: long may you run (each of you and everyone)
: !RUSS

Good advice! I concur.

A couple additions to my post.

I choose my VHF radio because it was compact (fits in PFD pocket) is waterproof and also can use AA batteries when the nicad runs out. On my last trip I was monitoring channel 16 waiting for contact from friends joining our party. I was at the same time talking to a attractive woman who joined our trip.

DAAH! I forgot my radio on the hill and left it on all night. Of course the battery was dead. I was mighty glad I had the AA battery back up.

After reading many accident reports where the search runs into the night I've applied large patches of reflective tape to the front and back of my PFD. I'm surprised the Coast Guard hasn't made this a requirement.

Great safety article in the current July issue of Atlantic Coastal Kayaker magazine on page 15, "Manage Risk the NOLS Way". I had most of this covered on my last trip but wished I'd seen the "Pod Structure" section. We had a big group of 14 paddlers and this would have made travel safer.

Is there a good safety book out there for sea kayakers? I've seen a lot of self rescue techniques at kayak symposiums and wish I had a reference for them.

I have a dry bag in my cockpit with my emergency safety gear, flare, smoke, die markers, hey a space blanket and other stuff. I have my cockpit outfitted snugly for rolling so I don't know how you have a rescue bag attached to yourself Russ that's not in the way.

Russ, can you give us details on what you carry in your little personal rescue bag? How do you carry it so it's not in the way?

I learned from whitewater boating NEVER let go you boat or paddle if you swim. Whitewater boaters don't want things like tethered paddles because you could get tangled in them. This is not so much of an issue in sea kayaking but old habits die hard so I don't like to be attached to anything.

To my mind the weakest link in the whole equation is judgment. Don't put yourself in harms way in the first place.

Many people do not have the experience to accurately make an assessment of the risk factors involved in going out into the marine environment. There are so many factors to consider, like weather, wind, waves, and water temperature, time of day, fatigue level to name a few. We are accustomed to doing what we want when we want to do it and this can be a big problem in the marine environment if you have your mind set on a destination when conditions suggest a delay or new plan.

Fear is a good thing. Listen to what it's telling you.

Think twice, paddle safe.

Rob