| Sea kayaking is a very popular sport and the recent | | | | buy one and wear it. Some parts of the world don't |
| increase in kayak fishing is seeing the sport taking off | | | | demand that you wear it but you should carry it, in my |
| to previously unseen heights; it's a fun and energetic | | | | opinion this isn't good enough. You can buy excellent |
| sport that can be enjoyed by people of any age, | | | | PFDs that not only look good and feel comfortable but |
| shape and size but you should always take your | | | | have storage pockets for holding your vital equipment. |
| safety very seriously when you jump into your sea | | | | There really is no excuse for not wearing one and if |
| kayak for a quick paddle. Weather conditions can turn | | | | you only take one piece of this article inn I hope it's this |
| quickly and with very little warning and there are quite | | | | one. Wear a PFD at all times when you are in your |
| a number of sea kayak related deaths each year | | | | sea kayak. |
| mostly caused by kayakers not taking their safety | | | | Never paddle alone. |
| seriously. | | | | Weather conditions can change in an instant with little |
| Make sure it floats. | | | | or no warning and it is essential that you have at least |
| I'm not just talking about your sea kayak; I'm talking | | | | one other person with you to help if things get too |
| about any essential equipment on board your boat. | | | | much or if the unexpected happens. A kayaking |
| Paying $30 for a bilge pump could be the best money | | | | partner really can save your life. |
| you've ever spent but if you roll and your pump | | | | Other equipment. |
| doesn't float you may as well have left it at home. This | | | | Carry a compass, map, food, water, matches (in a |
| goes for any equipment that you may need in an | | | | water tight container), flare gun, cell phone and anything |
| emergency; if it doesn't float by design put it in a | | | | else you think you might need. It will all fit into one small |
| container that will float. This is especially important if it's | | | | bag or even into the storage pockets of the PFD you |
| not waterproof but needs to stay dry because even | | | | should be wearing. Also, a pump is a necessity |
| the waterproof areas of your kayak will let water in | | | | because if your kayak is full of water after rolling or |
| when you roll. | | | | capsizing you are either going to get hypothermia or |
| The most essential piece of equipment - the PFD. | | | | you aren't going to be able to make it back to shore |
| A PFD is a personal floating device and if you ever | | | | but please make sure it floats because if you roll the |
| consider going out in your sea kayak without taking a | | | | first thing you won't be thinking of is catching your |
| PFD you shouldn't be going out at all. It's very simple, | | | | pump. |