Photography from Kayak

[jeffnles1]

Some may be getting a new kayak or canoe for the holidays. I want to take a few minutes to remind everyone who does photography from a kayak or canoe (or hunts, fishes or simply does recreational paddling) to ALWAYS have your PFD (personal flotation device, aka life vest) on. Some have argued with me in the past and I'm sure some will continue to do so, but I would much rather be alive to argue back.

I saw a piece on the news today about a couple of brothers (17 and 19) who went duck hunting from kayaks. One fell in, the other went in to help. Both now appear to be dead and the search mission has become a recovery mission. Tragic on so many levels.

Again, please always have your PFD on when traveling over the water via canoe or kayak. Heck, I even wear mine when I'm stationary taking photos or fishing. I'm a good swimmer but, honestly, nobody is that good if a person hits their head, becomes disoriented or simply hits water that is 40 degrees.

Hope this doesn't dredge up too many negative comments or flame wars.

Jeff

 

[Whiskeyman]

Some may be getting a new kayak or canoe for the holidays. I want to take a few minutes to remind everyone who does photography from a kayak or canoe (or hunts, fishes or simply does recreational paddling) to ALWAYS have your PFD (personal flotation device, aka life vest) on. Some have argued with me in the past and I'm sure some will continue to do so, but I would much rather be alive to argue back.

I saw a piece on the news today about a couple of brothers (17 and 19) who went duck hunting from kayaks. One fell in, the other went in to help. Both now appear to be dead and the search mission has become a recovery mission. Tragic on so many levels.

Again, please always have your PFD on when traveling over the water via canoe or kayak. Heck, I even wear mine when I'm stationary taking photos or fishing. I'm a good swimmer but, honestly, nobody is that good if a person hits their head, becomes disoriented or simply hits water that is 40 degrees.

Hope this doesn't dredge up too many negative comments or flame wars.

Jeff

Good callout Jeff. In addition, here in North America, and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, now is the time to not only wear a PFD when boating (of any sort), but also clothing that will slow down the process of becoming hypothermic if immersed in the water.

 

[jeffnles1]

Good callout Jeff. In addition, here in North America, and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, now is the time to not only wear a PFD when boating (of any sort), but also clothing that will slow down the process of becoming hypothermic if immersed in the water.

good call on the clothing too

 

[BillW]

I do a lot of photography from my kayak and canoe at a lake in Northern Minnesota. My wife and I also canoe and kayak just for fun. I always wear a life vest in a kayak or canoe.

As noted, cold water can also be a big safety risk if you fall in, even if you have your life vest on. I’m not an expert, but here is a link to a National Weather Service page discussing the dangers of cold water. It can be dangerous at higher temperatures than you might think.

Cold Water Hazards and Safety

Click on the sub links on the page for more details.

I have a semi-dry suit that I wear for kayaking or canoeing early and late in the season. It would help a lot if I fell in. (The only time I ever fell in with it on was getting out of my kayak at my dock on a very windy day. Water was cold.) Looking at the Weather Service discussion of cold water risks, I should probably wear it more than I do.

I also let my wife know generally where I’m going to paddle and have a Garmin inReach device with me as cell coverage on the lake can be spotty. I mostly use the inReach to tell my wife I’m running late. But it could be useful in an emergency.

 

[jeffnles1]

I do a lot of photography from my kayak and canoe at a lake in Northern Minnesota. My wife and I also canoe and kayak just for fun. I always wear a life vest in a kayak or canoe.

As noted, cold water can also be a big safety risk if you fall in, even if you have your life vest on. I’m not an expert, but here is a link to a National Weather Service page discussing the dangers of cold water. It can be dangerous at higher temperatures than you might think.

Cold Water Hazards and Safety

Click on the sub links on the page for more details.

I have a semi-dry suit that I wear for kayaking or canoeing early and late in the season. It would help a lot if I fell in. (The only time I ever fell in with it on was getting out of my kayak at my dock on a very windy day. Water was cold.) Looking at the Weather Service discussion of cold water risks, I should probably wear it more than I do.

I also let my wife know generally where I’m going to paddle and have a Garmin inReach device with me as cell coverage on the lake can be spotty. I mostly use the inReach to tell my wife I’m running late. But it could be useful in an emergency.

thank for the link. Like you, I always tell my wife where I'm going and when I plan to come back. I normally paddle in areas where there are other fishermen and other kayakers/canoeists. I don't like to paddle around motorized boats. Too many of them simply are not looking out for folks in paddle craft.