In our April issue Sea Kayaker's Editor, Chris Cunningham, poses the question of "what is in your PFD" and answers the question with the items he carrys and why. As a follow up to this editorial the first edition of our on-line newsletter will have an article sharing the PFD contents of several experienced and well known paddlers. Join in and share what you have attached or share your ideas on what should or should not be in a PDF.

I usually avoid carrying too much stuff attached to my PFD because of the risk of entanglement. However, recently I started carrying a few more items, and I have to say I enjoy the extra piece of mind.

The gear I have been carrying in my PFD these days includes: whistle, signal mirror, small flares, cell phone in a water-proof case, knife, and strobe light. All this goes in small pockets and tabs/holders that came with my PFD.

I also keep a tow rope nearby, which sometimes goes attached to my torso. This is usually the largest piece of gear that I carry in my PFD.

I have not found a reasonably comfortable way to attach my VHF radio to the PFD yet, so I keep it handy in the cockpit and tethered to the kayak.

I would probably reverse the vhf and mobile (cell phone). I don't know if the waterproof casing allows for clear transmit/reception while in the case and dialing must be more difficult. however a waterproof vhf radio will work and is single handed operation.

This of course depends on there being someone listening to vhf in your area or there being phone coverage.

Cheers

Bill

I'd have to preface this with saying that I do mostly inland water paddling around the greater Seattle Area.

However, Here's what I have on my PFD:
- I keep my handy rape whistle at the ready, you know, frisky seals, etc.... Or in case I happen to be in the water and wanna get someone's attention to help me out.

- I have an Old Dive knife that is secured, Handle down on the inside left of the PFD.

- Typically, I keep my cell phone and a cheapo digital camera in a water proof bag in the upper left pocket.

- There is a lower right front Pocket on my PFD where a keep a signal mirror, nail clippers, as well as a couple of power bar (uggg gel aka goop) packets.


This is a subject I've not put too much thought into. However, I would imagine a light, personal locator beacon and a portable VHF would be good things to think about as well.

Great subject! I typically paddle on lakes and bays since I am alone most of the time. I carry the same equipment every time; in the pockets:

Three SkyBlazer Flares, a quality (glass) signal mirror,a storm (loud )whistle, an LED (waterproof, luxeon=very bright) flashlight, a piezo lighter in small watertight cylinder, a small pack of energy gel,an icom VHF radio, small pocket knife.

Attached: top quality sheath knife (one hand release) strobe, towline(in pouch on small of back)

I also have a "safety sausage" which is a brightly colored orange tube designed to inflate and stick up about 4' from the surface of the water. It rolls up to a small size and has an opening to insert a lightstick which makes the whole thing glow at night.

I've been meaning to explore the laser signal described by Chris Cunningham. It sounds like a good investment.

I also am thinking about a quick release tether from paddler to the bow. Chris Duff has said he uses such an arrangement whenever the wind is great than 10 kts. Good enough for Duff=good enough for me!

The bottom line, especially for solo paddlers is survivability when the unexpected occurs. I've drawn bemused looks from folks on the water when they see what I carry. While I've not had to use any of this stuff, I've rescued many folks who have. I flew air-sea rescue for the NYPD out of Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn until I retired in 2001. The USCG had a base there until about 1997 (CGAS Brooklyn merged with CGAS Cape May to form CGAS Atlantic City). As a result, the NYPD was called to augment the USCG response to offshore incidents.

I can attest to the fact that finding a person bobbing about in the water is a very difficult task. A means of signaling potential rescuers greatly increases your chances of rescue.

If you beomce separated from your boat

I spazzed out and hit the enter key before I finished the last post!

I was going to conclude by saying that once a paddler is separated from his/her boat, the gear stored in the PFD becomes their lifeline. Don't spend $3K on a kayak only to scoff at laying out several hundreds of dollars on survival/signal gear!

An old aviation adage goes something like this: Nothing is more useless than the runway behind you-the altitude above you, and the fuel you left on the ground.

Put more weight on your side of the survival scale ny getting quality gear and being mentally prepared for the unexpected!

Good ideas here.

What's in my pfd? My thinking is that I want to be able to lose my boat and all gear that's not on me, swim to shore, do minor first aid, and survive for a day or two while awaiting rescue. Or, if I have my boat, do a bit more, including repair the hole in the hull.

All of the following fits into a Pelican 1060 Micro case, which is 5.5 x 9.5 x 2.5 inches and weights 2 lb 5 oz (1.06 kg) including contents. This case lives in the back of the hydration pocket of my pfd. It is never removed, so I never forget it. The Pelican case is waterproof and has a clear top and short tether. Individual items are grouped in small zip lock bags.

FIRST AID:
1 pair latex gloves
1 wound closure kit (sold by NOLS)
2 3" sterile compresses
1 small roll 1" adhesive tape
3 15 mg Codine sulphate tabs (to stop coughing)
1 0.9 gm packet Bacitracin antibiotic ointment
1 benzalkonium chloride antiseptic towellette
2 sterile alcohol swabs
assorted bandaids
1 packet Glide threader tooth floss
1 tick remover (Easy Grip)
1 small tweezers (Uncle Bills)
first aid report form (NOLS WFR format)
1 "Rite in the Rain" micro ballpoint pen
1 mini Sharpie marker pen (red permanent ink)
2 4"x7" sheets "Rite in the Rain" paper

SURVIVAL AND REPAIR:
10 waterproof matches in waterproof container
1 space blanket
1 Leatherman Squirt
1 small butane lighter
1 Esbit fuel tab
1 small bottle Potable Aqua water purification tabs
1/2 inch roll 2" wide duct tape
several yards 1" rolled orange ribbon
1 2"x3" glass signal mirror (Coghlan's Ltd)
3 8" long plastic zip ties
1 eyeglasses-size screwdriver
1 foot of bailing wire, coiled
3" x 7" strip ripstop nylon with adhesive back
several yards heavy waxed thread with needle
1 2 gm tube super glue (Elmer's)
several yards 1 mm reflective paracute cord
my business card for ID and phone numbers
2 Power Bars

Another approach is to carry most of the above stuff in a StanSport Stainless Steel Solo I cook pot, which is 5" in diameter by 2.5" deep (about 3/4 liter). Then you can brew up and enjoy being stranded. The pot has a lock-on lid but isn't waterproof, so it needs to go in a small dry bag.

On the front of my pdf, I have a Wenoka Squeeze Lock quick release knife (3" blunt tip blade, handle down) and a whistle. Always there.

Depending on the trip, I may also carry a VHF radio, flares, flashlight, GPS, or other items in the two front pockets of my pfd, and a Kokatat tow line with quick release around my waist.

This may seem like a long list, but most items are very small. The total package isn't much in weight or bulk, and doesn't noticeably affect flotation or rolling.

Following is a stripped down letter I sent to the magazine.

Let’s review what a semi-serious paddler has invested in:


$3,000 kayak- or at least that would be the replacement cost
$400 mapping GPS- plus the mapping software
$80 knife
$200 for top quality PFD
$400 graphite paddle
$200 spare paddle
$200 VHF


Total value of the hardware is $4,480, not counting the other “gotta haves” that we all fall prey to. Gentlepeople, are you going to entrust all that and your life to a $10 set of flares and a signal mirror? These devices should be part of a signal package; they should not be your only means of contact.

If you plan on using flares, strobe lights, even VHF radio there is an assumption that there will be someone close enough to see or hear you. A properly cared for and maintained PLB is practically guaranteed to be heard and result in a rescue.

A PLB with a GPS will announce your location and id number beginning on the first transmission. If you have updated your registration to NOAA via the internet with a proper float plan, that information is given to the first responders. The USCG knows where you should be, how many people are in the group, and what kind of vessel(s) to look for. Esteemed colleagues, isn’t your life worth $450 for a basic PLB?

The basic principle in what I carry in my pfd is, if I was seperated from boat either at sea or on the rocks, what would I need to survive long enough to be rescued or to ensure a rescue is carried out quick enough to save a fellow paddler thatI may be giving CPR to. I always carry dye, strobe/torch, mirror, knife, water and epirb. The epirb is especially importnat in the event of being washed on to rocks, or in Australia, being bitten by a snake or other venoumous creature.I have never had a problem carrying these items plus foodbars, sunscreen etc. The only rescue item I dont carry in the PFD are flares as they are too bulcky and heavy. If I had personal flares I probably would carry at least one.

I looked forward to Chris’s Cunningham’s April 2007 editorial. He wrote some time ago about his own experience with a close-at-hand item that if hadn’t been there, he surly would have wished it was. This of course, is the basic premise with respect to at least certain selected item of safety gear.



Excuse me if I come across as somewhat passionate about safety gear. I’ve been involved with Canadian Coast Guard/ combined military rescues at sea over three decades of paddling, in situations where personal floatation, day and night visibility, signaling and communication ability have saved lives. My priorities with a PFD include wearing the PFD in the first place. Obvious? You would be surprised at some of the rationale paddlers have for not wearing one, but I will always defer to a person’s freedom of choice.



Also obvious is making sure the biggest item in the PFD, namely the actual paddler is dressed for immersion and up to the physical demands of the trip or outing and operating within appropriate skill levels -- and that a known mental inventory with respect to navigation, topography, sea state variability and egress points is realized. There should be a backup plan for every decision carried through. This has to come first, before safety gear considerations. I’d also highly suggest paddles research or even take the time to enroll in a VHF radio protocol course if offered (often club organized), hypothermia workshops, preliminary lifeguard training (which always include first aid training), and take part in a wilderness survival course. At least consider these options.



What an individual paddler includes within the context of carried PFD items is highly personal and can be subject to where the paddling takes place and often local paddling community ethics. Both risk assessment and the corresponding gear carried is hopefully informed by objective thinking. There are inexperienced paddlers who carry an abundance of gear who have given no consideration to the matters mentioned above, and conversely, expedition paddlers who carry a minimum of gear -- often including SOF aficionados. And there are examples of advanced expedition paddlers who have had to rely on their safety gear. It is also true that intermediate paddlers often carry only a few rudimentary items that probably should be augmented, just as there are advanced paddlers who carry a fair bit of safety and survival gear on their PFD. There are no absolutes; only individual choice and hopefully common sense.



Having given up on wearing a PFD myself in exchange for the freedom of an approved inflatable vest, some of my own safety and survival gear resides in two add-on pockets attached to the sides of the main belt and a modified upper back pocket. Some items are individually tethered inside the pockets, none long enough to reach beyond chest level. While the tethered out-of-production SeaSeat in the rear pocket that facilitates increased survival time at sea is of no relevance to this discussion given it is no longer in production, if you do become separated from your kayak, you ought to place some serious thought into how you are going to summon help and survive until that help arrives. Even along remote coastline with no immediate safety net, corridors of marine travel and aviation routes may exist. Suffering the immediate consequences of poor judgment is also within the framework of personal freedom.



I also run a quick- releasable tether off my vest’s belt to the kayak that can be attached if I so wish. My main priority if I do bail out in bad seas, is how good are my real-world, cold-water re-entry skills, and will I have the dexterity to re-enter effectively. To that end, I carry a redundant neoprene hood and gloves in one of the pockets, along with a one-hand release rescue knife in a specialized, flapped compartment. In the other pocket I carry 3 small aerial flares wrapped in plastic, a smoke flare, signal mirror, diver’s flashlight, fire-starting apparatus and a VHF radio. Know the local VHF chat channel and have the radio set to high output. On the back of my vest is a strobe light that has an additional bottom-mounted flashlight, the latter a redundancy. A ball-free whistle is attached to the front zipper, as is a small one-hand opening, redundant rescue knife. All items are rescue-tested in actual sea conditions, both for accessibility, plausibility of use, and must not hinder demonstrable re-entry methods.



I could replace the emergency SeaSeat cushion in the back of my vest with an actual hydration bladder which is what the pouch was designed for, but having used the survival seat in a real emergency; its worth is invaluable to me. More relevant to a possible boat-less, vest/PFD worn, land-based survival scenario, would be the inclusion of a tightly-packed, item-rich wilderness survival kit as some paddlers like to carry. But my kayak in my lifeline, so most other survival gear is stored onboard or accessible from the cockpit. Knowledge of local and destination small boating regulations as pertains to safety gear is also advisable. If possible, try to carry some of these items in or on your PFD. There are gear vests that can be worn over a more featureless PFD. Again, safety gear doesn’t make you safe.



After careful consideration from internet discussion groups and the on-line forum and editorial content from Chris, I’ve added an identification tag to my vest and ordered a rescue streamer, which seems to be a little more specific than my old orange garbage bag, and can be used for other activities. Additionally, especially now that marine-use regulatory decisions regarding personal locators have been ironed out, I’ll be shopping for a compact model before resuming expedition paddling. I will have to downsize my bulky VHF radio to make room.

Safe paddling.

I think there are some very good tips above but I am getting concerned with how much we carry in a pfd or vest which is really not designed for it.

Maybe a survival bag tethered to yourself stowed above or below deck it has the following features as a start it floats bright coloured multi pocketed designed to give easy access to the survival gear you need now (radio flares mirror etc) and gear you hope you wont need later matches food etc.

If its on deck then a rapid deploy system that releases from the deck if you pull on it in the event of a capsize/exit or secured between your legs or under your spray deck. This option has some draw backs you would still need to carry some gear in your pfd because you probably don't want to pull back your spray deck to get to something. Always tethered to you with a quick saftey/release.

Just some thoughts

Cheers

Bill

Yes Bill, you do need to be careful about net weight and bulkiness too for that matter. Before I switched to an inflatable vest, my PFD was rather heavy – probably overloaded whatever legal buoyancy rating the PFD had. It was a hot model (as in warm) and I was tempted to take it off in the warmer paddling seasons. Under the bungies, it would always take up a lot of foredeck space and was easily dislodged in waves, due in part do all the gear in it. My current vest has two side pockets that rest on the cockpit rim, so weight isn’t an issue.

I have considered a bail-out bag. Many of my advanced paddler friends employ their use. I’m not a fan of tethering bags in proximity to my body, though I’m sure there are short tether arrangements that could be rendered safe. I’m in a low volume kayak, so my available nook and crannies and deck space is limited. I think if I were paddling in truly remote coastline I’d consider some kind of bail-out bag. Thanks for your comments

Doug

Nordkap,

Twice in the 14 or so years I've been paddling, I needed my PFD to save myself. Both times I was out in conditions that most prudent powerboaters would have avoided. Both times were in ugly conditions with an on-shore wind- I would not go that far off if there had been offshore or parallel wind just in case. Both times wet re-entry and re-entry and roll were not happening. A nice 1/2 mile swim is good for ya!

I respectfully submit for consideration, that when you need a PFD most, you don't want to worry if the thing will inflate. I respectfully submit many- including me- are not big on maintenance. The discussions I have had with those who use inflatables, is that they are require as much maintenance as a weapon carried on a ship. They must be regularly broken down and inspected. Most paddlers are not going to do this detailed maintenance and as such will unintentionally invite failure.

When surfing, if I messup and have to leave the boat I am not thinkinng "Do I want to inflate the PFD and have to reload?" The PFD is there and helps me when I need it.

While I carry a "bail out bag" that can be tethered to my PFD- I also carry a PLB in the PFD. Even out in the Everglades, I am confident that I will be picked up by the USCG before I can go hypothermic (yes it can happen down here). The bailout bag is just in case the Coasties get lost :>).

Regardless of what you are carrying if you don't have a PLB you are taking an unnecessary risk.

Bill H

I think we need to go back a step or two before we get too carried away with what we carry or don’t carry in our pfd.
On one of those days when the weather is the sort that you would rather not be paddling in gather up all your normal paddling stuff jump in the car leave the boat at home and go find a nice sandy beach where the wind is blowing onshore, take a few friends along as well.
Gear up, put everything in your pfd, dress normally for the conditions put on your spray deck and then take a running dive into the water.
When you come to surface start swimming against the wind and the waves. See just how far you can comfortably swim. Does the pfd hinder your progress. That shoreline which you thought you can safely swim to may just be out of reach if you have to bat against the elements in a real life bailout. Being able to swim a 1000 metres in the pool doesn’t mean much when your swimming encumbered with your gear and the wind, waves and currents are against you.
Next just stop and bob up and down for a while. Does your pfd sit correctly does it ride up every time you get hit by a breaking wave do you float high enough in the water. Does your pfd ride up around your ears. Trying putting your arms in the air as if signalling or as if someone was offering to pull you out of the water, where is your pfd do you stay firmly inside it or does it start to slip off.
Next try reaching for your safety gear can you access your knife, are you able to dial a friend on your cell phone do a radio check with your local rescue service if this is possible on your vhf radio. Access your flares etc. Try signalling your friends on the beach with your mirror or laser.
When you’re out on a paddle you need to be aware of your environment. If you do bail and lose your boat and you make it to shore what next, do you know which way to start walking to find assistance do you have footwear on that allows you to walk over the terrain. If you don’t make it to shore is your pfd going to provide you with enough flotation and stay on. Can you access whatever safety gear you have with you are you starting to feel very cold.

Make sure the pfd you own or are about to purchase works for you. Yes they all meet the required standards for your area but do they work for you. I changed my pfd a while back. The old one seemed to fit well it didn’t hinder my paddling had some little pockets to put my do dads in and I thought was pretty good. Then we did some rescue training on a day that was just a little bumpy. The pfd was not up to the job whenever my wife tried to grab my jacket and assist me in getting on board I just fell through it I tried tightening up all the adjustments but it didn’t help much. When I got back to shore we went and bought 2 new ones of a different design. The next day we tested them and kept them.

Just some thoughts

Cheers

Bill