WHAT TO CARRY HANDY IN YOUR PFD
Don’t drown in a glass of water! Here I tell you what to carry handy in your kayak life vest or PFD (personal float device). And also what you don’t need. All these tips are based on everything I have experienced since 2006, when I started kayaking.
The vest is important for several reasons. But one of them is to keep what you need very handy. Or to carry things in a way that makes them difficult to lose. I’m going to tell you what things to carry in your vest because that can make the difference between a good scare and a satisfactory kayak trip.
LIST OF WHAT TO CARRY HANDY IN YOUR PFD
Here is a list of the essentials:
- KNIFE: It might seem exaggerated, but a small, sharp knife can be vital for cutting ropes, fishing lines, or any element that traps you in the water. It is rare to use it, but it is vital if you need it.
- MOBILE PHONE IN A WATERPROOF CASE: The phone is essential for calling for help in an emergency. Make sure the case is of quality and that the phone has enough battery.
- VHF RADIO: If you navigate at sea, a VHF radio will allow you to communicate with other nearby vessels and rescue services in case of need.
- WHISTLE: A powerful whistle will help you attract attention in case you need help from a fellow kayaker or people nearby.
- CYCLING GLOVES: Paddling is a risky activity for getting chafing on your hands. This is easier if you are a beginner. Cycling gloves can allow us to keep paddling.
- ENERGY BARS: Energy bars will provide you with a burst of energy in case you “hit the wall” in the middle of the journey. Change them from time to time.
- PILLS: Everyone should carry pills or medicines that they might need handy. For example, I carry pills for heartburn. And if I go with beginners, motion sickness pills. But you know yourself well and know what medicines you must take and cannot wait for a landing.
- THERMAL BLANKET: In case of accident or hypothermia, a thermal blanket will help you maintain body temperature. This accessory is cheap and effective.
- DUCT TAPE: A small roll of duct tape (American tape) can be useful for emergency repairs on your kayak or a companion’s.
- HANDKERCHIEFS (TISSUES/CLOTHS): They are useful for cleaning sunglasses, the camera, or simply wiping away sweat.
- DRY BAG: The way to carry your wallet, car key, and small items that you absolutely don’t want to lose. That way, important things won’t get wet.
HOW TO CARRY THINGS IN YOUR LIFE VEST
Now that you know what to carry, I’ll tell you how to place it in the PFD:
- SECURE EVERYTHING: Use a mini leash, rubber bands, or ropes to secure objects to the PFD and avoid losing them if a wave hits you. Or if it slips from your hand. The best way to attach the ropes to the vest is to use carabiners. That way we can release them easily in an emergency.
- CARRY ONLY WHAT IS NECESSARY, NOTHING MORE. If you carry too many things in the life vest, its volume and size increase. And thus, you lose agility and mobility.
- HAVE THE NECESSARY POCKETS: Make sure the vest has enough pockets and compartments to store all objects in an organized manner.
- CHECK EVERYTHING: Before going out, check that you are carrying everything necessary and that it is in good condition. For example, that the energy bars are edible.
- EMPTY THE POCKETS: I do not recommend leaving anything in the PFD pockets. Humidity spoils what you carry in your pockets. And rust and mold will appear on your gear.
THINGS WE CAN CARRY OPTIONALLY
Optional accessories that we can carry in the PFD depending on the time or situation are:
- Photo camera.
- GoPro camera.
- Sunscreen.
- Lip balm.
- Nautical glasses (Goggles/Sunglasses).
- Fishing elements.
- Flares.
- Radio beacon (EPIRB).
The list could be endless and very personal. But remember that the size of your pockets is finite. That’s why what doesn’t fit in the life vest can be placed elsewhere. For example, in the forward deck hatch. Or in a dry bag (secured) if we are talking about inflatable or open kayaks.
And you, what do you carry in your PFD? Tell me.