Essential Gear List for Kayaking Safety

Kayaking is one of the many adventures in life that you can have without having to spend a lot of money. If you have your kayak and the paddles ready, you can just go out in the lake, river or the ocean and start kayaking, right? – Wrong!

Safety comes first, and there are certain items that you need to have with you before you even think of going into waters that, in case of a capsize, can become a real threat to your safety, regardless of how good a swimmer you are.

In this guide, we are going to tell you about the essential gear list for kayaking safety that you need to carry along with you in that boat.

Things You Should Have for Kayaking

Let us now have an overview of all the basic safety equipment for kayaking.

Communication Radio Set – walkie talkie

If you are planning to go on a kayaking adventure with another person, it is advised to carry a walkie talkie 2-way radio set along with you. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, you will be able to maintain communication with the other person.

These days you can find some decent walkie talkie radio sets that are waterproof and have sufficient range, battery time and portability. Here are some of the top-rated waterproof walkie talkies radio sets that you can choose from before going kayaking with your partner.

Life Jacket

Be it kayaking, boating or any other activity that requires you to go into open waters, life jacket is one of the most important safety equipment that you need to wear regardless of every other factor.

As a regular paddler, you might at times think that it is just a lake or shallow waters and you probably don’t need to wear one. Well, accidents or mishaps can happen to anyone at any time. Whether you are going kayaking alone or with a partner, never go out into those waters without a life vest on. It can very well be the difference between life and death.

Flashlight or a Flare

Although it is not recommended to go kayaking during night, there are people who still like to add a bit more adventure by going out paddling when it’s dark. Or even if you leave during daytime, there is a possibility that due to a capsizing or some other incident, your return gets delayed.

During such mishaps, a flashlight or those old-school flares can come in quite handy to make signals to nearby rescue boats or coastal service personnel.

Whistle

This might sound odd, keeping in mind the modern-day technology that we have available at our disposal these days. However, a whistle can play a big part in making yourself recognizable amidst dark skies if your kayak is capsized.

Regular whistles might not be too effective in such cases, but there are certain emergency whistles that are made for this purpose and can be heard from great distances.

Spray Skirts

Spray skirt can be an effective item to have before going on kayaking. These are neoprene or nylon waterproof skirts that are specifically designed to keep the water out of your kayak, particularly in rough waters.

If you are not using one, your kayak might get filled up with water if there is a capsizing accident or if the currents are too strong. On flat waters, you probably might not need one.

First Aid Kit

Just like for any other adventure trip, a basic first aid kit is something that you should not overlook, regardless of you being a pro kayaker or not.

A basic first aid kit for kayaking may include bandages, disinfectants, anti-septic liquids, rubber gloves, etc.

Float Bags

Float bags can be a good addition to your kayaking safety equipment, considering that you don’t have one of those sit-on-top kayaks. For other kayak types, these triangular inflatable bags are inserted in the empty space behind your back.

The open space is filled with air and in case of any capsizing incident, these bags ensure that you stay afloat.

Bilge Pump

This is a small, portable pump that allows you to pump water out of your kayak in case you are paddling in rough waters and strong currents.

If the water manages to find its way into your boat, it can be really difficult to still keep paddling even after having tried to get water out using other ways. In such situations, a bilge pump can do the job for you within a few minutes.

GPS Device

Gone are the days when sailors would use compasses for navigation purposes. Today, those compasses have been replaced with GPS devices. These small, waterproof and portable devices are considered to be one of the most important kayaking equipment, especially if you are planning for a long route.

Remember, after a few hours on water, the position and surroundings start to look similar and you might feel that you are not moving at all. But if you bring a reliable GPS device with you, it will save you from getting lost.

Food Supplies

If you are planning to go on a rather longer kayaking trip, it would be a good idea to keep some food supplies instead of going with nothing at all. A couple of water bottles will also help in order to keep you hydrated, should your kayak capsize and you have to spend some time in open waters before being rescued.

Final Thoughts on Our Kayaking Safety Gear Guide

Kayaking can be super fun, no doubts about that. However, the fun can get ruined in a blink of an eye, and might even threaten your safety if you are not well-equipped with your kayaking gear and safety items.

You can always add or subtract a few items from the aforementioned list depending on your requirements, however, it is always advised to carefully plan your kayaking tour and take all the necessary supplies and equipment for safety purposes.

Enjoy your Kayaking!

First Time Preppers – Checklist You Must Follow To Survive A Disaster

People who have always dismissed the idea of a big disaster will now probably understand the value of being prepared. The COVID outbreak has suddenly changed lives and preppers definitely have a head start. The pandemic indicates that you cannot consider yourself to be safe because anything can happen anytime. You may have to be cooped up in your home for weeks, without supplies or help from outside. So if you have not been gearing up for a sudden invasion or natural disaster, it is time to get ready sooner rather than later. If you wait until something actually happens, you will be too late. Here is a checklist for first-time preppers who want to get ready for surviving a disaster.

Food and water

Obviously, the first thing you would need to survive is food and water. Stockpiling emergency food kits makes a good idea because these have a long shelf life and can keep you and your family well-fed even when you cannot go out. Since it is not possible to store fresh produce, you may consider buying seeds that you can sow in an emergency situation to create a small indoor kitchen garden at home. Similarly, you need to stock plenty of water- whether you would want bottles or gallons depends on your needs and preferences.

Medicines and first-aid

Another thing that you cannot manage without is medicines and first-aid. If you are on medication for a long-term chronic condition, it always makes sense to have at least a few months’ supplies in stock. Additionally, you will also need over-the-counter medicines for common conditions like fever, coughs and colds, diarrhea, etc. Don’t forget to have a proper first aid kit in your prepper gear because you could need it more often than you may think.

Safety gear

For a pandemic-like emergency, safety gear is all about personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and goggles. But the requirements will be quite different if there is war or civil unrest. Consider investing in weapons like a gun and knife to keep your family safe. Knives can serve as tools too. You will also need ballistic protection; buying a Backpack armor is a good idea as it offers you safety from bullets and sharp weapons. And it doubles up as storage gear if you need to pack some emergency stuff and travel to a safer place in an emergency.

Batteries

A good prepper will always have some extra batteries on hand. You will need it for running flashlights and radios, which can be vital in the time of power outages and loss of other means of communication. Even if the situation is not that bad, batteries are essential for keeping things like remote controls and kids’ toys running. Surely, you cannot manage without entertainment during a lockdown. Do pick plenty of them and stock them because they seldom get expired.

This basic checklist for first-time preppers has you almost covered and ready for the worst. Apart from the right gear, you also need a resilient attitude to survive with the minimal and keep going in tough situations.

What to Include in Your Emergency 48 Hour Kit

For every family and individual, it’s essential to be ready for the unexpected with an emergency preparedness kit. Situations like natural disasters, utility failures, or political unrest can and do happen. These events will leave you without access to your normal resources and supply chain for often a few days. While long term emergencies are a possibility, the most common length of time that you may be without water and power is 48 hours. That is why you should always have an emergency 48-hour survival kit on hand. This kit should include (at the least) food and water, light sources, sanitation items, first aid, and essential tools.

The Basics for Your 48 Hour Kit

While packing an emergency kit can seem like a large task, it is important to only pack things you need. Even though you are most likely to use it at home, keeping your kit compact and portable is also important so that you could grab it and go if need be. Store your kit somewhere dry and easily accessible.

Water & Non-Perishable Food

Arguably the most important thing you should include in your bug out kit is water. Ensuring you have drinkable water is extremely important, especially if your emergency occurs during hot weather. The average amount of water a person is supposed to drink a day is 13.5 cups a day, so you want to make sure you have enough for you and the people you are with. Understandably, packing a lot of water in your 48 hour kit can become heavy so consider purchasing a filtration straw that allows you to drink unfiltered water if it comes to that.

Additionally, you should make sure you have food in your kit. Pack healthy, easy to store, non-perishable food that you can eat at any time. You want your food to have nutritional value so food like canned meats or fish, granola bars, dry cereal, etc. are all good things to have in your kit. Several MREs (meals ready to eat) are a good idea to include as well.

Light Sources

The next most important items you should store in your 48 hour survival kit are light sources. Nothing is worse than not knowing what your surroundings are in an emergency situation. Many emergency situations can lead to power outages so being prepared with alternative lighting sources is essential.

For a portable light source, include one or two bright and long lasting flashlights in your 48 hour survival kit. If you have access to power in the form of a generator or solar powered outlets a rechargeable flashlight should be fine, but an AA battery light can be better for a long term emergency event. It is also a good idea to include a lantern in your emergency kit to illuminate larger spaces for more comfortable use in living spaces at night.

Additional Supplies

Having a few or all of these items in your 48 hour kit will definitely come in handy in an emergency situation. Keep these additional supplies in your short term survival kit:

Toilet paper
Hand sanitizer
Antibiotics
Bandages
Can opener
Mask
Flashlight batteries
USB charging cord

Whether these items help prevent infections or are simply sanitation items, you’ll definitely want to pack at least a few additional items to basic food, water, and lighting. Also, consider what types of events might be the most likely to happen in your area; if you live somewhere where dust storms happen often, a mask will be great to include. If you live in a very cold area, store extra blankets.

Your 48 Hour Survival Kit

Be prepared for the unexpected with everything outlined for your 48 hour survival kit. The most important items are water, non-perishable food, and adequate lighting gear. Don’t forget to pack additional supplies you might need to survive. While you will hopefully only need this kit for 48 hours, you could wind up relying on it for much longer.

Author: Danielle Duran, Morrison, Colorado

66% Don’t Have Enough Supplies to Last Three Days in Quarantine

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An alarming new study has found that despite the wave of panic buying taking place across the country, two in three Americans say they don’t have enough supplies to last three days in quarantine.

The study analyzed data from over 3,000 respondents and used the Department of Homeland Security’s recommendation to have at least three days of food and emergency supplies on hand at all times. According to the study, 72 percent of Americans didn’t have this supply before COVID-19 became prevalent. During the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, 66 percent still did not have this supply.

Because these Americans don’t have enough for three days, we must assume they’re grocery shopping more often. This presents a serious risk, especially considering that visiting public places puts shoppers at higher risk of exposure to the virus.

All this being said, it’s possible that a severe lack of preparation before and during the outbreak is resulting in the continuation of the virus over time.

Here is the three-day list of essential supplies the Department of Homeland Security suggests having on hand during an emergency:

Water (one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (non-perishable)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Here are the recommended additions to your three-day emergency kit:

Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler’s checks
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

For more information on disaster preparedness, use these resources.

Free Report: ‘How to Build the Ultimate Disaster Survival Kit’

Click Survival has released a free report titled: “How to Build the Ultimate Disaster Survival Kit”. This report aims to ensure people are prepared for any kind of disaster, (including the coronavirus/ covid19 outbreak) and to create a survival kit that is ready to go in any emergency situation. It also aims to ensure that you do not make the most common survival situation mistakes that can cost you your life.

The report has been made openly available and at no cost by ClickSurvival.com. It’s available to the general public, thought leaders within the survival and ‘prepper’ market and anyone with an interest in building a disaster survival kit.

Free Report https://clicksurvival.com/free-report-x04

The free report includes:

Discover exactly how to prepare yourself and your family when the SHTF!
What you MUST do when the lights go out
13 CRUCIAL things to stock at home
6 things EVERY survival kit must have
Preparing food for long-term storage
…& TONS more!

Interested parties can find the report ready to download, for free, at https://clicksurvival.com/free-report-x04

About Click Survival

Click Survival was founded in 2020 and is a no-fluff, straight to the point, down to earth website, bringing the wealth of experience from Jim’s 20+ years teaching survival skills. within the ‘Survivalist and Prepper’ industry. It is best known for Jim himself. Jim is the single biggest asset to the venture who brings with him a no-messing approach to surviving the worst that life can throw at you.

Its unique position within its industry gives it the authority to produce such a report on building a disaster survival kit because it is a culmination of a wealth of experience from teaching survival skills to people of all walks of life. The survival kit is the basic necessity for every household and here Jim brings his insights to help you create the ultimate disaster survival kit.

Benefit of the free survival report

For example, as the report aims to solve the problem of being prepared for any kind of disaster, (including the coronavirus/ covid19 outbreak) and to create a survival kit that is ready to go in any emergency situation., it gives valuable information to the reader that will ultimately benefit them by helping people from all walks of life to be ready for when (not if) the disaster will strike their home. This could be the latest pandemic, earthquake, power outage or any number of disasters that are just around the corner.

Product Review: First Aid Survival Kit with N 95 Mask

It’s always fun and intriguing to review a quality survival product.

Recently we were asked to review the First Aid Survival Kit with N 95 Mask from firstaidkitsurvival.com. When the well packaged box arrived at our door, inside it was a beautiful red, durable..and I mean well-made nylon compact survival kit that held no less than 200 pieces inside.

The company specifically designed to address a variety of injuries. We love how organized the accessories were laid out which even included a easy to understand and informative first aid brochure.

Also included, was a multitude of well thought out various bandages of sizes shapes and purposes, gloves, tweezers, safety pins, a carabiner, a eye pad bandage and even a emergency whistle. Besides the N 95 mask, somehow they even managed to fit an instant cold compress and emergency whistle inside this nice kit.

The First Aid Survival Kit was a impressive, really nice product to review. It honestly is very reflective of the company’s motto “Our products are designed to protect and save lives”….

OmegaMan for yearzerosurvival.com

Why Prepping Is So Important Right Now

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the world is in chaos. People are rushing to the nearest bank so they can withdraw their stimulus checks and buy necessary supplies. Others are sheltering away in their homes hoping things will pass. However, there is a risk that things are going to get much worse before they improve. This is why many people have been preparing for such events for a long time. They knew something like this would come along and they wanted to be ready. Prepping can help you prepare for these troubling times.

Within this guide, you’re going to learn more prepping and why it is so important right now.

Troubling Times

The world is going through turmoil. You can see it all around you. When you go to the store, you see people wearing masks and trying other tactics to protect themselves. Simultaneously, oil prices have dropped significantly low so times are critical. Anything can happen in the next few days so it is pertinent to be prepared during these troubling times. Consumers should do what they can to protect themselves. They should stockpile food and find shelter.

Otherwise, it might be too late.

Being Ready

A lot of people were ready for the Coronavirus and it is likely a sign of things to come. The world is spiraling out of control and the next major event may be far worse. It could come in the middle of the night and people may be caught off guard. If this happens, people won’t be able to rush to the grocery store and buy every day. This could create a significant problem for people who haven’t prepared. With that being said, it is pertinent to be ready. You should make sure that you have a stockpile of goods so you can be ready for anything that comes your way.

Puts Your Mind At Ease

You can find an abundance of prepping tips by visiting Preparing with Dave. So, why should you get involved in this practice? What benefits will it provide? Well, there is a good chance that you stay away at night worrying about life and the pandemic. You may worry that things are going to worsen. If you’ve found yourself in this type of situation, there is a good chance that you have trouble sleeping and you want to look for a solution to this problem. If this is the case, you should start preparing as soon as possible.

Once you’ve done so, you’ll know that you’re ready for everything.

How To Get Started

Getting started prepping isn’t too difficult. However, you’ll need to develop a prepper mentality. Once you’ve developed a prepper mentality, you’ll be ready to conquer the world. You’ll know what you need to do. You’ll also find items that you need to collect. This includes water and food. You’ll also need to find shelter. Remember that it is pertinent to prepare over a period. Do that and you won’t have to splurge on everything at once. Prepare over a period so you can balance your budget easier.

Hunting With a Crossbow for Beginners

For the people who are interested in hunting, a crossbow can be a good weapon for beginners. A crossbow is a kind of ranged weapon that uses elastic to launch a missile, in this case, a projectile that can hit your target and kill it. Just like all the other kinds of hunting weapons, a crossbow can be accurate and suitable for hunting. It can be fun using this hunting weapon for people who are just beginning to engage in this activity. You can learn more here by reading along. In this article, we shall discuss some things beginners need to know about the use of crossbows and how to choose the accompanying projectiles for a better hunting experience.

Crossbow for beginners - Year Zero Survival Blog

Here are some of the hunting tips you need to know when using a crossbow as a beginner:

Crossbow Configurations

The fact that many companies manufacture crossbows means that you may be confused about what to choose. However, with some basic knowledge of some features of crossbows, you would be better off. Crossbows come with a stock and a bow. These fit together to form the whole weapon, the crossbow. The difference in many types of crossbows is in the style of a bow that will be attached to the stock. In this regard, there are three designs, which are the Reverse Draw, the Compound, and the Recurve.

Consider crossbow draw weights

This is a very important factor that one should consider when buying a crossbow as a beginner. This refers to the number of pounds it will take you to draw back the string into the cocked position. This ranges from 90 to 260 lbs and should play a very important role in the speed of the arrow after it has been released from the crossbow. With this feature, one needs to consider their strength and know the amount of poundage they can comfortably draw back on the crossbow.

The limb configuration and the length of the power stroke are other factors that can determine the speed of the arrow. If your draw weight is great, your bow becomes more unforgiving. As such, your shooting errors will be many. You will also increase the wear and tear of the components of the bow.

Know the crossbow arrow speeds

The crossbow arrow speed is a very important aspect that can help beginners become better hunters. Modern crossbows come with arrow speeds that range from 265 to 400 fps. You see, the faster the arrow speed, the further and the flatter you can shoot it. With this in mind, you should be able to take the big game with ease. However, it is good to note that bowhunting requires one to be as close to their target animal as possible. Regardless of the arrow speeds of your crossbow, you may not always achieve your goal. Archery is not a long-range sport and one needs to know this while they buy a suitable crossbow. This way, you will not be disappointed. And in any case, as a beginner, you should develop your skills by using the basic crossbow before you can buy the more powerful weapons.

What are the benefits of crossbow hunting?

This is one thing you need to know as a beginner so that as you engage in this activity, you can be encouraged at the same time. There is a wide range of benefits that come with crossbow hunting. These are:Crossbow hunting is good for wildlife management. One good thing with crossbow hunting is that it encourages wildlife population control and management. For the areas that are overpopulated with animals, such as game parks, game reserves, and even forests, crossbow hunting will help in controlling the population of the animals. Consequently, there will be a healthy growth of the wildlife population.

Good for recreation purposes. This is a good recreational activity that beginners in hunting can engage in. You can utilize your free time in this adventure and help relax your mind as you try to look for targets and hit them. It is also a good chance for you to socialize with other people who engage in the same activity. You will get to learn from each other. This is a good way to grow your hunting skills and hunting engagements.

In conclusion, one must be aware of the rules and regulations of hunting in their countries, States or Counties. Regardless of the fun and the adventure that comes with crossbow hunting, you could easily get yourself into jail if you do not follow the regulations laid down in your country. You need to know all there is to know about hunting certain animals in a particular jurisdiction. This way, you should enjoy your crossbow-hunting expeditions as a beginner.

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