Thanks for sharing, I didn’t get to the end and missed that
Nice safety survival kit. Probably can also use the para cord line as a Tourniquet like this
On EPIRBS: I spoke to someone at the UK coastguard and they said that every EPIRB that gets triggered leads to dispatch of a helicopter and they only stand down once the EPIRB is held in hand of the rescue team so they can take the serial number. If you’re still attached to it then they will go to good lengths to find you.
Downwind foiling offshore at night must be top of the list of ways to get into trouble, seems like an obviously bad and entirely avoidable situation
1 Like
Really good idea for safety, especially considering the story of the guy at Hood hitting an artery.
I’ve got a list of safety gear going, would you reorder this? Its ordered roughly in order of value vs cost/hassle/necessity but would like to sense check it
Essentials
- Leash!
- Wetsuit to spend many hours (in the water)
- Phone, waterproof case (iPhone 14+ has emergency SOS via Satellite)
- Tool
- Buoyancy aid with whistle and tourniquet
Additions
- Tracking app (SafeTrx for UK/SA or similar)
- Nutrition (water, energy gels, energy bar)
- Reflective tape for paddle and board
- Smart watch (to save battery on the phone when tracking runs)
- Helmet
Getting serious
- Personal locator beacon (Garmin InReach or EPIRB)
- VHF in a waterproof pouch (with DSC even better)
- Strobe light, flares or some night signalling device
- Signalling mirror or Space blanket (great for signalling too)
2 Likes
What’s everyone using to carry their phone? Looking for some good waterproof waist pack or just small phone container recommendations
Three zip lock bags. Cheapest (and best) solution for phones. You can still use the phone through the bags too. Replace the outermost every few sessions and you have a forever new system.
4 Likes
Magnetic closure dry bags have been the only reliable option for me. I also use a heavy duty ziplock style bag for secondary protection but has never needed it.
I’ve been disappointed with the pelican pouches. Leak after not too long and have had issues with the plastic clips and lanyard attachment points breaking.
I’ve switched to the nite ize pouch which seems a lot better.
1 Like
I buy a 5 pack for six dollars and they seem to last about the same amount of time as the more expensive pouches.
nice try, you almost got me to spend $35 on a f-ing plastic bag. nope
I’m going on 4 years with the Aquapac for larger phones, would happily spend 35 bucks on that plastic bag again. I think it was the 358 model but the model names have changed since then.
I went with the X8T tourniquet as the ratcheting mechanism seems like it will make it a lot easier to get compression applied in a one handed scenario. Not used in anger but a couple of test efforts show that although the design is good, I need a lot more practice to be competent.
2 Likes
having used a bunch, the FIDLOCK magnetic closure is definitely the best bag. Easiest to get your phone in & out and holds up the best to longer term use. I think if you’re pulling at the plastic seams a lot, it would weaken, but haven’t had an issue after a solid few months of mutli-week use.
1 Like