Dawid Mocke on Surfski safety

[@Swimmer173]

I train mainly alone and I can tell you this is spot on advice. My biggest nightmare is having it all go wrong. That's what makes me stick to safety rules. We need more of this. Impress upon paddlers just how dangerous this sport can be...... Thanks....

[@b1lyb]

Thanks Dawid for all you do to help the surf ski community. I did some open Ocean searches with the Navy's P-3 Orion. Its hard to see someone in the water even when we flew by at 200 feet. I think the flashing strobe is a great device since it will continue to flash even after your fingers have gone numb and don't work. At night it can be seen from many miles away. The colder it gets the closer to shore I stay with my kayaks and surf ski. Billy Bellinger

[@AnjieLees2012]

Can I suggest also a spot device. It can track where you are. Press the emergency button and it calls emergency services to your exact GPS location by satellite. No phone service required. This was a minimum race requirement for the Yukon River Quest which I completed last June and the best concept for a safety device I have seen.

[@DavidMorrison]

Advice that is still so relevant. Here in NZ we had a recreational kayaking death unprepared in extreme conditions.

[@DavidMorrison]

I did a detailed video of safety gear last year. Hope it is of use. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ-7daGdi9eIbck

[@Alastair510]

A whistle is a good thing to have. I use RYAsafetrx software - if I don't return, the app server will send a message to my contact. They can alert coastguard, who can access the record of my paddling track. Always a PFD. Doesn't just provide buoyancy, also provides some warmth. Extra clothing. A warm windproof hat, that is too hot for anything other than wet sleet in freezing weather. Tucked in my PFD pocket so I can put it on if I start to get cold. Paddling by myself - wear a bit too much clothing. If I overheat, I can take a cooling dip in the water.

[@patrickstarkey1051]

Unfortunately, it happened, PE for one circumstance I know about.

[@markxantho9183]

This would be great if it worked in Africa, Spot coverage map indicates it does not. Shopping around Spot has some lousy reviews in particular with reference to the service charges. Personal Locator Beacon PLB have less bell and whistles than Spot, but they can be used anywhere in the world an there are no service charges. Just make sure that you get one that is waterproof . Angus who runs Da Real Downwind series requires competitors to carry cell phones and use Endomodo for tracking.