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Communications Equipment
To improve your chances of notifying help in case of an emergency, ocean kayakers should consider a VHF marine radio. While expensive ($150-200), these waterproof, immersible transceivers allow two-way communication with the Coast Guard or passing vessels, and allow you to provide rescuers with your exact location. Store it in a buoyant pouch attached to your foredeck.
For communication within your group, a cheaper option is a handheld walkie-talkie that transmits in the FRS band. Many non-waterproof models are now available for less than $40 each.
Some FRS walkie-talkies also double as weather radios, allowing you to receive NOAA marine weather forecasts and conditions in most coastal areas. As discussed in the next installment (June/July 2005), paddlers should always listen to their weather radio before shoving off for the day.
Cellular phones can be useful when kayaking -- if you have signal and your phone doesn't get wet. Keep phones in waterproof bags or containers to prevent failure due to salt water. Most importantly, never rely on a cell phone to bring help in an emergency, as coverage along the coast is spotty at best.
Other Gear
A spare paddle is a must for every group. Breaking a paddle, or losing it in the wind, is not difficult, but is disastrous for the affected paddler. As a solution, store a two-piece paddle under the decklines, within reach of the cockpit.
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Each group should also carry a first-aid kit containing bandages and medical tape, anti-bacterial ointment, moleskin for blisters, tweezers, scissors, and pain relievers. Kits for backpackers are commercially available at any camping store.
A kayak repair kit is also essential if your group wishes to be self-sufficient. At a minimum, your kit should contain duct tape (to repair holes), a pocketknife, and screwdrivers and Allen keys that fit your boat's hardware. For a more complete list of gear to include in a repair kit, see Mountain Equipment Co-Op.
Next Time...
While clothing and equipment are essential for ocean kayaking safety, skills, knowledge, and experience are also necessary.
In the next installment, coming in the June/July issue of NESK, we will discuss the most important rule of kayaking: know your limits, and don't get in over your head.
You will learn how to use marine weather forecasts to improve your judgement about where, when, and whether to kayak. We will also help you to build your rescues skills, making you more self-sufficient and more able to help others recover from a capsize.
Until then, take a trip or two to the gear store and talk to a knowledgeable salesperson before you buy. Oh yeah, and start reading up on navigation, the topic of our third installment (coming in August/September)!
The author is an instructor and guide at Charles River Canoe & Kayak in Newton, Mass.
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