Thank you everyone for the positive engagement! If you find videos like these helpful and would like to support the Air On The Water project, there's the possibility to join as a member and receive access to bonus content. It's only a few $, but makes a difference and helps make future content sustainable! You can also "buy me a coffee" - link on the main page. ru-vid.com/show-UCKvtq_W4MMt_QfPQU7Kl8oAjoin
@@pengain4 Thank you! Much appreciate the positive feedback. I do use music in many videos that are more about the ambience, but here it's about the safety information. 😎 If you're interested, there's a playlist on the channel (available on the main page) called "Paddling safety" with more on this topic.
@@christopping5876 Nice! The signaling mirror is seldom mentioned (though included in a new book on sea kayaking by @the-river-rat), and I don't really show a VHF radio or personal locator beacon (PLB) here, though these can obviously be life-saving in a pinch and appropriate for many more isolated areas.
Thank you! Indeed! Most of the trips I never use much of the gear, but I'm always grateful I had that extra resource with me on the occasions that I do...
Excellent video mate with some very good information. When you were talking about the bilge pump I was also waiting for you to mention that you can attack another kayak with it lol...
Thank you for the positive feedback! Fun fact: the general idea of a video like this was present before the paddle trip when this was recorded, but the content and structure was actually improvized during a break on land! (Though of course, there was a broad thinking process about how to do something like this before the trip).
Very good safety item to take into consideration. I have a question regarding the handheld wind meter. Does it give air temperature and water temperature? Also, I am interested in the PLB you have chosen. Watching this video has made me think about what I have and things I should start getting and also how to organize things in the dry bags. Thanks for the tips!
This particular model I show in the video is good for air temperature specifically (I believe). I'm unsure that it would work and remain waterproof under water; I've used a separate thermometer when I've wanted to verify water temperature. As for my next PLB purchase, I'm considering the Ocean RescueMe PLB1 given its convenient size and other factors, though one should look at own needs and in-country market when selecting, of course! Glad you liked the video. A drybag sorting system helps a lot.
Why didn’t mention about VHF radio with DSC, Personal locator beacon PLB, eventually garmin inreach tracker . Recently I was at situation when I was alone and conditions changed dramatically that I was unable to paddle and I needed to use vhf radio to call help. Never go to sea waters without it
Hi Michael! Thank you for contributing! Very good notes and as you say that can be critical in isolated emergency situations. For some more complicated paddles I've done, a co-paddler has had a PLB. If you look at the notes at the end of the video, I mention that I am considering purchasing a PLB for such situations. VHF radio is used by some kayakers and a very important tool, but not something I've had access to while paddling myself so far. Glad you made it ok from the tough situation.
I was considering getting some sort of radio for emergency situations since I live in a high fire area, but taking it when I paddle on some of the remote lakes here was also a consideration.
I'll come back with a follow-up comment on this; as mentioned I've been considering investing in a PLB and I've been eyeing two potential models specifically but it's been tough finding reviews from people who have used them in real life. On a kayak trip a few days ago, however, a tandem kayak pulled up next to me and it turned up they had experience with both of the models I was curious about! So I received all the information I needed. Interesting coincidence but very useful!
Thanks for many useful suggestions. I'm taking a two night trip through the Okefenokee Swamp next month. Will be my first expedition with an Itiwit X500. Hadn't thought of an extra paddle, but I have one so why not? I had thought of a repair kit, but you make a good point about the time needed to patch with the kit. I wonder if even Gorilla tape will stop a leak at 10 psi, but I'll grab some anyway.
Glad you found it useful! Yes, for a longer or overnight trip I'd definitely recommend an extra paddle. People do break them every now and then. I had to tape a multi-part paddle last month. A repair kit is key indeed. Screwdrivers for multi-part paddles, and any tape for patching needs to be adapted for being waterproof/to stick on wet surfaces of course. Stormsure glue can also be helpful for patching up. A deck bag such as the Itiwit 30L bag on top of the X500 front deck has also been helpful for me during expeditions. The 30L or 20L bag if available is adapted specifically to match the holder openings on the X500.
@@AirOnTheWater I finally found a 65L dry bag large enough for my pump. It'll ride on the deck. Should be fine with bungees. I have a 40L bag (not from Decathlon). It's not long enough for the pump, but it fits snugly in the rear compartment with my sleeping bag. Hadn't thought of a screwdriver either. Thanks, again.
@@restonthewind Nice! I actually have a 65L drybag, though I haven't really put it to good use. I have way too many deck bags, in fact 🙂But I also have too many kayaks, so it's good to be able to adapt to circumstances and different models on different trips. Wish you the very best of luck for your expedition next month! Let me know if any questions come up. I have a video coming up probably in the next week or two on how I pack the X500, so feel free to check the channel later this month.
Glad you enjoyed it - thank you for the positive feedback! Hope you get the chance to go out kayaking in the near future - it's an amazing way of exploring the outdoors!
Thank you for the positive feedback! You are right, many sea kayakers use VHF radio as an important communications resource. I mention PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) in a text comment in the video as I'm looking into purchasing one, but not VHF radio which I haven't used myself and the video is based on equipment I use personally. Good you mention this. Happy kayaking!
I chuckle to myself at the thought of bringing camping equipment- lakeside camping being illegal in many places to prevent littering. In an emergency, I’d pitch my tent just to be rescued- also arrested- by the Parks Department. 🤣
Glad to hear it and glad to be of help 😎 I learned a lot from other kayakers' videos and information online when I started out, so now I'm happy if I can be of assistance for others starting out or to help inspire. Wish you happy paddles 😎
Hi ! Got myself a Kayak last year, so far just on canals and small lakes. The safety part I was initially oblvious of, but thx to you I invested in a lifejacket and equipement. I was wondering what spray skirt you have on the x500.
Hi, welcome to the wonderful world of kayaking and thank you for sharing this - very glad to hear that the video made a difference. Better safe than sorry, and with a higher safety level you can confidently enjoy the water much more! I use a neoprene spray skirt called Tahe Zegul Artistic, not sure about international availability but I'll share it here. Maybe you know of the "Itiwit X500 owners" group on FB, otherwise there's a lot of good advice there too. Stay safe and happy paddles! www.xxl.se/artistic-sprayskirt-neoprene-adjustable-waistband-sittbrunnsoverdrag-svart/p/1133925_1_style?gclid=Cj0KCQjwsIejBhDOARIsANYqkD3e8sqBcShMSeVQoNyImCgxDGBvpI2Z_x0KCimIZhJhSI4BV4-uCR4aAkK4EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&page=1
Hi there, not at the moment, as the goal of the channel has not been monetary. Might shift to adding some going forward, as I have passed the 1000 follower threshold and it will be assumed that there's a monetary component in all cases.
