A good thought all should be thinking about when your boat hits the water is, can you survive a night out? Many of us are out there in conditions and many more have been seeking playing in conditions. I quess thanks to all the instructors and coaches pushing the our great sport. But what if something where to happen, can you be self sufficent and survive a night.

A word of advice.

On your self (PFD)

- Means of shelter, comunications and signalization, food, first aid, hydration, body and boat repair, tow rig. ( All this is in really small packages)

In your boat for day paddles

- Thank about trying to stay with in your day hatch, it's not an expedition. Again more of what's already in your PFD, but now more of it in bigger bags, and spare splits.
- Summer sea paddling you can work with in your day hatch, but colder weather paddling your going to need more insulation and means of warm drinks.

Real deal expeditions

- Again all that's already in your PFD.
- Day paddle / day hatch stuff as listed above for easy access.
- Now your carrying more of every thing. Comunications and higher range Signalization, more food, more significant shelter, warmer and more technical clothes, and better boat repair.

Oh yeah it would be really bad to lose your boat. So if solo, clip in to your waiste tow in to your boat. If with peers, just get the rescue done fast. Practice what good judgement is. Your realy don't want the Coast Gaurd looking for you.

Greg P
BCU Coach 4, Assessor 4
BCU 5 Star Sea
ACA Level 5 Sea Instructor