Watercraft survival kits.

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

I just bought a little 10' Kayak and a 16' canoe and tomorrow may get the canoe out on the water. It's been almost 10 years since I paddled a canoe or kayak, I earned a fair bit of experience through the years but don't "know" what I am doing. We are going to take it easy near shore for the first while. I bought 3 different paddles of different lengths and blade shapes to play with, and 2 kids paddles (2 and 5 year old) that I plan on tying to the boat.

I was just wondering what gear is used in the survival kits in your boats? I am starting to put some things together to have on board. So far I have (all will have bail/rope/whistle/headlight, blue tarps, all in a drysack)

Kayak: "Colt" hatchet/knife combo- not the best quality but is stainless and will get the job done making fire if needed (pocket filled with ~30' each hemp/nylon rope and yellow flagging tape, ferro rod with hacksaw scraper), SAK OHT (is high quality) with aa Maglight (was given them together on a sheath as a set) a couple of hand warmer packs. My wife will be the primary user of this so I have to downsize from what I would want so she is comfortable with the size of the items).

Canoe: Mid sized Wetterlings axe (maybe Estwing), Survival Bivy, small pot with quinoa/tea/granola bar, I'll add various rope, extra gloves/socks, fire starter kit. Not sure what knife goes in it- probably Mora Triflex for now.


At this point all I am looking for is if a day trip on a lake meets bad weather and we have to put to shore for a while/over night, or if something bad happens to the boat and we have to put to shore. We both put fire starter kits and a Gerber River Shorty with us on our PFD's (just bought them yesterday). I hope to add a water filter right away- but we will always have some water with us for unexpected stops.

Bug Dope? Sunscreen? Chapstick? Pocket Flares (local place was out last time I went to get any). Thinking too much beyond basics because I always have survival stuff in my pockets anyways?

Any and all experience is appreciated, it has been a while and I'm in charge this time. Thank you.

 

[gadgetgeek]

look into the bug-dope, and sunscreen toweletts, I've had fairly good luck with longevity on them, and no worry about the bottle spilling. I think you have a pretty good setup there, pretty much what my Dad carried in our canoe back when we used it. one thought on the bailer, lots of people have the water-proof can that doubles as a bailer, but to use it you need to unpack all your survival stuff. a cut open milk jug works better, and because it flexes, it can really get into the bottom. I know a guy who also carries a sponge, just to get rid of those inconvenient dribbles in the bottom of the boat. Also means that the bailer is out and available at all times.
a good skill to have, and practice on hot days is intentionally swamp your canoe, get in, get out, and "T" rescue the canoe or kayak, especially to get the kids used to dumping. I can't swim, hate swimming, and will be the first to grab a life jacket, but my Dad taught me early on what it feels like when a canoe goes over, so I know how to react, and get clear, not try to hang on and end up underneath. makes a "oops" situation into a "silly dad" instead of a "I hate you this isn't fun any more" if you catch my meaning.

 

[kgd]

Sounds well thought out. For than canoe, you can buy these cheap mountable LED lights and they are handy to stick on the side near the center for catfish fishing. The light in the center of the canoe illuminates your gear and gives you a constant lighted area to unhook fish, fiddle with bait ect without having to direct your headlamp. Anyhow, I carry a headlamp as well, but these little stick-on leds are cheap and handy.

Did not notice a compass in your pack list. Good to have as well as a heavier gage map holder for your charts/topos. For footwear, the best things I have ever used are full sole scuba booties. These things let you get out of the water in sharp rocks with confidence and your feet stay toasty warm even in wet conditions.

I find a thicker brand grabbit-type emergency blanket more flexible for different situations than an emergency bivvi but that is a personal choice.

 

[Codger_64]

Cool! I can't count the times I have run into the unexpected on a canoe trip. So you are right, it is best to expect the unexpected.

First off, outfit the boats. I can't speak specifically to kayaks, but I can for canoes. For transport and for handling around obsticles on the water, I always attach painter lines. These are twin ropes on each end that are long enough to secure the boat to the front and rear of the vehicle when cartopping, regardless of the rack type and how the canoe is strapped to the rack. I use what I call "wench knots" (probably have a real name though) that allow me to wench the lines down tight after mounting the canoe, and again along the road if they stretch and vibrate in the wind. These lines also help when on the water if you need to line the canoe around downed trees, over a beaver dam, etc., and give you a good way to secure your boat at a campsite. They should be kept coiled and secured on the decks to prevent entrapment danger in an overturn. A cheap woven bungee works well.

A spare paddle is next. For solo or tandem, I always carry a spare lashed to thwarts and within reach of my seat. When you need your spare, you generally need it NOW!

I keep most of my incidentals in a waterproof box also lashed to the thwart in front of me. The neoprene gasket keeps water out in case of foul weather, paddle splash or an upset. Bug dope, coreless toilet paper, sunscreen, FAK, wallet, keys, cell, flashlight, maps etc. all go inside. I usually mount a boater's compass to the lid where I can see it without having to dig it out. It can be secured with bungees and also gives a place to temporarily stow a waterproofed map (treat your own with waterproofing, buy them laminated, or get a boater's map pouch).

As for emergency shelter, a bivy might work for one, but a decent tarp can protect you, your gear and your passengers. You can use paddles for poles, wrap it over the overturned or upended canoe (one end in the crotch of a tree), or suspend it from trees entirely, as suits your needs. Having been caught on the water with no shelter, a beached, overturned canoe alone works, but gets pretty crowded for more than one person. And can be clusterphobic for one if rain sticks around for any length of time. Don't want to buy a dedicated high dollar tarp? Look for a tent at yard sales and goodwill and use the rainfly. They usually come with guylines and at least some stakes.

PFDs? Wear them. Hot, uncomfortable, bulky... whatever. Wear them. Rocky moving water? Consider getting whitewater helmets. They aren't expensive and can be real life savers. Watch some youtube vids on paddle strokes. Good technique can save you a lot of wasted effort. Open water self-rescue vids are there too. Whitewater rescue is much more involved, but many State and local canoe clubs offer courses.

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

I am a jerk- I read the first 2 posts and then thought I responded, I apologize.

Thanks for all of the replies- I will take them to heart. I had already put away a couple of milk jugs for bailing so I felt smart when that was suggested! Is there anything against drybags vs waterproof box, with water sensitive items being further waterproofed in the drybag?

We are going to focus on lakes this and probably next year as we are just getting into watersports again. PFD's are not a worry as they are not an option to go without, plus we just got the best we could find for our purposes so the discomfort will be lessened- they sure are nicer than what I grew up with!!! Compass forgotten to list but was in the bag. Bivy and tarp will go together- tarps are too versatile to go without. Good thoughts on the LED's- we have dollar store glowsticks in the survival kits but can add to them. We bought a variety of paddles to use and to make sure we always have at least one extra (the kids paddles can be pressed into service as well if need be).

Thanks all- hopefully the weather cooperates and we can get out this weekend, everything is ready for us!

I never knew about the painter lines- thank you!

 

[Codger_64]

Sounds like you are getting it all squared away! I also carry a throw rope in it's special bag for rescue work and towing. They don't cost much and take up little space.

Dry bags? I would use them. It doesn't take much rain or paddle splash to soak through even a water repellant pack. Stepping in and out of the boats adds some bilge water too.

Rather than jugs, I use a giant sponge with a paracord poked thru it as a teather. Some use a hand held bilge pump.

LEDs, glowsticks will work as beacons, but a good nautical beacon is cheap and can be handy should you get caught on the water in the dark or in distress. The strobe can summon help from a good distance or warn off powercraft.

Enjoy your weekend!

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

Got the canoe out yesterday. Would not win any races, and I turn about as good as a bullet, but it is a start. Nobody fell in, paddle dropped only twice, and nobody argued (something that couldn't be said on our honeymoon when we tried a 2 person "kayak" in Mexico). Both kids paddled, and everybody began to relax. We stayed out for about an hour, and were especially impressed that Nik didn't try and walk out of the boat when he had enough! Thanks for the advice, more water to come for us!

 

[ROCK6]

I plan to get more invovled in kayak camping. I'm enjoying them on our small pond (12 acres), but we want to try a couple of over-nighters either on a river or larger lake. Dry bags are a good idea, especially a change of clothes. I grew up canoeing and do remember making sure key items were tied down; if you take a spill, chances are everything will be taking a spill if not tied down. Having wet weather gear on hand is good also. Most of the lakes we fished and camped around didn't have motor boats, but if you're anywhere near them (inlcuding jet skies), I too would recommend that LED pole light for visibility if you get stuck moving at dusk.

ROCK6

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

Thanks for the input Rock! Here are some pics to prove that I was actually on the water. My favorite is my son on my lap, too cool to me!

Oh right, knives! We both have Gerber River Shorties on our pfd's.

 

[flybri]

I was just wondering what gear is used in the survival kits in your boats? I am starting to put some things together to have on board. So far I have (all will have bail/rope/whistle/headlight, blue tarps, all in a drysack)

Sounds like a good start to a kit! If your kayak has lash points, I might recommend that you keep these things within lashed reach (or even attached to your PFD) instead of inside a drybag so you can use them if you fall out!

I think BC boating law requires a specific list of items (that list might be online somewhere), and you can get fined for not having them. They include a throw bag with rope (and possibly a carabiner on the end of the rope) (makes throwing the rope much more accurate), pump, bail, and spare paddle...I don't remember what else. For kayaking, a paddle float is helpful too for self-rescue. It allows you to create a side float (I think they're called "outriggers"? not sure) so you can climb back into your kayak after capsizing.

Awesome pictures btw!

 

[flybri]

Is there anything against drybags vs waterproof box, with water sensitive items being further waterproofed in the drybag?

I notice that boxes are called "waterproof" whereas drybags are normally marked as "not intended for submersion." From experience, I can tell you that even really good drybags will eventually fill with water if you stick them under water, especially if you only roll the top a couple of times or if the opening isn't floating right at the surface.

I haven't tried submerging a Pelican case or Otterbox, but I think they're supposed to be entirely waterproof even when submerged a little. I tend to put my expensive electronics (cell phone, ham radio, camera) in a box, and I toss the box into a drybag along with my other miscellaneous items like snacks and a towel.

 

[mtwarden]

after dumping a canoe in the Bighorn River in mid December (and living to tell about it ), I have a new appreciation of being prepared on the water.

even in summer, hypothermia can raise it's ugly head- the ability to start a fire in the worst of conditions is paramount (something that failed us in December ); having a dry bag w/ dry clothing would have been a godsend, but we didn't have that either

there is always a chance you can be separated from your craft, so in addition to what you carry aboard, you need to have the minimum amount of kit on your person imo- I have a small fixed blade knife (that is very handy), a whistle (also very handy), a large-ish firesteel w/ some very hardy tinder (wetfire, pjcb, etc), a heatsheet blanket, small fak, small headlamp and a small compass- these bits are small/compact and easily stashed in a pfd or cargo pocket

also not sure what your proficiency is w/ a canoe, but years ago I took three day class (after canoeing many years), needless to say I quickly found out that I actually knew very little about canoeing properly, one of the best investments of time I ever made (had I taken this class previous to our December incident, I'm confident we wouldn't have had an incident)

anyways it's a great family activity and a great way to see some awesome country

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

After being on the water this weekend I have no false hope that I'm a great canoe driver, which is why we are sticking to small ponds and close to make shore. I have been debating a formal lesson, but it will have to wait, plus it would be great to have a pro teach my wife, rather than a hack! Canoeing in the arctic was so long ago.....

 

[Killinumsoftly]

Make sure you attach whatever bag your keeping your gear in to some sort of flotation device. If you flip over the kit doesn't do you any good at the bottom of a lake especially a very deep one where retreaval is not gona happen

 

[Codger_64]

Killinum, you are bumping threads that are nearly two years old.

 

[Bumppo]

I did not realize the thread was that old either, but glad I read it! It was good to see the family pictures too.