In this series , we will share the first-hand experience , my NORTHSEAKAYAK team , and I gained while training together with the Coast Guard , search and rescue assets and other vessels that may come to aid when the need arises .
Before starting , it is of the utmost importance that every sea kayaker trains and prepares to avoid getting into trouble in the first place and learn to paddle selfreliant , responsible , and safe . How well prepared we are , things can get ugly , and therefore we need to know what to do when we cannot solve a problem ourselves . This is what the series goes about ; things are going south , and this is what we can do when we need external help . Each article in this series will highlight a specific rescue together with some top tips ! Remember , reading an article does not replace proper training .
MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY ! In the previous article ( https :// paddlerezine . com / dimitris-rescue1 /), we talked about the means to call for help . Now we will talk about other essential equipment that you will need between the distress call and the arrival of the SAR services . There is absolutely no way around it ; proper clothing and PFD ( Personal Flotation Device ). Wherever you go paddling , cold-shock , hypothermia , and drowning lurk around the corner when in distress . Let ’ s start with the PFD !
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