You have probably put a lot of hours of thought into what type yak you need, what type rod and reel, even what type of line to use. It’s important to devote some of that pre-fishing thinking time to the clothing, PFD, and first aid kit you want to have with you.

It’s time to consider what risks you may encounter and how you are going to deal with them if one or even two happen to you. Let’s break them down into some manageable blocks.

Water Safety must be on Point

A PFD (Personal flotation device) and clothing. With the intimacy of a kayak to the water comes the risk of ending up in the water. Think about this before you go out.

How would it feel to be in -30 or 45-degree water in sweat pants and a sweatshirt? What alternatives do you have to wear not only for flotation, but also for prevention of hypothermia? It’s a real threat for a kayaker, even if you don’t end up in the water.

Water dripping off of yaks, subtle waves here and there over the sidewall all contributes to your getting wet. How will you get dry and how will you warm up again. Should you become wet, will the clothing you’re using insulate you or pull your body heat away from you.

Plan ahead, Waterproof clothing is a must for all. This coupled with a flotation system that will support your unconscious weight should an accident occur resulting in such.

Will you be in a heads up position that gives you a fighting chance in a worst-case scenario that you are ejected from your kayak?

The minimal PFD should be a Coast Guard approved type DI. The fit has to be proper so it can’t be pulled over your head. Put on the PFD and have someone try to pull it over your head. You’d be amazed how easily some of the type III’s come off. Straps cinched tightly and size appropriate vests can help prevent this. You might consider the type II if you’re not a strong water person.

Before going out get in the water and have someone help you testing out your system. Not only for dryness but ease of re-entry back into the kayak, pretend that you’re unconscious, face down, and see what your PFD does. Type m’s have a limited ability to turn an unconscious person face up.

If you’re wearing waders, be sure to secure the chest strap to minimize the water intake if you end up in it. Full waders make surviving a dunking not impossible, but much more difficult.

Puncture Wounds makes it even worse

Puncture wounds… the dreaded hook up. Probably the second greatest risk we kayaker’s share is the potential for self, or even fish, inflicted hook-ups. What are you going to do with 10 pounds of angry blue fish attached to your dominant hand by a 3/0 treble hook? What if you try to dislodge that snagged weighted hook and it flies back at you and catches you in the head? Be prepared.

It is highly recommended that you remove the barbs from your kayak fishing lures and obviously the fewer the hooks on the lure the better. Barbless hooks, especially ones where the barb has been ground off come out easily and cause minimal damage. If you use a barbed hook you should have a method of cutting a hook quickly while on the water.

Probably the best available tool is a lineman’s cutter. This will disengage the fish from the plug, and possibly the plug from the hand Once the fish is removed, or the lure removed, assess where the hook is anchored. Is it just a little fleshy spot? Or does it look like it’s got real meat. Don’t just push that hook through without thinking to yourself, could I make this worse? Could the hook be entangled in something important inside?

If there is copious bleeding, associated numbness, or near a sense organ like eyes/ears/mouth, you may want a skilled medical professional to take that out. Take out the gauze and tape, and secure the hook into a stable position and paddle in if possible or have someone take you in to shore for medical care

A missed day of fishing to repair a wound is better than the missed use of a nerve damaged finger or even worse. If the wound is only flesh deep and no hook remains, cleanse the wound as best you can, apply some antibiotic salve, and then cover well with a band-aid and dressing. Be sure to see your medical professional ASAP for a tetanus shot if you’re not up to date.

WARNING: PUNCTURE WOUNDS GET INFECTED VERY EASILY, Antibiotics may be required.

Don’t cut the hook at the curve of the barb that’s embedded itself in your skin. The barbed tip of a hook can migrate deep into your skin and require a much more complicated (surgical) removal. You can push through a covered point and barb and cut on the retrieved side.

What else can go wrong?

Be sure to cover your skin in just about any daylight situation. Clouds don’t stop U.V. rays. Nasty sunburn can ruin the next few days after a good trip. Not to mention increasing your risk for skin cancer.

A broad billed hat is good as well as high SPF sun lotion Light, long sleeved clothing in warm weather can be worn under your PFD. Usually insects are not a problem but should you encounter them having repellent can make a huge difference. You might have to hike through tall grass to get to that secret spot.

Ticks can be a serious problem. No one wants Lyme disease. Check for ticks; look especially at the edges of clothing and body creases. They’re small so be thorough. An insect spray applied with rubber gloves, to keep it off your hands, will help against any flying critters.

Jelly fish stings can and do happen. Some stinging’s are resolved with an application of heat to the wound and others may require some vinegar. Determine which jelly fish or stinging critters are predominating in your area and have some of the specific treatments on hand.

Conclusion

Your kayaks first aid kit…a doctor to go. You can’t carry everything so don’t try to. Good pliers, some clean water or normal saline is good to have for wound cleaning and to get the sand out of your eyes. Band-Aid’s, in several sizes, should be in a waterproof bag. Triple antibiotic cream is worth the investment.

If you are on medication, have medical problems, or have allergies, include a copy of your meds/problems on a card in the first aid kit. They can really help in a stressful situation. Some Tylenol or Advil, not expired, comes in handy too.

Be sure to have a small roll of tape, and a roll of gauze. That should do it. A little forethought, some minimal planning, and an eye to prevention could turn a minor problem to a major disaster into a salvageable fishing trip.

Now, that summer is officially here it’s a good time to indulge in some activities which can only done in this season. Things like swimming, boating, fishing are just a few such activities that you can enjoy in this warm season. But if you are looking to experiment this time, then we firmly suggest that you give kayak fishing a shot.

The Kayak is a narrow banana shaped boat used for transportation on water. It is popularly referred to as canoe in certain parts of the world.

Why Kayak Fishing is popular these days?

Kayak fishing has recently gained popularity for three major reasons.

Firstly it is an environment-friendly way of water transportation, secondly, because Kayak doesn’t have a loud whirring noise like motor boats which makes it easier to catch fishes and lastly Kayaking is a good exercise for the human body.

Well, if you have ever tried your hand at kayaking then you would know that it is no child’ play. Kayaking requires extensive core muscle strength, concentration, navigation skills and balance.

Kayaking can be an enjoyable activity only if you are clear with the basics and have a keen interest in paddle boarding. But as we all know Kayak fishing is done in the wild water and the great outdoors, one can never predict how the mood of the water be so one should always be prepared for all emergencies.

Top 5 Basic Safety Rules For Kayak Fishing

We have made a list of five imperative steps that you need to keep in mind before you pack up to go.

1. Do the Research

Well, thanks to technology life has become me so much more easier or all of us. We can map out the route before we hit the waters. With technology one can also predict the weather which is very essential. If there is an oncoming rain or windy day then we suggest that you skip you trip, instead choose a bright sunny day.

We strongly recommend that you plan ahead and do a complete, through research before you decide to go down on waters. Have the number of the nearest coast guard memorized in case you need help.

In fact we assure you that on the web you would also be able to find the spots where you can catch the maximum fishes. One thing to keep in mind while planning the fishing trip is time management. Fishing should always be done in daylight. So, get on the internet and start making your itinerary.

2. Aid Kit

Regardless, of the fact that if you are an ace experienced kayak paddler or a newbie in the field, one should always be prepared for whatever may be thrown your way.

Always have a life jacket handy in case the climate decides to play games with you. If you plan to regularly indulge in this activity then we suggest that you invest in a waterproof phone case and a good branded wet suit.

Have plenty of food stocked when you are making fishing trip planned for both the fish and yourself. A small first aid kit should always be handy. If by any chance you plan to fish during the night time inform the coast guard so that they can help you in case of any sort of emergency.

Other things that one should have are a flashlight, whistle, maps. Another pro tip always tie your paddles to your kayak. This way you will never be stuck in the boat with your paddle floating away in front of your eyes.

3. Get Company

This safety tip is extremely important for all the beginners. Even though fishing is an activity that people enjoy all by themselves as it gives a sense of calm and peace.

We would still suggest that you go in a group if not that at least a pair. By doing this not only do you enlarge your social circle but also in case of a calamity you have a helping hand and can rely on your partner.

In fact having a partner to fish one can even engage in a healthy fish catching contest. On reaching your destination you can pick up different spot and fish quietly in solitude if that’s what you wish to do.

4. Fishing Balance

People who fish regularly would know that when you are fishing and if luck seems to be on your side then you might just hook a big fat one. Now, after getting a fish hooked to your rod comes the tricky part that you need to be careful about.

As the kayak is a very narrow and the fish which you just hooked is not exactly dead it will for sure try to free away. With so much struggle going on your canoe is at a risk of toppling over. That is when you need to balance your weight against the weight of the fish you caught and reel it in carefully while the whole time keeping the Kayak steady.

One can only accomplish this with a lot of practice. Remember before you decide to go kayak fishing make sure that you know how to paddle board a kayak to perfection.

5. Visual Distress Signals (VDS)

This one is essential for all those people who love to fish after the sun sets. The VDS are devices that will help you give out a signal when you are stuck in case you are trapped in a middle of nowhere where your kayak whistle is not heard.

These devices are a combination of red flare or electric light. Much like the fireworks they give out an SOS signal.

The Bottom Line

So, the next time you plan to step out for a little adventure with your Kayak make sure to keep these five things in mind. Your trip is full of great memories and who knows maybe the big fish you caught on your trip could be a perfect meal as well. Happy Kayaking!

Fishing is an age-old activity which has been around for quite some time now. This activity dates back to the time of early man. Well over the centuries not only has fishing become one of the major activity for feeding purposes but it has even come up as a popular recreational activity. Many people have taken it as their hobby.

The eighteenth century was the time when the fish gear industry heavily commercialized and many sophisticated types of fishing rods became available to the public.

Somewhere along the way, the concept of taking up a boat to the middle of the water body to fish came up which too evolved over the years and gave birth, to Kayak Fishing.

This new way of fishing has, been around for a while but has only recently begun to get popular. The main reason why it is becoming a big hit is mainly that Kayaking is a great physical exercise for your body and is an eco-friendly way of water transportation.

We would strongly suggest that you give this activity a chance especially in this summer season. It is an excellent way to get some outdoor air in your system, and one also learns a new thing.

For those of you who are no strangers to the joy of Kayak fishing, we have made a list of accessories that you must carry on your next fishing trip for the ultimate comfort. This list will be beneficial to all the beginners as well as all the accessories mentioned in the list aim for a perfect trip.

1. Excellent Paddles and Clips

It is no surprise to know that the whole Kayaking trip is based on the paddles. While fishing one has to make sure that the paddles of the kayak are perfect. Choosing a perfect paddle is a different experience for everyone.

It depends on the body size and the arm strength of the person which vary in all individuals. Still, one should make sure that his or her paddles have a tendency to bend in the middle and are not rigid as it may pose issues for a smooth sailing. There are also paddles designed in a way which will help you paddle with just one hand and you can, keep the other busy with your fishing rod. One should get an expert’s opinion before buying kayaking paddles.

One should also invest in good paddles clips which secure the paddles when in use and they will not float away in the water. Additionally there also clips which have a special place designed to hold your fishing rod. That is a perfect example of killing one bird with two stones.

2. Rigging Accessories

These are those extra accessories which differentiate a normal kayak from a kayak used for fishing purposes. This one is a wide category. One is free to customize his kayak according to his or her particular needs. Few products which come in this category include rod holders, tank wells, storage units just to name a few.

One must purchase the rigging accessories depending upon his need. An essential thing is storage cooler as this is a great tool to carry food and drinks for your day also you can bring back the fish you caught back in this same storage system. This way your fishes will stay fresh and hygienic.

You would be surprised to know that due to technology advancements there are now systems which can help you set up your whole fishing setup. From the perfect rod angle to the navigation. Fishing has become much more than just a survival activity.

3. Kayak Fishing Seat

If you regularly do kayaking then you would know that it tends to give you back pains. Also a kayak boat doesn’t give the proper height required to dip the fishing rod.

To solve this problem you must buy a Kayak Fishing seat. This position can be adjusted according to your comfort, and one can also attach its paddles, so it is easier for you to move.

While choosing your seat make sure you give your comfort the top most priority as you will be spending a long amount of period on it. These seats need to be friendly with your back and we suggest the higher the better.

Also, remember the higher the place, the lesser chances of you getting wet. As for installing it you need not worry all these seats will fit in perfect and quickly to the four available eyelets on the base of your canoe.

4. Kayak Whistle and VDS

Safety is something that should always be taken seriously. These two are very essential accessories that will help you in case of any emergencies.

A Kayak whistle essentially is a way to signal with a loud and shrill noise when you are in danger. If that doesn’t work then one should have a VDS in handy. VDS stands Visual Distress Signals these work like small fireworks giving out red flared signals so you can be spotted from a distance as well. We highly suggest it if you are going fishing at night time.

5. Fish Gripper

This invention is a boon to all Kayak fishermen. A hook has become an old fashioned way to catch fishes. The worst part is the struggle that these water creatures put up which risk our Kayak toppling over in the water.

In fact, at times fishes even end up swallowing the hook. A fish grip is a device that clamps the lips of the fish shut so that it is easier for you to handle it and capture it.

The Final Words

Make sure to buy these super important accessories before your next kayaking fishing trip. You would be thanking us later.

Paddle boarding looks like a lot of fun, but you may be wondering if paddle boarding can be good exercise? Sure, it looks kind of laid back, so how much exercise benefit could paddle boarding really provide?

Paddle boarding offers so many health benefits that you won’t find with other types of exercises.

1. Paddle boarding is a full body work out

Your upper body is performing the dynamic movements of paddling with constant resistance. Your legs are performing the static exercise of keeping you stable on the board and adjusting to the variations of the water.

Your core is getting a killer workout with each stroke. You can’t get more all inclusive of each muscle group than paddle boarding. Get good enough on your board and you can even get into SUP(Standup Paddle Borading) yoga! Classes are popping up all over the country.

2. Paddle boarding is low impact exercise

As someone who has trouble with my knees when I run, I cannot even compare the difference it makes to do an exercise that is low impact on my knees and other joints. Low impact doesn’t mean low intensity, it just means you are not constantly jarring your body with striking impact exercises.

3. Paddle boarding is an endurance sport

Like any exercise, you have to build up your endurance. At first you may only be able to paddle board for a few minutes. Keep practicing and before you will know it, you will have miles on the water.

I use Garmin vívofit 2 activity tracker to track my paddle boarding sessions. It keeps track of my route via GPS, as well as my time, MPH, and the total calories burned. Go a little further each day and your endurance will improve greatly.

4. Paddle boarding can be high intensity or low intensity

Paddle boarding exercise to get a great cardio workout, simply increase the pace of your stroke. Also you can focus on form and endurance by doing a low intensity workout, with a slower stroke. You can really burn some calories while you doing a paddle board exercise session.

I need to drop some weight and improve my conditioning, so I am just getting back into my daily paddling workouts. So today, I paddled 2 miles in just under 40 minutes, and I burned 333 calories during my session.

This was not an extremely strenuous work out from an endurance or intensity perspective, and yet I burned a decent amount of calories. When I really go the distance or crank it into high gear, I will be burning even more calories!

5. Paddle boarding exercise doesn’t actually feel like exercise

Paddle boarding is an adventure. You get out in nature and focus on all the positive things in your life, and the stresses of life just seem to melt away.

At previous periods in my life, I would force myself to do exercise that I hated, because I knew I was supposed to exercise. During that time, I would have rather gotten a root canal than exercise, because I dreaded those sessions so much. Paddle boarding is completely different. I look forward to going out paddling each day.

6. Paddle boarding benefits your body and your soul

Paddle boarding is great exercise for the body, but it is a fantastic exercise for your soul! When you are paddle boarding, you are completely unplugged. No one can disturb you or interrupt your time on your SUP.

Paddle boarding recharges your mind and makes you feel refreshed. There is something about being out in nature that can reduce your stress levels, while the exercise releases the feel good endorphins. The end result is that this type of exercise leaves you invigorated, rather than decimated.

Wrapping Up

Paddle boarding for exercise is good for the body and great for the soul! I have spent years going to the gym. I have spent years trying to fall in love with running. I have tried to toughen up my hind quarters to really get into biking.

However, paddle boarding exercise is the only exercise I have ever done that really gives me a great work out, without leaving me nearly crippled! You don’t have to make the choice between cardio and lifting weights. You can get the same benefits of both by just paddle boarding.

Paddle boarding can easily be a lifelong sport! It can truly make you fall in love with working out again! There is no reason not to make paddle boarding your exercise of choice.