I have the book "Deep Trouble" by Sea Kayaker magazine, which is a collection of true stories of kayaking tragedies and near-misses. Most fall under the catagory of 3), kayakers caught in (or choosing to go out in) situations beyond their level of experience.

Kayak failure, as far as I know, is unheard of. I would be interested in hearing about some. Here on the Great Lakes, most obstacles that could pose a threat to a kayak hull are near shore, so even a sunk kayak is not a likely life-threatener (might I note that this is where G.R. paddles.) Cliffs are an exception -- you wouldn't want to be without a boat next to the Picture Rocks. We don't have much current or tides, so if you're close enough to shore and able to swim the distance, you're safe.

Am I getting negative in bring this up? This is, after all, the kayak building page...;-)

Dean

: I am going to go out on a limb here, in hopes of turning this discussion of
: kayak safety into a positive discussion.

: Here is my top 5 list of reasons people are injured (or worse) when kayaking.
: Its my opinion only, based on casual observation and reporting of
: accidents. I'd love to hear others opinions, and if anyone actually has
: statistics, that would be great.

: 1. The failure to wear a personal flotation device.

: 2. The failure to wear head protection.

: 3. Lack of experience in severe water/weather conditions.

: 4. Collision with powered watercraft.

: 5. Influence of drugs/alcohol.

: Any thoughts? Am I even close to being right?