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Stupid Outta Hurt Whether you're paddling a 10' kayak or an 18' canoe, safety on the water should always be a primary concern. Here's the deal - a little screw-up can quickly become a life-and-death situation. Cold water, an inability to phone for help and the time involved in activating water rescue teams all work against you. If you're not wearing a PFD, you're definately out to prove Darwin right. The good news is with the right safety gear a little screw-up never becomes more than a laugh with friends over beer and pizza that night. We strongly recommend everyone (yes, even those of you with 10' boats) take a safety class. Knowing what to do in an emergency is critical. Also, when the water warms-up, practice tipping your boat so you know you can make a wet re-entry. We like to do this when the water is warm to alleviate much of the anxiety and discomfort of being wet. Stop in either of our stores for a waterproof safety checklist to keep with your boat and a Northwater SCO (Safety Comfort Organization) DVD which illustrates the proper use of safety equipment.
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A THROW BAG is a bag filled with floating rope that can be tossed to a paddler in the water. It allows you to pull a distressed paddler to your boat where you can provide assistance. The rope in the throw bag can also be used to tie boats on shore, hang a tarp and for many other in-camp chores.
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A PADDLE FLOAT is used to assist a paddler in a "wet re-entry". This is when you fall out-of your boat a need to get back into the boat in deep water. The float can either be inflatable or a solid foam, but in either case works as an outrigger to stabilize your boat while you crawl back up on it. See the Northwater DVD for its proper use.
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A BILGE PUMP allows you to remove unwanted water from your boat. A good pump for kayaking or canoeing will have a float collar to prevent it from sinking, be long enough to spit water from the bottom of the boat over the edge without a hose and be compact. A bilge pump is essential if you get hit by a wave, tip over, don't time your suft landing properly, or need to squirt a buddy on a hot day.
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A WHISTLE is an essential piece of safety gear that should always be attached to your PFD. It increases your chance of being heard in high winds. You'll want a "pealess" whistle that will work even when wet. For longer or more open water excursions, consider a mouth horn (as loud as an air horn) that's as easy to use as a whistle but can be heard over a greater distance.
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A LIGHT on your PFD and one on your boat makes you visible in low light conditions (dusk, dawn, night and threatening weather). The light should be visible from all directions, bright enough to be seen at a distance and waterproof. Leave the light on your PFD at all times and you'll be sure to have it when you need it.
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REFLECTIVE deck lines, reflective deck line covers and reflective stickers on your boat and paddle greatly enhance the chance of being seen on the water. Remember, you are at water level, any chance to be more visible reduces the risk of being hit by a bigger boat and increase the chance of being found if the worst case scenerio occurs.
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A PFD (Personal Floatation Device) is often the only thing between you and disaster. Whenever you're on the water, wear it. It's the law. It's smart. What more can we say? Check out our page ABCs of PFDs.
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A TOWLINE is a valuable tool to have when paddling with children and paddlers who may need a little help making it to the final destination. It is a rope that allows a strong paddler to assist one who is struggling, It should never be used without proper instruction.
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You can pump all you want, but in the end a BAILING SPONGE gets the last of the water out of your boat. Sponging out your boat at the end of a trip (water and sand) helps keep footbraces in working order and inhibits the growth of unwanted organisms. A sponge is also useful for getting sand off the boat before loading on your car.
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A STIRRUP is used as an asistance device to re-enter the kayak after a wet-exit. It is a loop that hangs into the water and acts as a step so you can pull yourself back into the boat.
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A PADDLE LEASH tethers your paddle to the boat deck. This frees your hands so you can take pictures, get a drink or help another paddler. We are not big fans of using the paddle leash 24/7 because it is something to get tangled in if you capsize. However, it can be useful tucked on the deck and deployed when you need hands-free.
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