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