Just joined the group
Steve. In SC for sure and what I practice in Florida is that you must have a life jacket and signaling device on board. Most the paddling I do in Florida, you can stand up if you tip. I never wear my jacket. That messes up the tan. I keep it behind my seat. I have a signal mirror and a whistle in the jacket pocket. Paddling in back country most of the time, so never been stopped.
Steve, here are the Florida requirements for kayaks. In addition to the life jacket, which must be at least stowed, if not worn, you must have signaling devices. I see I have been in violation of the night time VDS. Guess I need to throw a good waterproof flashlight in my jacket pocket.
Visual Distress Signal
Required on the high sea and coastal waters only
Must carry visual distress signals for nighttime use.
NOTE: Coastal waters means the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and all bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, inlets, etc. where any entrance is over 2 miles wide to the first point where the distance between shorelines narrows to 2 miles.
Sound-producing Device
Bell, horn, whistle etc.
Every vessel less than 12 meters (39.4 ft.) in length must carry an efficient sound-producing device. The sound-producing device need not meet any particular specifications, as long as the vessel can produce signals required by the navigational rules.
My wife once got intercepted for not wearing a life jacket (just her bikini - she's no nudist) but was let off with a warning. It's always strapped to the kayak. I try to keep to the shallower areas away from the boats altogether, as without my glasses it can be hard to see who's who. Fishermen in their boats are obvious if they are stationary, of course. Naturally I am trying to not ruin an all-over tan in an otherwise textile environment! :-D
Victoria, Australia. Yet to take the kayak further afield. My location is in my bio, but I guess for the US, in some areas you're more likely to live near a state border. Most Australian population centres are away from state borders.
Greetings all Canudist Enthusiasts
Have just joined the group as well. I live in South Africa, on the shores of the Indian Ocean, which has a great climate, even in the winter months, it is possible to go to the beach for a swim in the sea, or to the Kabeljauws Lagoon, my favourite playground. It is pristine, and on the other side, is a wonderful Nature hiking trail, which is a looped trail, and is backed by quite an extensive dune field.
Have just purchased a second-hand/almost new Kayak. Paddling up towards the source of the Lagoon, I spend the day there, being virtually isolated, make a small fire, drink coffee, and eat sandwiches .....
Paddling really works the upper body! Had no idea how actually strenuous it could be, sometimes having to paddle against the wind, so ....calm windless days are essential, of course.
There doesn't seem to be any rules of course, but I guess a life-jacket is essential. I am a good swimmer, and paddle quite close to the shore-line, so don't feel the need for a life-jacket, it actually interrupts the harmony of being totally naked, while Canuding.
Here is a photo of my newly acquired purchase - excited!
Mike.
dunewalker says"Greetings all Canudist EnthusiastsHave just joined the group as well. I live in South Africa, on the shores of the Indian Ocean, which has a great climate, even in the winter months."
Great to hear from you Mike. Sounds great to be paddling where you do!
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