My Pfd Testimonial.

[Fishing Rhino]

PFDs serve another important purpose.  Suppose you're on the bow, running the trolling motor, and you drop dead, over the side of the boat.  It's obviously not going to save your life.

 

What it will do is keep your body afloat, making it easier to find.  While losing a spouse, parent, or child is painful, it is much worse when the body is not found, or when it takes hours or days to find it.  In addition, finding and retrieving a submerged body is an unnecessary waste of money and resources.

[Goose52]

Glad that you and your bud are OK and thanks for posting this.  It's a good wakeup call for everyone.

 

I'm part of the 100% of the time PFD crowd. Cold water, warm water, doesn't matter - I wear it 100% of the time - especially since I fish alone.  However, as your event pointed out, even if you're fishing with someone else that could help you if you go overboard, perhaps that OTHER person went over as well...

[Hanover_Yakker]

Thank you for sharing Andrew - you really had no control over that situation.  Those wakes are hard to see in that spot.  Hopefully your experience will help other anglers on this site recognize that a PFD does absolutely no good if it's not worn.  And with all do respect to others on the board, the argument of having it onboard is invalid and futile once you are thrown from the boat.  You might as well have left it in the truck or not even have purchased it at all.

 

I had a trip that I had planned for over a week this past January that I had to cancel at the last second as I was pulling into the parking lot to launch.  I had left not only my safety light at home, but I also left my PFD.  A couple fellow kayakers said they would have loaned me one if I had just called, but that would have been a PFD that wasn't fitted for me.  I cancelled my outing and made the long 2 hour drive back home embarrased but thankful I made the right decision.

 

I can't tell you how infuriating it is to me as a kayak angler to see anglers not take the same precautions that myself and other kayak anglers do.  I fish for hours on end thoughout the year in all types of weather conditions and water temperatures and a PFD in no way affects my ability to cast, flip, pitch, skip, flycast (when I did it), topwaters, jerkbaits, jig-n-craws, etc.....there is no excuse for not wearing a PFD, especially in colder weather.  Early signs and symptoms of hypothermia can set in water temps in the lower 60 degree range for some people.

 

A standard rule of thumb that kayak anglers subscribe to is that if the PFD is not comfortable in the store when you buy it, you will not wear it.  Another tip is that you should ensure the PFD is adjustable to account for the additional layers that you will need to wear in colder conditions. This is a rule that power boaters need to adopt in my opinion.  It doesn't matter how excellent a swimmer you are, you cannot adequately account for nor control all the external variables that will affect your ability to remain afloat.  You can only control what you do and how you outift yourself for cold water conditions.

 

Another rule that really seems to escape the boating world is that of appropriate cold water apparel.  Those of you that wear jeans and cotton undergarments are asking for trouble - in cold water/weather - cotton kills when wet.  It clings to the skin and does not dry in sufficient enough time for you to avoid the early onset of hypothermia.

 

As a cold water angler, I always wear the following:

 

1. Duofold base layer (wicking layer) including wicking socks

2. Fleece layer with smart wool socks

3. Waterproof layer - breathable chest waders with a wading belt and neoprene booties

4. Waterproof layer - top shell with wading belt

5. Wool cap

6. Wool/fleece lined gloves

7. Teva sandals

8. Stohlquist Fisherman PFD

9. Dry bag with extra clothes

 

If I go in the water for any reason (either planned or unplanned). I know I can self rescue and will not suffer from hypothermia.  I know I can also continue to fish, because I was adequately protected.

[bigbill]

It can happen to any boater. It's not imbarassing at all thank God you guys are ok. It's a good warning that anything unexpected can happen at anytime. And safety measures must be followed wearing your Pfd is very important.

When my son wanted to get his first dirtbike with his own money that he saved up. I told the misses we can at least get him all the safety gear. I got him the boots, knee &elbow pads, Jersey & pants a DOT approved helmet and gloves/chest protector. I told the wife you can't put a price on safety. If you don't buy him all the safety gear upfront before he rides you better plan on spending time in the hospital with him. I hammered my son and rode with him. I purchased him videos on how to ride and use body English.

[Sam]

Andrew, talk about a close call.

 

Great story. Wonderful ending.

 

Yes, a PFD can make you look silly but you will be around to laught at yourself should an unfortunate event occur.

 

Glad you are OK.

 

Thanks for sharing.

[tomustang]

Thank your better half for making you promise to use a pfd, It's good to see stories like this that have a better outcome, glad you made it out alright.

 

 

What kind of boat were you in and how big was the wake?

[jignfule]

Way to listen to the honey, glad you're OK

[MarkH024]

Glad to hear you are ok Andrew. Thanks for sharing and it's nothing to be embarrassed about. This is a great lesson to remind other anglers about their saftey.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

Andrew, talk about a close call.

 

Great story. Wonderful ending.

 

Yes, a PFD can make you look silly but you will be around to laught at yourself should an unfortunate event occur.

 

Glad you are OK.

 

Thanks for sharing.

One thing is for sure, I will never think that a life jacket looks silly ever again in my life.

 

 

Thank your better half for making you promise to use a pfd, It's good to see stories like this that have a better outcome, glad you made it out alright.

 

 

What kind of boat were you in and how big was the wake?

Thanks.

 

The boat is a 1448 welded flat bottom jon w/ a 25hp Merc 2 stroke. The wake was probably about 4' high and came out of nowhere. 

[aceman387]

Heck of a story, you talk about a near death experience.I am glad you survived and made it home.

[EvanT123]

[quote name="Snakehead Whisperer" post="1397260" timestamp="

The boat is a 1448 welded flat bottom jon w/ a 25hp Merc 2 stroke. The wake was probably about 4' high and came out of nowhere.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Thanks for posting and reminding us all. I always wear a pdf in a boat but I do a lot of wading and honestly hardly ever wear one then, a practice I think I'll reconsider. Any one else wear a pdf to wade? Also, I've read that the gas for inflatables has less volume when cold and may not inflate fully, one more thing to consider.

[tomustang]

One thing is for sure, I will never think that a life jacket looks silly ever again in my life.

 

 

Thanks.

 

The boat is a 1448 welded flat bottom jon w/ a 25hp Merc 2 stroke. The wake was probably about 4' high and came out of nowhere. 

 

Ouch! I hear way too many things about flat bottom jons tipping because of waves/wakes. Ever try an auto inflatable pfd? they are smaller and more out of the way, with it on at times you barely notice it's around you.

[flyfisher]

Thanks for sharing the story and validating the need to wear a PFD.

 

I am a kayak fisherman and pretty much always wear my PFD.  I have been known to take it off while doing a paddle upstream on a river because of the heat factor but it feels weird whenever i do it, kind of like wearing a seatbelt.

 

I am glad everything turned out ok and we can all share in your lesson learned.

[Comfortably Numb]

Glad you and your friend are OK. Thanks for sharing and reminding us all how dangerous it can be.

 

Couple years ago I fell in after my pedestal chair broke. Luckily It was summer. But as you said, it is startling and I did panic even though the boat was upright and I was not far away. I can swim but swimming with clothes on is more difficult. I tired faster than I thought and had a hard time getting back in the boat.

 

I now have an inflatable belt on at all times (manually if I pull the Co2 pin). It is comfortable and unabtrusive. I do admitthat I dont wear the regular PFD as much as I should when running the big motor.

 

http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Sospendersreg-16-Gram-Manual-Belt-Pack-P99.aspx

[ClackerBuzz]

i can't thank you enough for ur post andrew...and the good ending.

i was in violation this whole season by not having a PDF on board.  I made the plan to buy one this winter to be in compliance.  b/c of ur post i could care less about a ticket and now care all about safety.  I'm going to take my time and shop around for a comfortable vest that easily fits over a hoodie. then i'll be comfortable and safe.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

Thank you all for taking the time to read this thread. Looking back on all of this I'm still in disbelief. Sharing my story has helped me too, as it was starting to feel like a total loss. The gear can be replaced, but our lives can not.

 

Thanks for posting and reminding us all. I always wear a pdf in a boat but I do a lot of wading and honestly hardly ever wear one then, a practice I think I'll reconsider. Any one else wear a pdf to wade? Also, I've read that the gas for inflatables has less volume when cold and may not inflate fully, one more thing to consider.

There are some stretches of the Potomac where a PFD is mandatory for waders. I know many folks who won't wade without one.

 

 

Glad you and your friend are OK. Thanks for sharing and reminding us all how dangerous it can be.

 

Couple years ago I fell in after my pedestal chair broke. Luckily It was summer. But as you said, it is startling and I did panic even though the boat was upright and I was not far away. I can swim but swimming with clothes on is more difficult. I tired faster than I thought and had a hard time getting back in the boat.

 

I now have an inflatable belt on at all times (manually if I pull the Co2 pin). It is comfortable and unabtrusive. I do admitthat I dont wear the regular PFD as much as I should when running the big motor.

 

http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Sospendersreg-16-Gram-Manual-Belt-Pack-P99.aspx

I was underway when this happened. I'm just thankful that I was conscious when I hit the water. I wear my PFD when I am fishing too, but will be exploring different options as it gets hot here in the Summer.

 

I'm an above average swimmer, but there was no way that I could have made shore from where I was. It was hard enough to get back to the boat.

 

i can't thank you enough for ur post andrew...and the good ending.

i was in violation this whole season by not having a PDF on board.  I made the plan to buy one this winter to be in compliance.  b/c of ur post i could care less about a ticket and now care all about safety.  I'm going to take my time and shop around for a comfortable vest that easily fits over a hoodie. then i'll be comfortable and safe.

I used to carry them merely to comply with the law too. But like it says on the jacket "Wear it, don't stow it."

[KyakR]

Andrew, I've never worn a PFD, despite having my son send me one every year. My family nags me, but I've ignored them all, even though I fish in cold weather and sometimes at night, always alone in my yak. Your post changed my mind. I have no doubt that you would have died that day.....I can't imagine how your death would have reverberated down through the years in the lives of your loved ones, and others. I think I've been in denial. Guess I lack imagination for some things when it comes to danger. 

I'm so glad you survived. Your family must have been in as much shock afterward as you. Your posts are not only informative, they're full of kindliness and humor......would miss them. You are hereby an honorary Mainer.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

Andrew, I've never worn a PFD, despite having my son send me one every year. My family nags me, but I've ignored them all, even though I fish in cold weather and sometimes at night, always alone in my yak. Your post changed my mind. I have no doubt that you would have died that day.....I can't imagine how your death would have reverberated down through the years in the lives of your loved ones, and others. I think I've been in denial. Guess I lack imagination for some things when it comes to danger. 

I'm so glad you survived. Your family must have been in as much shock afterward as you. Your posts are not only informative, they're full of kindliness and humor......would miss them. You are hereby an honorary Mainer.

 Wear one, please. Going through my fishing photos from the past, I am not wearing a life jacket of any sort in any of them; even my avatar pic. I too was in denial, and I too lack imagination for potentially bad outcomes of dangerous behavior. But I never looked at fishing or boating as dangerous in the past, as I've enjoyed doing these things for my entire life without any calamity. This was a real eye opener. I have to really rethink my habits in general. I drive pretty cool when I have guests aboard my boat, but the guy who was with me during the accident is a close friend and fishing buddy for many years, so we push it to the limits when we fish together. My wife and I are close with his entire family. I can't imagine what I would've felt like if something had happened to him the other day. I would probably blame myself. 

 

Thanks. I am honored to be a Mainer (even though I've never been there. Planning to do a trip up that way sooner than later, however.)

[Brian Needham]

wow, what a story, glad it has a happy ending.

 

#1 rule in my boat, if the outboard is running I have a life jacket on and kill switch hooked up, all passengers must have on a vest as well.

 

I have strongly considered getting an auto inflatable, perhaps I will. 

[Snakehead Whisperer]

wow, what a story, glad it has a happy ending.

 

#1 rule in my boat, if the outboard is running I have a life jacket on and kill switch hooked up, all passengers must have on a vest as well.

 

I have strongly considered getting an auto inflatable, perhaps I will. 

Thanks. That's a good policy to have. I've been checking out the Mustang HIT for next summer ($250, ouch.) 

[Loop_Dad]

Andrew, I am so glad you are okay. I am glad we are hearing your story from you!

 

Thank you for sharing Andrew - you really had no control over that situation.  Those wakes are hard to see in that spot.  Hopefully your experience will help other anglers on this site recognize that a PFD does absolutely no good if it's not worn.  And with all do respect to others on the board, the argument of having it onboard is invalid and futile once you are thrown from the boat.  You might as well have left it in the truck or not even have purchased it at all.

 

I had a trip that I had planned for over a week this past January that I had to cancel at the last second as I was pulling into the parking lot to launch.  I had left not only my safety light at home, but I also left my PFD.  A couple fellow kayakers said they would have loaned me one if I had just called, but that would have been a PFD that wasn't fitted for me.  I cancelled my outing and made the long 2 hour drive back home embarrased but thankful I made the right decision.

 

I can't tell you how infuriating it is to me as a kayak angler to see anglers not take the same precautions that myself and other kayak anglers do.  I fish for hours on end thoughout the year in all types of weather conditions and water temperatures and a PFD in no way affects my ability to cast, flip, pitch, skip, flycast (when I did it), topwaters, jerkbaits, jig-n-craws, etc.....there is no excuse for not wearing a PFD, especially in colder weather.  Early signs and symptoms of hypothermia can set in water temps in the lower 60 degree range for some people.

 

A standard rule of thumb that kayak anglers subscribe to is that if the PFD is not comfortable in the store when you buy it, you will not wear it.  Another tip is that you should ensure the PFD is adjustable to account for the additional layers that you will need to wear in colder conditions. This is a rule that power boaters need to adopt in my opinion.  It doesn't matter how excellent a swimmer you are, you cannot adequately account for nor control all the external variables that will affect your ability to remain afloat.  You can only control what you do and how you outift yourself for cold water conditions.

 

Another rule that really seems to escape the boating world is that of appropriate cold water apparel.  Those of you that wear jeans and cotton undergarments are asking for trouble - in cold water/weather - cotton kills when wet.  It clings to the skin and does not dry in sufficient enough time for you to avoid the early onset of hypothermia.

 

As a cold water angler, I always wear the following:

 

1. Duofold base layer (wicking layer) including wicking socks

2. Fleece layer with smart wool socks

3. Waterproof layer - breathable chest waders with a wading belt and neoprene booties

4. Waterproof layer - top shell with wading belt

5. Wool cap

6. Wool/fleece lined gloves

7. Teva sandals

8. Stohlquist Fisherman PFD

9. Dry bag with extra clothes

 

If I go in the water for any reason (either planned or unplanned). I know I can self rescue and will not suffer from hypothermia.  I know I can also continue to fish, because I was adequately protected.

 

Hannover_Yakker, very nice system.

 

I have to think about good system for myself. Here temp changes a lot through out the day.

 

I used to be a die-hard advanced windsurfer. In my area, the sea water is so cold even in the middle of the summer. I thought about safety all the time and think through the escape plan. Now I have to admit that I am way too relaxed about the safety. I wear PFD 100%, but I am not as prepared as you are for cold water. I wear synthetic pants and shirts mostly when I fish, but still wear cotton socks, cotton underwear and sometimes cotton outershirts.

 

BTW: do you wear nylon underwear. Hopefully that does not resemble nylon stocking or anything

[Snakehead Whisperer]

Andrew, I am so glad you are okay. I am glad we are hearing your story from you!

Thanks. Glad to have the opportunity to share it. 

 

In my area, the sea water is so cold even in the middle of the summer.

I grew up in SF and Pacifica... cold is an understatement I also agree that Hanover_Yakker's post has some great advice. Really got me thinking about how to survive in the unfortunate event of being stranded in the cold.

[tomustang]

Thanks. That's a good policy to have. I've been checking out the Mustang HIT for next summer ($250, ouch.) 

 

 

We got the Cabelas Tournament auto inflatable, under $200. Oh my I just checked the link for you and their on sale for $100 http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Life-Jackets-Vests/Inflatable-Life-Jackets|/pc/104794380/c/104741280/sc/104399280/Cabelas-Tournament-3500-Auto-Inflatable-Personal-Flotation-Device/1546036.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FN%3D1100590%26WTz_l%3DSBC%253BBRprd1308983&WTz_l=SBC%3BBRprd1308983%3Bcat104399280

 

 

Wish I could get my $140 back for two of them... It's a sign for you to buy it!

[KyakR]

What's the HELP position?

 "Then I remembered to be calm and conserve energy and heat. I kept my body in the HELP position "