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Capsize and PFD’s:
The threat of capsizing your kayak (Or ski for that matter) is heightened on days of inclement weather, as conditions change so does the risk. Once in the water you could be separated from your kayak, often your only means of safety. Always wear your PFD at all times, never risk trying to attempt to put one on after capsize. Plan coping with on water emergencies (Such as capsizing and separation), this will keep you calmer and suppress a panic like state that can incapacitate certain individuals.
Stay on the upstream side of your craft; never put yourself between your kayak and the shore. The power of waves coupled with a kayaks weight could easily render you unconscious if a collision occurs. If fishing in a group be aware you may have to render assistance, access individuals skills prior to departure and only leave the safety of your kayak if it improves a recovery situation. In my opinion a PFD is the number one key safety item you should employ, in most states and territories its mandatory requirement (Check your states rules and regulations).
Recent studies have shown that by wearing a PFD your chance of survival would double compared to those who weren't wearing one. Please note that some states have applied time limits to accepting older existing PFDs based on when they were manufactured. If you have an existing PFD made to the old standards, it is important that you check with your local marine safety authority to find out if it is still accepted. Try the personal floatation device on in the shop before you buy. Choose the appropriate weight and size range. It should be snug without confining or riding up. Choose one that is made in bright colours with reflective tape to improve visibility. Always read and service your jacket according to the manufacturer's instructions. Inspect belts, buckles and straps are in good and working order. Please contact your local marine safety authority for further details on PFD laws in your state.
Safety and Ability:
Apart from equipping yourself with appropriate gear, the rudiments of staying safe while kayak fishing come down to using common sense and the ability to judge any scenario. If planning for a trip on unknown waters be sure to obtain as much information as possible beforehand. Even areas where you frequent often can change quite quickly into conditions not usually encountered (Such as storms and high winds). Inform friends and relatives of your plans and register/contact a rescue organisation (Such as Marine Rescue/Coast Guard), informing them of your departure and return times. Before embarking on your trip make sure all bungs and hatches are closed securely from water ingress.
Stow loose items appropriately above and below deck line. Inspect your safety gear regularly by checking your equipment for damage and wear, incorporate it into a routine when packing gear for your trip. Every kayak has a load rating, which when exceeded can compromise primary and secondary stability. Never exceed the recommended load rating, if unsure check manufacturers website. Conditions on all of Australia's lakes, estuaries and oceans fluctuate. Deaths by drowning occur frequently on both inland and coastal waters and users of a kayak on open or closed waters have some degree of confident, swimming skills. You must have the knowledge to comprehend the use of your equipment and your own physical ability, off and on the water.
Wind and Waves:
Wind speed and direction should always be of concern; changes in its velocity will make any kayak difficult to control. Not only will it slow your paddling/pedalling speed it also adds additional risks, such as capsizing, fatigue and drift distance. Check weather conditions and keep abreast on distance and access points on the shoreline. Always maintain a distance from the shoreline that you can cover if severe wind occurs. Combined wind strength and waves will make tracking/holding your kayak in a safe position increasingly difficult. As a general rule of thumb the lighter your kayak the more easily it will be blown around. If possible always keep your kayak facing head on into choppy conditions; never allow your kayak to be positioned side on to deteriorating conditions.
In coastal paddling/pedalling scenarios the waves you encounter could be larger than you anticipated, especially during periods of tidal change. Wave and swell height are so erratic that they can be difficult to monitor from a seated position. The additional force of wind against a tidal flow increases the risk of capsizing tenfold, which can be difficult to avoid. Waves can create tracking and control problems and broaching is a possibility if they are approaching from the side or from the stern. Confused seas can occur around areas containing rocks or reef (Such as headlands).
Always pay attention to water direction, estuaries and rivers should be treated with the same deal of respect the open ocean is. Headlands, rock bars, even oyster racks can also rapidly increase tidal flow. Freshwater impoundments are particularly hazardous when exposed to wind. Associated surface chop can quickly form breaking waves with little space between undulations (Similar to rapid swell). Immersions in cold water can onset serious health complications, like hypothermia, cold shock, brain damage and death.
The effects of cold water immersion will affect your ability to make even the simplest of decisions and should capsize occur, reduce your survival rate. Combine these facts with fatigue and dehydration symptoms and you could find yourself in real trouble. Be prepared; wear a lifejacket and lightweight warm clothing (Never wear cotton). Hypothermia is a leading cause of death during outdoor activities. It can be brought on by general weather and exposure to the elements. If capsize occurs remove yourself from the water as quickly as possible, seek land or remount your kayak if possible. Never spend more than two minutes attempting to remount your kayak in cold water if alternative self rescue options are viable.
Tides and Surf:
When visiting new areas for the first time take do some research beforehand. Study tide charts (Available from local tackle stores) and note high and low periods and if in doubt ask about local conditions (Such as hazards and current strength). Paddling against a tidal flow can cause your body to fatigue but can be avoided by planning your paddle according to tides. Some tides tend to rip in and out of the middle of a system, to avoid exhaustion stick close to the shoreline in shallower water. Bear in mind though that when a currents direction changes with tidal flow, shallow water scenarios like sandbars can create tidal rips (Such as a rivers bar).
Unless you are an experienced paddler, surf conditions should be avoided. Surf launches and landings can cause you serious injury if not performed correctly. Loss of fishing gear is one thing, having your kayak become projectile and injuring you is another. Look for smaller surf away from swimmers, often found around areas protected by swell (Such as headlands). These areas are ideal places to practice your surf skills but be aware of underwater obstacles like rocks, seaweed patches and foam and changes in water colour (Typical Indicators of shallow water). Move through and out of the surf line as quickly as possible, low tide periods will increase wave height and dumping waves can occur.
If you capsize in a surf zone never place yourself in a position between your kayak and the shore. Stow all loose gear below deck to avoid loss and personal injury. Never leash anything to the kayak or yourself in surf conditions (Including tethering kayak). Items such as paddles and fishing rods should be leashed once out past the breaking waves. Grouping and Visibility: Try and employ a buddy system by fishing with others, being open and honest about your own and the group’s abilities. It is safer to kayak with at least one other person, and to tell someone where you will be going and when you expect to return. If in doubt of your capacity to handle conditions let it be known, otherwise you could be unknowingly lead into troubled waters .
Ultimately you are responsible for your own safety but heading out solo is far more dangerous than fishing with a group (fewer eyes on the water). Stay within basic communicating range and discuss items such as emergency meeting points prior to departure. Some kayak anglers have been fishing for years but only venture out in calm water scenarios (Making them rough water novices). A group consisting of three or more anglers is optimal, this way if problems arise a number of group members can seek help while one stays to maintain vigil over the incapacitated angler (On shore).
Whilst using a kayak you’re sitting below many other waterway users’ horizon line. At this height without proper visibility aids other waterway users may not see you (Powered craft, boats, yachts etc). Start by ensuring your PFD and paddle have reflective tape applied, wear suitably bright clothing and use a flag in choppy, high swell conditions. If venturing out during periods of low light carry and use an all-round white light, mounted in such a way that its easily visible to other watercraft (Including kayaks). On busy waterways it pays to make yourself as highly visible as possible by outfitting yourself with bright colours.
Apart from clothing choice and reflective options the most visible way of communicating impending distress to other water users is by waving your paddle blade. Bright coloured blades waved high above your head should achieve eye contact, communicating distress and/or possible collision. If in doubt always give way to larger craft, especially in periods of swell.
Clothing and UV Exposure:
Clothing is to be of a material and design that give adequate protection from the weather conditions that are expected during the activity. No amount of clothing will insulate well when wet and as such you should always carry additional garments. Suitable clothing can be made up from the following, neoprene, thermal underwear's, synthetic fleeces, Lycra® and synthetics. Avoid cotton material at all cost, cotton fails to insulate once wet and can chill you to the bone.
All clothing, when possible, should have a UPF rating of no less than 15+, and a UVR Blocked percentage of minimum 93.3%. Clothing that is sensibly designed for maximum sun protection reduces UVR exposure. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPV) rating on a garment shows just how well a fabric can protect your skin from UVR. Protection from UV radiation is an important step towards decreasing the risk of skin cancer. Check the label for the garment rating before donning. Heat stress due to overexposure to sunlight can lead to sunburn and irreparable skin damage.
Symptoms include vomiting, excessive sweating and a loss of consciousness. Disorientation can occur, along with shortness of breath, dry skin or other signs similar to dehydration. It pays to be 'Sun Smart’ so protect your skin from harmful UV rays by always wearing a hat, suitable clothing and Australian Standard approved sunglasses. Sunscreen with a SPF factor of 30+ will protect areas that remain exposed, reapply regularly every two hours. Dehydration often occurs on open waters, where shade is at a bare minimum.
Some early symptoms include insatiable thirst, loss of appetite, dry skin, discolored urine, fatigue and body chills. Getting dehydrated is easily avoided by consuming plenty of water and sports drinks containing electrolytes (Such as Powerade/Gatorade). Avoid caffeine based drinks (Such as Red Bull) as the effects of carbonation on the body can contribute to the onset of dehydration.
Conclusion:
Fishing from a kayak not only provides participants a chance to wet a line but also to seek adventure exploring local waterways. While the fishing aspect may contain facets of skill kayaking itself contains physical exercise from relaxing to strenuous. Kayaking is a great pastime however one could easily find themselves in a situation that someone with a decent amount of kayaking experience would desperately avoid. Beginners need to choose appropriate water and weather conditions while gaining experience and refining paddling techniques.
Kayaks are more than adequate watercraft but learning to use one safely is perhaps too easy. Kayak fishing is a safe form of recreation but only if participants learn basic skills and understand the potential hazards. The ability to understand and read conditions like weather changes should be a fundamental requirement for beginners, as it's a paramount skill for the experienced. Be sure your experience matches water and weather conditions, beginners should never venture out alone unless conditions are favourable.
Learn to judge the levels of potential danger; Incidents can occur due to a lack of experience which can include separation from vessel, hypothermia, dehydration and of course drowning. An accident on the water usually involves a third party where as an incident is something that can, with experience typically be avoided. Rather than throw yourself in the deep end try gaining experience in calm, closed water conditions. The experience you gain in these safer scenarios will not only improve your paddling skills, but also will improve your judgment.
Kayaks are easy and fun to use but all water sports involve a risk. Typical boating experience applies such as water safety rules and procedures but anglers new to kayak fishing may need to seek additional information from boating, marine or water sports organisations.
