Kayak Camping Trip Gone Wrong

I paddled out on the bay in my Oru Kayak headed to a small remote island for a night of solo camping. Despite having a plan, mistakes were made and before arriving at my destination, things went wrong.
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[@PaddleDogC5]

VHF is easier to call for help than dialing a cell. VHF also can summon any boat and CG immediately. Both are good to have.

[@user-he9se6zh1h]

At least you lived to tell the tale! Keep paddling.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Haha. I agree but I was less at danger than my electronics. It was an easy flat water, safe paddle back.

[@timkrouse345]

I've left several pair of sunglasses in the bottom of the Chesapeake, so I know your pain (on a much smaller scale).

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you!!! It was a little painful. Lol.

[@gravityjunkie47]

Bummer way to end the trip. I invested in a Garmin In-Reach Mini 2 for the peace of mind of being able to contact my loved ones or 911 in an emergency. They are not cheap and the subscription is $25 a month but it is worth it. I am always kayaking, mountain biking, or hiking by myself and the Garmin is a good piece of mind.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Definitely something I've considered. I really don't like having a subscription with a monthy cost. Excellent piece of gear though. While I was relying on a "waterproof" phone that failed, I still think 911 would be the best in case of emergency. I have a signal in the areas I paddle. Something I'm still considering. Thank you for your comment.

[@ScanMan1967]

The orange sign is a navigation marker.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thanks! So interesting because it's the only one like it in the area.

[@AirOnTheWater]

Unfortunate about the camera. About the phone, an important reminder - keeping the phone in a waterproof pouch attached to the PFD, so it's both protected and won't get lost in case of a fall into the water, is a key safety feature that many forget. That "stepping into the water and it's deeper than expected" thing happens sooner or later to all of us. Glad you made it back safely in any case. I've heard of quite a few others also having "waterproof" phones die when immersed, especially in sea water - as such, I never trust it myself.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

The phone at the time was in my arm pocket (which is not waterproof, just water resistant). I was switching it between there and a small dry bag I keep it in. All my gear was in dry bags. Just the camera and audio equipment was vulnerable.

[@AirOnTheWater]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors Yep, this is what I've learned the hard way as well. The times I've almost lost my phone while paddling has been during setup or transfer while getting to/from the water. Having had an extremely unlucky occurrence with that once (phone falling exactly perpendicular in two directions to go between planks on a dock during setup), I now try to get it into a waterproof pouch asap even during setup so it's definitely attached to the PFD by habit and can't be lost even with a real streak of bad luck.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Waterproof floating VHF on your PFD harnessed to PFD is a must. Floating bag for cell phone tied to PFD or deck bag or lines. Camera tethered to deck lines. Sorry about your loses. I carry two VHF radios one on deck one on PFD and cell. Extra VHF is two meals at the diner for two.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@PaddleDogC5 have you ever had to use your VHF in an emergency? A lot of hand-helds have very poor range and sometimes you can't reach anyone. VHF's can fail too. I guess thats why you carry 2. My cell was "waterproof" but somehow failed. We're I paddle has cell service and 911 is very reliable. Paddle conditions were perfect and just opted to head back. I appreciate you watching and commenting. Thank you.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Never had a VHF fail. Always one on my PFD in case I get separated from boat. Cell phones are not waterproof unless in a quality soft pack that floats. Nobody has warranty on cell phones being submerged in water even briefly. Need everything you care about tethered to deck or your body. Also need spare paddle when water temp is life threatening. Stick you're paddle down before getting out of kayak. Use gloves in cold water and have neoprene mittens or gloves on your PFD. Always wear a balaclava like the one from kokatat. It won't pop off you head and float away and protects back of your neck to prevent GASP reflex. Everything is about reducing risk.