Kayak PFD- Personal Floatation Device 1 of 3 items required by law while kayaking on Texas waters
Not all PFDs have the same Coast Guard safety ratings. Your PFD should fit you right & be able keep you afloat in an emergency situation. Nice Paddler PFDs starts around $50+ & $90+ for an inflatable(not on sale). Angler PFDs have a few pockets & comfortable ones get worn. The more you wear it, The more likely you are to survive a close one. Academy carries MTI, extrasport, & Stern PFDs extrasport & Stern are normally less expensive of these 3 brands. Stohlquist has also made quit a name in the sport. Most Kayak shops offer TFFers at least 10% off. Not all Walmarts carry Paddling PFDs. Most Yakers use a US Coast Guard Class type III PFDs. All PFDs serve the same function but some excel while most just met the minimum law requirements. Children 13 & under are required to WEAR their PFD while on the water.
Game Wardens, Park Rangers & Lake Patrol want to see that you can easily access your PFD within 3 second. Stowing your PFD can result in a Ticket or much worse, because not having a PFD on when you need it, is not in your favor. Your life is worth more than the cost of any PFD. One major difference you'll notice in a kayaker's PFD is the over sized arm holes & all around general comfort. Look for one w/ reflective straps. They prove themselves when paddling in low light conditions or fishing at night. Kayak shops can be a good source. Ordering online cost less & shipping is sometimes free.
what model/brand did you get Shaun? I have an agler PFD, has more padding in the back than i like, but i really like all the pockets. I wear mine 100% of the time i am in the water.
I picked up the Extrasport "Sturgeon". http://www.extrasport.com/product/pfds/canoe_kayak/sturgeon.aspx It is SSSSOOOOOoooooo...nice compared to the old bass boat PDF it replaced. This one actually fits and doesn't ride up. Also the padding on the back is higher up, making it tremendously more comfortable to sit in a kayak for 14 hrs.
I have two extrasport kayak pfds, 1 angler and 1 rec.
I have one pfd with me at all times... However, the only place I don't wear it is lady bird lake, during the day. If I'm out at night (no matter where), or anywhere else it is on. Even on Lady Bird it is tucked right behind my seat.
I keep my rescue knife on me at all times.
I'm in the market for the NRS Chinook as my next PFD.
Edited by Fishing Fedora (08/01/1108:57 PM)
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Ocean Kayak PBG, Humminbird 160, square center hatch, deck lighting, all that good stuff... basically more money in accessories than I spent on the boat itself, and it came with the seat and paddle, so that's saying something.
I need a good rescue knife. I currently have the larger version od a folding "old timer" great knife, but would like a double sided fixed blade, something with an ankle/calf mount would be ideal.
I'm sure fish zombie will cover rescue knives in a future post. I'm not a fan of double sided knives.
(CRKT bear claw for me)
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Ocean Kayak PBG, Humminbird 160, square center hatch, deck lighting, all that good stuff... basically more money in accessories than I spent on the boat itself, and it came with the seat and paddle, so that's saying something.
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Ocean Kayak PBG, Humminbird 160, square center hatch, deck lighting, all that good stuff... basically more money in accessories than I spent on the boat itself, and it came with the seat and paddle, so that's saying something.
Great post! That orange thing in the top right hand corner.....is that what I think it is?
Whistle/Horn Item #2 required by law while kayaking on Texas waters
THE LOUDER THE BETTER!
Used to warn others / get attention. Especially useful when you become injured/stranded & or just need help. In low light conditions/night time you cant be seen but you can be heard. Most anglers won't use there's until they are stranded, injured or need help. A good water proof whistle/horn, like the ones shown above can help alert others of your location & possible danger. Remember, Not everyone has 20/20 vision & boaters often get too close especially on lakes. People are curious & want to see/identify what they can't make out. LETS NOT RULE OUT THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE THERIR heads where the sun dont shine so, if you can't be seen, at least be heard.
FACTS: Sound waves travel better across water. Sound waves travel better at night. You'll wish you had one when you need it. Useful on & off the water. You can't use it if doesn't work or you don't have one A loud WATER PROOF noise making device can help save you and others. IT'S THE LAW!!!
Registered: 04/26/02
Posts: 8684
Loc: At the Terrell WalMartz
Originally Posted By: fiSh ZoMbiE
Originally Posted By: roadtrip
Great post! That orange thing in the top right hand corner.....is that what I think it is?
Whistle/Horn Items #2 required by law while kayaking on Texas waters
THE LOUDER THE BETTER!
Used to warn others / get attention. Especially useful when you become injured/stranded & or just need help. In low light conditions/night time you cant be seen but you can be heard.Most anglers won't use there's until they are stranded, injured or need help. A good water proof whistle/horn, like the ones shown above can help alert others of your location & possible danger. Remember, Not everyone has 20/20 vision & boaters often get too close especially on lakes. People are curious & want to see/identify what they can't make out. If you can't be seen, at least be heard.
FACTS: Sound waves travel better across water. Sound waves travel better at night. You'll wish you had one when you need it. Useful on & off the water. You can't use it if doesn't work or you don't have one A loud WATER PROOF noise making device can help save you and others. IT'S THE LAW!!!
I carry two whistles, one on my pfd and one clipped to my "canoe bag". I've got the old school looking whistles. I test 'em when I'm doing my pre-trip check list. Most of my equipment is old school. I definitely need to upgrade on my knife though.
Ziplock Freezer Bags, Dry Boxes, Tupaware, Dry Bags & Dry Sacks are all things that we use to protect our Wallets, Keys, Batteries, Phones, Extra Clothes, Flashlights, First Aid Kits & hand held devices from the elements. Walmart sells a 3-pack of "Dry Sacks" (water resistant) for around $10. These WILL slide around in your yak.
I prefer this dry bag by Marine Raider. Ruined many of cell phone before I realized the value of a nice dry bag/box. Around $20 at Academy. Also comes in different sizes & colors. This bag has a soft rubber bottom that prevents it from sliding around in the kayak Sea Line also makes a nice Dry bag IMO.
360 White Light Bright is the key here! & the 3rd Item required while fishing on Texas waters (dusk-dawn)
Why? For your SAFETY & because the law says so
Exert from TPWD site: …All vessels including motorboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, rubber rafts, or other vessels when not at dock MUST HAVE and EXHIBIT at least one bright light, lantern or flashlight visible all around the horizon from sunset to sunrise in all weather and during restricted visibility…
Law goes on to state: light must be visible from up to 1 mile away.
•All other manually driven vessels """"""MAY""""" exhibit sidelights and a stern light, """""""""OR""""""""" shall ~~~EXHIBIT~~~ at least one bright light, lantern, or flashlight from sunset to sunrise when not at dock. IMO Sunset to Sunrise is vague. So, Think of it like driving your car. 30 min before dark & thirty min after 1st light, have that bright 360 light on http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/safety/vessel_requirements/#canoe Advertised as water proof, 3 AAA batteries I also strongly recommend a waterproof style 360 light & a headlamp as BACKUP. If your batteries or bulb on the 360 light burn up, at least you have some light (head lamp) so you can seen & be seen. This will not prevent you from getting ticketed but could still save your life. Walmart around $8 each Up to $8 for a 2 pack at Academy. LED style should last several trips without having to replace the batteries. I normally toss mine after the batteries go.
Was in my powerboat one night not long ago when I came right up on 3 jet skiers with no lights idling in open water. They had to get out of my way. Glad they were able to! You will not be able to get out of the way of a boat traveling 35+ Mph
We use things like waterproof "Dry Paks" & Heavy Duty ZipLoc Freezer bags to protect our phones Just make sure you close the double zippers well & don't forget to leave a little air in any bag you use to insure your phone will stay on the surface. Leave your phone in the bag. It's not necessary to take your phone out of the bag to use it. Trapping humidity in the bag will ruin your phone too. This trick is good for boat & bank fisherman. I have started putting my phone in my PFD this way. Works nice!
All paddles are not created equal. Paddles Article <-click here Most vets will tell ya that. They will all get you moving but some excel & are builT with superior adhesives, plastics, resins, etc. The others will get the job done but can make you sorry you decided to purchase them. Ever been up the river with a broken paddle? How about in the middle of the lake in foul weather with one? I have I thought it looked like a good deal but turned out to be a dud. That said, It's always a good idea to keep a spare below deck for times like these. Here are a few brand name Paddles: (Notice the different shapes of these blades) Carlisle Bending Branches Werner Z&J SPORT Aqua Bound... These paddles can be well over $200.
So far I have had good luck with the cheap $30. Marine Raiders from Academy. Then again I don't expect them to last more than 2 yrs. They will make a good emergency paddle when it does fail :~)
Registered: 12/30/08
Posts: 589
Loc: Smithson Valley, TX
I wear an Onyx paddling vest in the summer months And I wear an inflatable Onyx in the colder months when I don't get into the water much Since I started fly fishing and wade a lot i've started wearing an Onyx waist pack inflatable that you pull to engage incase I step off into deeper water or get hurt on rocks while wading. Just for extra safety.
idling in open water. They had to get out of my way. Glad they were able to! You will not be able to get out of the way of a boat traveling 35+ Mph
I thought it looked like a good deal but turned out to be a dud. 
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