Kayak safety

[ProKayak]

Kayak safety    The following items are essential safety items as required by law under   instruction from SAMSA South African Marine Safety Association  www.samsa.co.za
To fish from a Kayak in South Africa you must adhere to   the following SAMSA minimum requirements...
 

• Purchase a fishing licence from the Post Office or KZN wildlife office
• Pay for the angling and skipper of a vessel on your licence
• Kayak must be over 3 metres in length to go to sea (beyond the backline)
• Kayak must have minimum 30% buoyancy
• You must wear an approved PFD (personal flotation device)
• Carry a 10 metre rope.  (tow rope)
• Pencil flares (not out of date)
• Bailing device (bucket or collapsible bucket) You can use your tackle      box or a sponge
• You must have 750ml drinking water.
• You must not exceed 1.85km from land      (1nautical mile)
• You can launch anywhere except if the launch site      is restricted by Port Authority, Private owner, Parks Board, or Municipality      for which you may      be asked to pay a fee

 

• SAKFA also recommend...
• Paddle leash.
• Attach your paddle to your ski via a leash (some      like to detach during launching and beaching)
•                 [/font][/font][/size][/font][/font]Kayak      should display approved SAKFA identification number something like      KFSC69 which means Kayak Fishing (KF) Scottburgh (SC) and allocated number.      So if your Kayak is found out at sea NSRI or anyone who finds it can phone      SAKFA or the club which issued the number and get your details
• Carry a cell phone in a waterproof pouch      programme in 082 911 SEA RESCUE
• SMS your launch and return time or leave a float plan with someone
• SAKFA recommend you join a local Kayak club
• Always check the weather forecast before you      leave and keep checking when you are out at sea
• Make sure you can turn over and climb on your      Kayak if it capsizes
• Never paddle alone always paddle with at least      one person
• If your Kayak capsizes stay with it and phone for      help
• Tell someone where you are going and estimated      time due back
• Complete a launch register at your launch site if      applicable
• Check your Kayak before leaving for cracks and      leaks. Make sure the bungs are in!
• Remember -  know your own personal paddling      capabilities and do not exceed them
• Don't forget your fishing licence and vessel      licence (both on the same licence)
• Obey any Parks board or municipality launch site      rules and pay fees if applicable
• A plastic whistle is also handy to have to      attract attention
• A mirror to use for attracting attention (using      suns reflection)
• Write your SAKFA number and cell number on your      paddle and equipment

[Sidd]

What are the rules as far as fresh water paddling is concerned?

[super_daav]

Thanks for the information!! Very useful as I am thinking of a ski!

[ProKayak]

At this stage  - as far as I know- not much only 1 sabs approved life vest.
Yes I know find a sabs life jacket that you can paddle with is another story. There are a couple of South african manufacturers looking into it.

[ProKayak]

Thanks for the information!! Very useful as I am thinking of a ski!

there are plenty of great ski's out on the market these days. Make sure you test the ski before you invest.
Chat with users of ski's & not just the sales persons. go out get wet & enjoy
 
 

[PH]

NEWS 24:

Man goes missing after paddle-ski capsizes   

A man who fell off his paddle-ski in Pringle Bay, Western Cape on Saturday was missing, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said.

Lifeguards called the Gordon's Bay NSRI crew to assist them after seeing the paddle-ski capsize, spokesperson Craig Lambinon said in a statement.

The NSRI could not find the man and a police dive unit took over the search.
The police would investigate the incident.

No one had come forward to report the person missing or to collect his paddle-ski, Lambinon said.

[TNunes]

I'm new to kayak fishing, only just bought a kayak so have lots to learn.
Was thinking of going to Langebaan Lagoon since it looks easier and safer than venturing out to sea?
Any advice? Besides the safety points in the 1st post?

[PH]

 


Great to have another kayak angler in the WCape.
Langebaan would a great place for kayak fishing - provided the wind behaves itself, of course.


Other possibilities include:
 Strand. There are always other kayak anglers when conditions are good. Best is to fish "with" other kayak angles. They share info gladly.  Launch at the slipway next to the Pavilion on the beach.
Other lagoons, etc.
 Botrivier (Slipway at Hawston)
 Kleinmond lagoon
The slipway at Hangklip offers access to a beautiful bay, but never go out alone.
Palmiet river at Kleinmond. (Slipway)
Wrt West coast also see the link below from page 6 onwards.
Good luck!

http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?topic=11584.100

[TNunes]

Thank you very much for the info PH