Bicycle and Kayak along Island Shores
San Juan Islands
See Whales & Eagles
www.crystalseas.com/BikeKayak

Self Test: Recreational Kayaking

New Topic

Printer Friendly Version

  Safety Recreational Kayak vs Touring?
  Posted by: old_user on Jul-31-10 10:16 AM (EST) 

Self Test for Kayaking Safety - Recreational Kayaks.
Question, please: Why is recreational kayak difficult to rescue?

You wrote: "They are extremely difficult to empty and re-enter from the water, even by very experienced rescuers. A deep water rescue of a recreational kayak even by a skilled sea kayaker can land everyone in the water."

As a newcomer shopping for a basic kayak, I'm indeed concerned over the points you make about being prepared for being swamped too far offshore to swim or drag the boat. In "the market" there seems to be no clear distinction between recreation and touring kayak, the features seem to overlap. Assuming we are only discussing sit inside kayaks, what are the features I should look for that help in the "deep water rescue" and avoid the scenario you've described? (Bulkheads with separate cargo/floatation spaces?)

Thank you very much, TechKnot