Monday, March 19, 2012

Safety First

I am writing this in response to a post that I read tonight from a kayaker who was fishing the San Marcos river and misjudged his ability in the current and ended up fighting for his life as he went out of the kayak in rough water without a life jacket.
I've heard all the excuses..... they are hot, don't fit right, interfere with paddlin and fishing
BULLSHIT
If you get the proper PFD you will become accustomed to it. I have three different ones that I use when fishing. In the summertime when i'm in and out of the kayak all day, the ONYX  Pike Paddle Sports/Kayak fishing vest is my PFD of choice. Plenty of arm room as well as a snug fit and pockets to hold items. In colder weather the ONYX AM/24 Deluxe Automatic Inflatable is used. It comes with a rearmable CO2 cartridge that inflates if you fall in, as well as a manual pull. Very comfortable and can be worn in any type of weather.
When I am wet wading the ONYX M24 Belt Pack PFD is used. It is a manual pull inflatable that gives me some added security as you never know what can happen while you are out on the water.

As you can see, there are a lot of items on the market that can be used for your protection and it just might save your life someday. Don't just think of yourself while you are having a good time on the water, think about what you have waiting at home.
AM/24 Deluxe Automatic Inflatable
M24 Belt Pack

Pike Paddle / Kayak Fishing Vest