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This is a review of the Advanced Elements Summer Shower systems and the Summer Shower Enclosure.

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Paddle Cypress Forest With Me

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Paddling Alone Safety Tips

For those of you who follow Paddling Places Florida and follow my YouTube channel know that I paddle most of the time alone. Now understand I mostly paddle flat-water like lazy rivers, lakes and inlets. Now, I would never paddle alone if the area has rapids or even open ocean. As that can be a ticket to disaster.  So todays blog will be addressing paddling alone in flat-water conditions.

Kayaking safety is at the forefront of many discussions in the kayak community. While the 2018 American Canoe Association statistics have not been released yet, 2017 had a total of 149 documented paddle sport fatalities, which consisted of 94 kayak, 44 canoe and 11 paddleboard deaths. One fact that highlights the growth of kayaking as a sport is that canoe fatalities accounted for most deaths in the United States until 2010, when kayaking took over the leading category – and ever since, kayaking has not relinquished the title of deadliest paddle sport in the United States.

Not to put a damper on our wonderful sport, but it can be dangerous if common sense safety practices  are not followed especially if you paddle alone.

Having the right Kayak; Know the limits of your kayak either inflatable of hard. They all have weight capacities and if you, by body weight or combined load weight, exceed those limits your chances of a potential disaster is multiplied.  Is your kayak stable or kind of rocky. When paddling alone have the most stable kayak is the smart thing.

PFD (Personal Floatation Device); Now I'm not going to preach about wearing a PFD. Me personally, I wear mine all the time and it's a Type II. But if you get in trouble out there that PFD can save your life. Did you know there are 5 different types of PFD's.

• Type I PFD – provides the most flotation of any PFD, suitiable for rough water or stormy situations. The only PFD that will keep most unconscious victims face up and out of the water.
• Type II PFD – suitable for most water conditions and provides great flotation in calmer water, but may require the individual to tread water to remain face up in rough water.
• Type III PFD – designed for calm water or where rescue would be very quickly accomplished. Type III devices are not designed for extended survival situations and will not turn individuals face up.
• Type IV – throwable devices made for overboard situations or to keep someone afloat long enough to direct the watercraft into a rescue position.
• Type V – special use. This is a very broad category that encompasses most inflatable life vests, special purpose life vests and jackets, as well as white water vests. They must be worn to meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements for vessel flotation devices. Automatic inflatable life vests are included in this category and provide the most comfort and user mobility during use.

Now if you are paddling alone I recommend strongly you wear a PFD.

Paddle Leash; Now this seems to be a no brainer. A simple paddle leash will keep your paddle connected to your yak. if you are paddling alone on  a river with current and the unfortunate happens you want your paddle still connected to your yak. Think about this, you get pitched out of your yak and get back in but your paddle is gone floating down river. What you going to do?

First Aide Survival Kit; Having a small First Aide Survival Kit, which I just recently added, with you makes sense for those minor cuts and abrasions that can happen out there. Also, if you are waiting for a rescue you need some basic survival gear to hold you over until help arrives. Having a flash light, fire starter,  knife and other basic survival items could save your life. I simple slip and fall on a sandbar or dock can cause a cut or abrasion and with your kit you can address it right away. Just keep it small and waterproof. 

Repair Kit and Pump; If in an inflatable and by your self having a simple repair kit and small foot pump can get you back up and paddling in no time. 

Communication; Here is an issue that is very important. Everybody has a cellphone. Again, being alone 8, 10 miles up river something happens and you need assistance a cellphone or VHF handheld can get the help you need quick. Also, GPS to pinpoint your exact location. I use an app called MapMyFitness which works really great or I use google maps which I have used on occasion.

Paddle Plan; Pilots are required to log a fight plan, the same should be for a lone paddler. Having a paddle plan shared with a loved one or friend can get a rescue or even worse a search started way sooner than not making a Paddle Plan. This plan should include your docking location and time,  paddle time, distance plan if not returning to the launch point, estimated time to return. Aways call your plan holder when you arrive and when you get back to the launch point. Finally let them know when you're back on the road heading back home with an ETA. 

Weather Report; Check the weather forecast for your paddling venue a couple of days before your planned outing and also the day of your paddle date. Weather can change very fast, especially in Florida, lightning and winds are your enemy. Rain not so much, but it does make for not a fun paddle. You can always reschedule your paddle because of forecasted bad weather.  Way better than getting caught in a storm.

Proper Apparel; Don't paddle barefoot! Water shoes are not expensive and if you step into the water you can't see what you will be stepping on. Wearing the proper apparel for the conditions is important.

Dry Bag; A dry bag can keep all your belonging dry and in one place, especially your ID and cellphone.

Sunscreen and Repellant; When paddling you are exposed to all the elements. From hot sun to those pesky bugs. Just make sure you add sunscreen and bug repellant liberally before you launch. It will make for a more pleasurable paddle.

Hydration and Power Bars; This is a very important. You are expending energy with every stroke while paddling. Not to count the energy expended setting up at the launch. Replenishing protein and water will keep you fresh on water.

So, that about covers it. The most important part of paddling alone is practicing and employing common sense. Know your limits and don't push beyond them. You want to paddle tomorrow so be safe today.

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