A tool to take along on kayak, canoe, paddle, boat, hiking, backpacking and other adventure trips that could save your life.

We found this story on line from the St. Petersburg Times (FL) about a kayaker who used the new SPOT satellite messaging device to get himself rescued from a bad situation.

“When sea kayaker Derek Crook set out to circumnavigate Tasmania earlier this year, the Canadian adventurer knew the dangers involved. Midway through his 36-day expedition, a rouge wave flipped his kayak and left him fighting for his life on an offshore reef.

Luckily, Crook was able to grab hold of his kayak and trigger a small, handheld satellite messaging device that transmitted his Global Positioning System coordinates to authorities on the mainland…”

SPOT is not only a great idea for all boaters and paddlers, but also for hikers, backpackers, mountain climbers and anyone who tends to venture off the beaten path. SPOT lives on when cell phones die! The device weighs just 7 ounces and includes the following features:

• Ask for help: Request help from friends and family at your exact location.
• Check in: Let contacts know where you are and that you’re okay.
• Track progress: Send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using Google Mapsâ„¢.
• Alert 9-1-1: Dispatch emergency responders to your exact location.

If you’re looking for a holiday gift for your favorite kayaker, you’ll hit a home run with SPOT.

Bass Pro Shops carry SPOT Satellite Messenger Personal Tracker and SPOT accessories, click here to learn more about SPOT.

***Take advantage of a $50 rebate when you purchase SPOT between now and December 31, 2008. Click here for more details.

Here’s the whole story from the St. Pete Times, or click here to read it on line:

(reprinted courtesy of the St. Petersburg Times and TampaBay.com)

Satellite tracking device delivers help in an emergency or sends a jab to those schmoes at the office

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors Editor

When sea kayaker Derek Crook set out to circumnavigate Tasmania earlier this year, the Canadian adventurer knew the dangers involved. Midway through his 36-day expedition, a rouge wave flipped his kayak and left him fighting for his life on an offshore reef.

Luckily, Crook was able to grab hold of his kayak and trigger a small, handheld satellite messaging device that transmitted his Global Positioning System coordinates to authorities on the mainland. He was plucked from the water by locals as a helicopter arrived. Suffering from hypothermia, Crook was transported by air to the nearest hospital by paramedics. Without that immediate medical care, Crook is convinced he would have died.

A lifesaver

The National Association for Search and Rescue estimates that more than 50,000 search-and-rescue missions are initiated each year. These missions involve everything from U.S. Coast Guard helicopters searching for overdue boaters to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers in four-wheel drive vehicles scouring state forests for lost hunters. The Satellite Personal Tracker (SPOT) system removes the guesswork by providing GPS coordinates to narrow the location to within 20 feet.

In many cases, authorities are not notified that there is a problem until it is too late. In the winter months, with low temperatures, boaters don’t stand much chance of survival if they float in the water for more than a few hours. In December 2003, four men who went fishing in Tampa Bay died after their boat took on water and they had no way to signal authorities.

Most big offshore boats carry Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), but these devices are often heavy and expensive, putting them out of reach for many sportsman.

Lightweight and affordable

If technology has advanced so much that a television can be the size of a cell phone, than a satellite messaging device can be made small enough, inexpensive enough and light enough for Joe the Angler. The new SPOT unit retails for just $149.95. And more likely than that latest cell phone, the SPOT can save your life.

Many outdoorsmen are under the mistaken impression that a cell phone can work as an emergency backup system. But anybody who spends any time paddling or hiking the wildest regions of this state will tell you that cell phones don’t work in the wilderness.

The SPOT has four simple functions. First, you can hit Alert 9-1-1, which dispatches emergency responders to your location. Second, you can check in with prearranged contacts and let them know where you are and that you are all right. Third, you can request help from family or friends at your exact location (this will come in handy next time I lock the keys in the truck on a kayaking trip.) And lastly, SPOT will save and send your location out so friends can actually track your progress using Google Maps.

The fine print

But piece of mind comes with a price. The SPOT has an annual subscription plan (similar to that of your cell phone or Blackberry) to keep you wired.

Check out more useful kayak, canoe and paddle gifts by clicking here to go to our Great Gifts for Paddlers Page.

The official Mayor’s Cup Web site has not posted anything about last Sunday’s race yet, but we located this article from the NY Times Online that sums the unforeseen events of the day:

This report was originally published by the New York Times:

Kayak Race Called Off After Pileup in Hudson

By MICHAEL WILSON and COLIN MOYNIHAN
Published: October 19, 2008

A high-speed kayak race around Manhattan on Sunday morning turned into a marine rescue operation when four of the racers were ejected from their kayaks and swept by winds and strong currents that dashed them and their boats against a rusty barge moored near Battery Park, the police and racers said.

There were no serious injuries in the chain of accidents, which can best be likened to an automobile pileup on a highway. Racers said they lost control of their kayaks as they swerved or slowed to avoid a contestant who was being swept toward the barge. Other racers became so fatigued by the strong currents farther north in the Hudson River that they had to be helped out of the water.

The race, called the Mayor’s Cup New York City Kayak Championships, included more than 140 competitors, many racing sleek, lightweight kayaks known as surf skis. The narrow vessels are designed to travel extremely fast atop flat water. They are popular in areas with warm water, like California and Hawaii.

The water off Manhattan turned out to be more perilous than some of the kayakers had expected.

Sunday’s race looked promising at first, with a field that included racers from 12 countries, according to a race organizer on the Web site Surfski.info. The sunny morning seemed ideal for the race, a 27-mile circumnavigation of Manhattan, and the first group left the starting line, at North Cove Yacht Harbor at Battery Park City, about 10:30 a.m.

The wind picked up speed, however, and worked against the current to create a volatile chop, said Greg Porteus, a retired New York State trooper and the safety officer for the race. The currents in the river overtook several racers immediately after they turned north from the harbor, leaving them struggling to control their boats.

“It was a sequence of seemingly innocuous events that led up to a big event,� said Dr. Tim Burke, 40, a neurosurgeon who had traveled from Annapolis, Md., to compete.

He said the race was “pretty congested, pretty fierce,� and soon his paddle was accidentally knocked from his hand by another competitor. He said he pitched into the water and struggled to remount, a maneuver he had practiced many times, but the current drove him and his kayak toward the barge, which was moored and appeared to be carrying garbage.

“I looked up and it was right there,� Dr. Burke said. He slammed into the side of the barge and struggled for a handhold, finally grabbing a rubber tire tied to the hull, he said.

Another racer, Dr. Thomas R. Walek, 55, a plastic surgeon from Rhode Island, also fell off his surf ski in the pileup.

“I was getting pulled under,� he said. “It felt like you were drowning. I was having a lot of trouble just getting my head above water. Everything was moving so much faster than we appreciated.�

His kayak also slammed into the barge. It was unclear on Sunday how many racers capsized, but four were rescued by divers from the Fire Department, the Police Department and the Coast Guard, a spokesman for the Fire Department said.

Dr. Burke said his kayak was badly damaged, with its rudder broken off and holes punched in its side.

Other racers who had missed the accident were approaching the Harlem River when Mr. Porteus gave the order via loudspeaker and marine radio to stop the race.

“We had several people that were way out front and upset that the race had to be terminated,� Mr. Porteus said. “It was the right thing to do.�

He said that officials on his boat pulled two exhausted racers from their vessels near the George Washington Bridge.

An event organizer at the harbor declined to discuss the accident in detail, saying only that there were no substantial injuries.

The events of the day briefly rattled Dr. Burke, who said he generally enjoyed traveling rapidly through the waves in his surf ski. “It’s a good escape sport,� he said. “Very relaxing.�

We are very happy that no one was seriously injured in this kayak race!

While this race was for experienced paddlers, all kayakers and canoers should take note of how powerful and unpredictable mother nature can be, even if you’ve done all of your pre-race homework, and even if your event is professionally organized. The best thing any kayaker or canoer can do is be prepared!

Whether you’re paddling your favorite lake or river, it is vital that you check the weather and water conditions before you put in. And as always - wear your life jacket. Kayaking is a great sport - fun for the whole family, no doubt - but all paddlers must be prepared for unforeseen changes in weather and conditions. Click here to read our Kayak and Canoe Safety page.

If you were a participant or spectactor and have a report on the NY Mayor’s Cup race, please send it to us, we’d love to get a few more points of view to publish here on BornToPaddle.com. Click here to use our contact form to send us your race report.

Happy and safe kayaking to all!

According to the United States Coast Guard press release dated July 22, 2008, kayaking and canoeing represent more than 15% of all recreational boating fatalities in the U.S.

Although recreational boating fatalities decreased in 2007 to 685 from 710 in 2006, the number of fatalities associated with the use of canoes and kayaks increased to 107 in 2007 as compared with 99 in 2006. 15.6 percent of the total of all recreational fatalities in the U.S. in 2007 were using kayaks and canoes. (66 canoe, 31 kayak) and 97 of the 107 were from drowning. These statistics are from the Coast Guard’s Office of Auxiliary and Boating safety.

Well that’s sort of gloomy isnt’ it? But there is some good news…

The good news is that kayaking and canoeing are can be… and should be … safe water activities for the whole family. If you just remember some basic paddling safety tips and techniques every time you get in your kayak or canoe, you’re pretty much assured to have a trouble free and really fun time on the water.

Most of these are common sense to veteran paddlers, but you newcomers to the sport (and there are a lot of you, more and more every year) may not grasp just how important it is to think safety whenever going paddling. And let’s face it, you veterans could probably use a reminder! Maybe you feel comfortable in your boat and view your kayak or canoe as just another appendage of your body…so you think it is ok to cut safety corners.

I hate to point out again the gloomy stats above, but clearly safety is something that ALL kayakers and canoers need to think seriously about. So, here are some basic safety tips for kayak and canoe, and really for anyone out on the water is some sort of craft, raft or boat, from the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the American Canoe Association:

• Always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.
• Be comfortable in the water, out of your boat.
• Obtain the knowledge, skills and ability necessary for kayaking and canoeing.
• Always boat with a group. Three boats is a recommended minimum.
• Know how to self-rescue. Practice! Practice! Practice!
• File a float plan, with friends, family, or the authorities.
• Bring appropriate safety, rescue, and navigational aids, and more than adequate food, water, and extra protective clothing. Do not wear cotton!
• Pick an activity level that matches your ability, and progress to more demanding challenges.
• Monitor your physical and emotional condition, and watch the other members or your group for fatigue, illness, and changes in behavior.
• Know and follow all local, state and federal laws.
• Be visible - wear bright colors so others can see you between waves or in the fog.
• Carry a bright light, flares, and whistle to signal your position.
• Take a boating safety class offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Do you carry a first aid kit on your paddling trips?
Paddling first aid kits are small and compact and come in watertight containers. You can purchase a paddling first aid kit or make your own. Click here to browse first aid kits and learn how to make your own.

Do you have and wear a Coast Guard approved life vest?

All boaters, canoers, kayakers, and rafters should were a coast guard approved life vest when on the water. Modern life vests (or PFDs) aren’t as uncomfortable as they were years ago. You can purchase life vests that are specifically designed for paddling. Paddling life jackets and PFDs come with pockets to hold your GPS, whistle, sunscreen, car keys and any other necessities you may need on the water and afterward. They come with large armholes and adjustable straps so you can get a comfortable fit. An added bonus would be to choose a bright colored PFD with reflective strips so you can be easily seen by other boaters. Click here to browse life vests designed for kayaking and canoeing.

Do you carry extra clothing while paddling?

Carrying extra paddle clothing or gear has never been easier. Dry bags are your answer. They will keep clothing or objects dry even if the bag goes over the side. Dry bags come in many sizes and colors. Many come with a loop to attach to your kayak or canoe so if your dry bag does go over the side it will not float away. Click here to browse many sizes and styles of dry bags.

These days it so easy to be both safe and comfortable on the water, that it is just silly to do it any other way! Next time you are preparing for a kayak or canoe trip, or any boating activity, remember your safety checklist, your first aid kit, your life vest or PFD, and your extra clothing.

Happy (and SAFE) paddling!

Got a safety tip for fellow paddlers? Use our handy contact form to tell us about it and we may share it right here on BornToPaddle.com

Did you know that when you are thirsty you are already partially dehydrated?

It’s true! It is very important to drink water when you are paddling to make sure you stay hydrated. If you get dehydrated it could lead to serious illnesses and sometimes even death.

What exactly is dehydration? Dehydration is when your body loses more bodily fluids than you take in, and can not carry on its normal “everyday� functions. When you notice dehydration in its mild stage you may just need some rest and fluids but some times in more serious cases you may need to head to the hospital.

“What are some symptoms of dehydration?� you say. Good for you for caring! Here are some of the symptoms of MILD dehydration:

· Dry, sticky mouth

· Tiredness or sleepiness

· Thirst

· Muscle weakness

· Headache

· Lightheadedness or dizziness

If you are experiencing the symptoms above simply drink some water, get out of the sun and take a breather. You may want to ( if you are paddling near a bank or on a river) take a break under a shady tree on the shore or just float along for awhile.

If your symptoms are worse and you think you might have severe dehydration, which IS a medical emergency, you might want to head to the hospital. Here are some symptoms of SEVERE dehydration:

· Extreme thirst

· Irritability or Confusion

· Very dry mouth

· Lack of sweating

· Little or no urination

· Dry and shriveled skin with hardly any elasticity

· Low blood pressure

· Rapid heartbeat

· Fever

AND IN VERY SEVERE CASES

· Delirium or unconsciousness

If you are experiencing the symptoms above, you would want to drink some water and head to the hospital.

The best way to prevent dehydration is to not get it in the first place! That is very simple-just by bringing water with you and drinking it regularly. It is a good idea to bring extra water on the river because you may not know if you would get delayed. You could also get one of those fancy “portable water treaters� if you are doing a long race or just don’t feel like lugging around all those bottles.

But wait! “Once I have all the water – How much should I drink?�

Generally women should drink 2.7 liters of water and men should drink 3.7 liters total. But that’s without the exercise – add that in and you should drink about 13 to 26 ounces an hour unless the weather is sweltering then you need to drink more. But…..during long bouts of exercise it is best to drink a sports drink that contains sodium because when you sweat you lose sodium and water can’t replace that. Just don’t go chugging sport drinks because nothing can replace the calorie, fat, and sugar free goodness of water.

SO remember! WATER WORKS!

Paddling First Aid Kits are a good idea for all paddlers, whether they are in a kayak, a canoe or a raft.  You can carry a basic first-aid kit for short float trips but you will have to add to it for longer more secluded trips. Be sure to enclose your kit in a watertight or waterproof container or bag.

Here is a basic list of what should be included in your first-aid kit:

• Waterproof container to hold  the contents of your First-aid kit
• Band-Aids
• Ibuprofen, acetaminophen
• Antibiotic cream
• Sunscreen lotion
• Prescription medication
• Bug bite cream
• Antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers
• Antihistamine
• Alcohol wipes
• First Aid-manual
• Emergency phone numbers
• Whistle
• Mouth barrier for CPR

You will need to add to your first-aid kit depending on your personal experiences, needs, length of trip, number of people in your party, and paddling environment. You may also consider building or purchasing a survival kit too, especially if you are intending to paddle, hike or camp in remote areas.

You can purchase a ready made first-aid kit or put one together yourself. Just make sure you check the kit regularly and replace any used or expired supplies. You may also want to take a first-aid course so you will know how to use the contents of your kit. If you haven’t taken a first-aid course  recently, take a refresher course - first-aid procedures do change. Your local Red Cross will most likely have first-aid and CPR courses.

Just remember whether you kayak, canoe, raft or participate in other outdoor activities, you should always bring a first-aid kit along. 

 Click here to learn more about what to include in your first-aid kit and what sort of first-aid and survival kits are available to buy.