Open Discussion on the use of Life Jackets (PFD)

[perukite]

tottally agree, I was referring more to getting away from shore at a place like - exploring some new beach up at Pt. Reyes or on the North Coast. If I was throwing tricks 50 yards from shore with a ton of people around - putting on a lifejacket wouldn't really be my priority.

[TheMoniker]

the PLB was sort of expensive- it set me back about 400 bucks. The reason I went for this instead of a cheaper radio is because I'm deaf, and what good would a radio do me if I can't hear the other guy?

[lieutenantglorp]

anyone have some recommendations for gear that works well? PFD's they like? radio's that don't cost arm and leg?

this post is great and all but its kind of useless unless we get some detailed info about what people have tried and liked / didn't like. if there are some good options out there that have been tested give us the details.

http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php? ... &hilit=pfd

[adamrod]

i used to wear a kayaking life jacket about 5 years ago . . .It worked just fine with a seat harness. ever since breaking the ribs, I've considered wearing an impact vest, but I've found that it just restricts my motion too much.

in my mind, all the life jackets and impact vests out there are still too bulky. the difference is when you start doing more advanced tricks, you need all the flexibility you can get. but then again, once you're doing those tricks, you tend to only try them close to shore.

A life jacket does make sense if you're doing a several mile crossing or something like that.

I'd love an impact vest that's super thin (maybe 1/2" thick?) but provides just a little bit of padding . . .but of course that's definitely not a pfd.

[Greg]

My PFD is INFLATABLE its a big water-wing. Thing is, its VERY low profile, hence, I actually use it. An impact vest could have the inflatable section built in, this way you might get real floation if you need it out of a low-bulk vest.

Also the BEST for the bay is a simple water-proof bag for your cell phone. You talk through the bag, this is good for better sound in high winds!! The kind of phone that works best is a flat phone, not flip! This way you call the C.G. direct or call home instead.. These bags can be found at West Marine or other sports shops I'd imagine. I carry both phone and radio, when I'm serous.
Greg

[kitenaked]

Last year in the spring at Sherman ...I don't know what happened, but likely sent the kite back the opposite direction. Last thing I remember was seeing in slow motion the water coming at me really fast. Next thing I know I am in the water with the chop from the ebb. Couldn't breath from hitting the water so f&^$$%ing hard for what seemed like eternity. What saved my ass was that the kite fortunately still flying and I was able to keep it holding me above water. Was hurting pretty bad and unable to breath.

If the kite would have fell in the water, I don't think it would have turned out so well.

I am guessing I looped the kite which resulted in the smack down...?

[kjl]

What kind of pack do you guys use to carry swim fins and other safety equipment? I was thinking of carrying fins as I am a weak swimmer and am starting to venture much further out from shore.

I was thinking of just using an old snowboarding pack but there are so many extra clips and loops and other unnecessary gizmos hanging off of it ready to tangle lines.

[glenn]

I am a weak swimmer and am starting to venture much further out from shore.

Well, I would recommend improving that before next season. Hit the YMCA after the wind begins to die off and work hard all winter to improve your swimming.

From personal experience - I had to swim in about 1.5 miles after completely loosing my kite (not smart but it happened). The sun was going down as the kite blew away so most of the swim in was in the dark. The Bay can be very lonely after dark when you're swimming.

[Tony Soprano]

Kiting at Crissy, if you get in trouble: you need flotation, hydration and warmth, being a strong swimmer is not going to save you out there up at the mouth of the bay. Your buddies could be in sight, kiting all around you and not see you in trouble. It could be over an hour possibly before the coast found you if they were even looking for you. A Radio is crazy not to take with you.

At Sherman, a life jacket could save your life too, caught in the water hyacinth plants in the lake or just plain tired far out in an ebb.

[zgur]

.....don't forget your juice box to help ease the tension as you wait for the coat guard to come get you......

Just kidding......

But seriously folks,don't put yourself in situations where others need to "help you" to get back to shore. Be a grown up and assumer responsibility for your reality......

Get some, Z.