. Stretching for warm-up and cool-down
         
   2. Head/Knowledge:
      1. Skills—technique, group dynamics, navigation, rules of the road, signaling, and rescue
         
      2. Risk assessment/Prevention—people, equipment, environment
         
      3. Practice what you know—intentions mediate between knowledge and action
         
      4. Leave a Float Plan behind (http://www.seakayakermag.com/PDFs/Float_Plan_cs3_0909.pdf)
         
   3. Equipment:
      1. Serviceable functional condition
         
      2. Match for environmental challenges at hand
         
      3. Know what to bring or leave behind—use a checklist (http://www.seakayakermag.com/PDFs/Gear_List_cs3_0909.pdf)
         
3. On the Water:
   1. Flotation:
      1. Boat—bulkheads/hatches (spare) or float bags, sprayskirt, sea sock, sea wings, pod cockpits, bailing device (pump)
         
      2. Self—PFD, paddle float, quick-self-inflate deck bag
         
   2. Propulsion: Paddle with spare and paddle leash, sail, diver's fins
      
   3. Fuel (for body): food, snacks, water, warm drink or soup
      
   4. Clothing:
      1. Temperature—dress relative to potential and consequences of immersion (wet/drysuit, layers, head/neck protection, cotton bad in cold climates but great when it's hot, gloves/pogies), storm cag
         
      2. Protection—PDF (body), helmet (head) , footwear (feet), gloves (hands), sun protection (skin)
         
   5. Communication: learn paddle/hand signals, VHF radio, whistle/fog horn, other signaling devices (mirror, handheld and aerial lights/flares, smoke, dye)
      
   6. Navigation: compass, timer, GPS, pre-marked charts, navigational lights, notebook, kamal
      
   7. Rescue: tow rope, perimeter lines, VHF radio, signaling devices (light, smoke), paddle float, sea anchor/drogue, first aid, repair kit, bail-out survival bag, bright clothing, reflective tape
      
4. After the Paddle:
   1. Shelter/Fire
      
   2. Food/Water
      
   3. Means of summoning help or getting out on your own
      
   4. First aid kit/Boat repair kit
      
   5. Stretch and warm down to prevent injury
      
5. Discussion: "What is the MOST important article of safety equipment?"
   

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