Kayak Safety Gear
When it comes to kayak safety, here are 4 items that could save your butt on the water.
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by courtesy
photo by courtesy
by courtesy
by courtesy
[bail]
Harmony High Volume Bilge Pump
Climb back in a swamped kayak and there’ll be water in your cockpit. Squirt out a gallon in just nine strokes by submerging the barrel, pointing the exit port over the cockpit rim and pumping away. At 16 inches long, store it under your deck rigging for easy access. The hard part: convincing your kids it’s not a toy. $27; 12.7 oz.; harmonygear.com
[stabilize]
NRS Paddle Float
Employ stabilizing outrigger power when climbing back in your boat by slipping this paddle float onto one blade, stuffing the other under your deck rigging, and re-entering your kayak. The pocket slides over the blade and buckles onto the shaft, while its two-chamber design–inflated by breathing into twist valves–provides back-up. “It’s simple to use and makes climbing back in way easier,” says one tester. $50; 12.8 oz.; nrs.com
[tow]
North Water Sea Tec Kayak Tow Line
If you need to tow someone or something to shore, this waist-mounted, quick-release tow line weighs just over a pound yet unrolls to deploy 30 feet of ¼-inch braided floating polypropylene rope, complete with stainless steel carabiner for attachment and integrated shock cord for cushioning sudden jerks. $123; northwater.com
[get heard]
NRS Hot Shot Signal Mirror/Whistle Combo
Assuring you can be seen and heard, this 1.8-ounce package lets you aim a mirror-reflected light beam at your target; simply hold the back of the mirror to one eye and look through the inner hole to aim the red spot at your target. Bonus: A dual-tone (two sounds catch more attention than one) whistle attaches to the mirror with a bright yellow, floatable lanyard. $13; nrs.com
