I paddle lakes, the Intercostal Waterway and bay waters on the East, West,
and Gulf Coast, and have had a few occasions to wonder if smaller boats
travelling at high speed could see me as well as I see them. Probably not,
especially in fog, high seas, near dark, or in bad weather... especially
when they are attending to the skier behind them, or crab or oyster traps
on
either side.
Always wear a bright PFD, a light bright colored cap, and plan your route
to
cross perpendicular to their path... if they are headed toward you at high
speed, hold your paddle high and wave it to get their attention. This
seems
to work quickly, in all but the most crowded areas. Once you get their
attention, don't start to paddle until they commit their maneuver.
Also, get a fog whistle (required in most N. American waters), and my
favorite, a small gas powered fog horn. (About $5) They are small enough
to
easily fit in a PDF's pocket, and will get the attention of anyone within
a
quarter mile in most weather. I carry both, but in the Intercostal
channel,
the commercial traffic simply won't hear it in normal traffic conditions.
Fortunately, we surf their bow wave, and wait until they pass (5+ mins.)
to
cross their path.
I have used a signal mirror when hiking, but from a kayak, they are not so
helpful... water motion and sun position never seem right. Reflective tape
on the front and back of the paddle blade or shaft is good for night
paddling, but does not help much during the day. An orange or other
colored
blade is quite useful, and is easy to see if you wave your blade.
A quarter mile is not far, so you should not have any problems unless
weather or traffic makes a change for the worst. I would be concerned
about
your ability to re-enter in cold water on windy days, if you dive or are
thrown by the wake of a larger craft coming too close. Practice it a
couple
of times, with a friend or ACA instructor.
Also, you might attach a cord of Dacron line from a forward or aft
position
of the kayak to your paddle, when traveling in windy conditions. This will
provide some drag to keep your inflatable from blowing away, should you
deep
dive. In cold water, time in the water is critical.
Good luck, and enjoy!
See you on the water,
V-
"Dave in Lake Villa" <DaveInLakeVilla@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:26480-46E3E76B-376@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Hello. I hope these following questions dont appear to be rather silly,
> but, I feel i need to ask them out of concern for my safety when
> Kayaking on a lake . I just bought a new Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak
> and am ready to take it out on some lakes . Theres one particular Island
> that id like to paddle to which is perhaps a 1/4 mile from shore. There
> are motorboats on this lake although it never appears too busy.
> Questions are :
>
> 1. Will an 11' Kayak that is approx. 30" wide , off white and blue in
> color, be readily seen if a boat and kayak are heading head-on toward
> one another.?
>
> 2. What is a safe margin of distance i should expect a boater to take
> to my kayak, when out on the lake ?
>
> 3. Are there many Boat/Kayak accidents on lakes generally ?
>
> 4. What measures should i take if a Boat is coming fast toward me and
> apparently doesnt see me ? Stand up and wave a paddle ?
>
> Thanks, Dave
>
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