Kayaks and Sharks

[nonong]

Greetings from the Philippines.

There are hazards in the use of a kayak. That is why there is a subject called kayak safety. A kayak is portable and easy to use. It is also too low in the water and will attract predators. So let us start a free discussion for deterrence and prevention.

One safety factor is having a set of standard operating procedures(SOP).... Pre-check the kayak and the weather/surf conditions. Asking around for information is another good SOP. We all want to know the water hazards like current, whirlpools, shoals, riptides and most of all.... apex predators that can be encountered. Studying species and their habits is a plus that can save lives.

Avoiding blood smears or smell on the side of a kayak is good. Bad SOP like dangling a fish over the side to keep it cool is a no-no. This will attract sharks close in. In estuarine areas where salties(crocs) are present.... keeping a good eye and avoiding them is good. Staying out on a kayak near or after dark and making splashing sounds is not good.

[nonong]

Some bad vibes buds see a kayak as a big surface lure that can attract a shark strike with just the right conditions. This includes movement coupled with scent smears; noise or non-rythmic paddling and/or a hull color that provides sight attraction.

There are devices that can deter attacks. Here is one info link: www.sharkshield.com

[Spyder]

Some good advice mixed in there.........must be pretty hazardous in your neck of the ocean. Actually I have been to P.I. numerous times back in the day but kayaking was not one of the activities I was partaking in

[nonong]

Oh we have our share of hazards including the two-footed "warrior types" and "lascar types" aside from the man-eating critters of the sea.

[nonong]

That www.sharkshield.com i mentioned has a proven electrical field repellant. It can fit kayaks and even surf boards. The device is good for surf fishing waders, tube users, snorkel buffs, SCUBA and even beach surf fun lovers.

Take a long hard look at it. The device will save lives.

It is also used by Aussie Seals.

[Gino The Bass]

i hear thats a nice product, but personally i feel its unecessary. You have a greater chance of beign hit by a Boater while in a kayak than being attacked from a shark. Acually whales or porpus have a better chance of hitting you and flipping you than a shark attacking your kayak.

Common sense is always the number 1 piece of kayak gear people leave at home.

Dont leave home without it!

[nonong]

I agree Gino.... a kayaker can be hit by a boater or anything on or under the water. I forgot. Giant rays and other lesser rays can also be repelled by the mentioned product.

Hmmm.... if i would be safety conscious, a good radar reflector or strobe lighting can be installed as a safety accident preventive measure. Radar visibility is possible as is visual Line-Of-Sight (LOS) strobe lighting in a mast.

A kayaker should know his/her limitations and bring safety devices. A fox whistle should be heard a mile away. Hand held compressed air horn is good too.

I warned some Hong Kong kayakers in another forum not to try it at night. There is the danger of the high speed ferries or even a fishing junk. Get into a high security restricted dock or shore area and you could get into trouble like being shot at or arrested as terrorists or saboteurs.

But don't underestimate the humble kayak. The Brits remember the cockleshell heroes and their commando raid at Bordeaux Harbor in World War II occupied France. Two-man kayaks armed with limpet mines and guts.

As the man said.... if you want peace of mind and security while on the water, it would be prudent to get a device then play russian roulette with a Great White Shark.

[nonong]

I mentioned SOP. Kayaks should not operate at night. Why? A pocketbook i had a long time ago entitled Shark Attack File stated a clear fact. Sharks become active from 4 pm to full dark of night.

You would not want to be in a kayak all alone at night in waters known to have large pelagic sharks. Ignoring the buddy system and common sense means potential accident. Repeat an unsafe act and/or condition over time and you exhaust the statistical law of averages. You either end-up as shark feed or swimming for shore(if you are lucky).

[nonong]

Well i guess this is it. You buds and ladies out there take care on the water. Make Kayak Safety your habit on the water. Look it up on the internet by typing in the yahoo search box the subject heading: Kayak Safety.

Vaya con Dios!

[dorado50]

thanks for sharing and careing but if you don't take risks you get nowhere,sorry........

[nonong]

Yo dorado50.... No need to be apologetic. Kayak Safety is all about saving lives thru a system, process and procedures that prevents incidents and accidents.

I have taken calculated risks.... But very rare. Think of a win-win situation not a win-lose or anything less that is unacceptable in terms of losses, injuries or destruction of gear.

To illustrate.... I was out with a "crew" aboard a 17 footer Philippine Banca. The boat has bamboo outriggers and is powered by a pull-start Briggs and Stratton Gas Engine.

We had a prop problem and headed back to shore slowly. A squall hit us and the boatman steered towards the Bacon District mountain area. We were lucky that the helm decided to head near the shadow of the mountains. A big boom and a flash.... Lightning struck the upper reaches of the highland area.

If you had a kayak and good sea/weather lore along with common sense.... you would do the same thing. A hit on the banca(low on the water almost like a kayak) or your craft and..... dead meat.

Brush up on kayak safety. Talk to others about safety aspects. Never leave shore in an unknown area without asking info on what to expect out there. Buddy system is best!

Tight Lines Amigo. Vaya con Dios!

[nonong]

By the way amigo.... Never, ever go kayaking at last light to full dark. Sharks start to hunt from late afternoon 4 PM. Besides.... night vision would be a problem as well as navigation and worsening sea conditions.