Solo Kayaking Around Tricky Ledges and Fueling My Creativity

[@kevinharding2099]

I paddle a 14.5 Kevlar canoe (on lakes, ponds, and sheltered coastline in Casco Bay). To escape and relax I paddle alone, watch the wind and tide, and use pontoons that make capsize virtually impossible. I used to paddle a sit-on-top, but now less weight is more important so a 30 lb open boat was my solution. I decided to find a way to relax by using pontoons that take away anxiety associated with using a canoe in the ocean. It works. I’m 75 with significance experience and operate within my limits. Sheltered waters attract me for safety and for the joy of exploring nooks and crannies. I used to sail, but the expense, caring for the equipment, and the lure of open water disappeared as I aged. The idea is to stay on the water, enjoy the natural word, and stay safe. I have a question. Do you have a portable VHF radio, a cell phone, or other means to message for help in an emergency? Thanks for your videos.

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Hi Kevin! It sounds like you've put a lot of good thinking and energy into finding a way to continue to enjoy paddling. That's fantastic. I also love hearing the relaxation and escape kayaking provides for you! What's your favorite spot in Casco? I always have my Garmin InReach Mini on me and tracking when I paddle. It gives me peace of mind knowing loved ones and friends can keep their eyes on me, and I have a way to reach out if I need to. It's tethered to my PFD and hangs out in the top pocket. I have my cell phone, either in my under-deck back in my Explorer, or in my top hatch on my Aries. I often find myself in places where I don't have service, so it's not my first line of defense, nor something I would rely on. And, I have a VHF radio that I'll also keep in the same place as my cell phone, or I'll attach it to my PFD if the situation calls for it. What’s your emergency communication setup? Great questions, by the way, and thanks so much for watching and reaching out.

[@philanderson3687]

Another nice trip Steve. Jordan's Delight is on my to-do list, it looks pretty cool. I have noticed when I'm in bumpy water my Go-Pro really flattens out the waves, it must be the wide angle lens. I've been in some big swells and later I'm looking at my video and going "Hmmm, I seem to remember them being a LOT bigger." Good tips on relaxing in the kayak for better handling. Can't wait to see your Vancouver trip, that area is very intriguing. I'm always amazed at how some paddlers think a cell phone is a reliable aid. The phone signal only reaches like 2-5 miles although some newer cell phones are supposedly coming out with satellite capabilities.

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Thanks for watching, Phil! It is so disappointing when really big conditions look soooo flat on action cams. Oh well. Thanks for watching and I'm not sure if this reply will get to you as I needed to make fix an issue with the past file and have reposted. Silly mistake that I needed to correct. We'll see.

[@philanderson3687]

@@SeeSteveSeaKayak Got it.