Homer Winter King Derby Roll call - March 19, 2016

Ok, I shouldn't be the one saying anything because I have probably been out the least lately but....

WHO IS IN?  If I can get a decent count, I like to let the derby folks know. 

A few pics from last year

I would love to... but I fly in the night before, so unless I get my SH@T together before I leave, and drive all night after the flight, it'll be a miss for me.   Slay Em !

I'm planning on it, provided work doesn't ship me off to Seattle. 

I'm off that weekend so I'm in.

I'm off that weekend so I'm in.

Just completed on line registration.

I doubt if I can make it but I plan on entering the Anchor point Calcutta again this year

I am in. Haven't booked hotel yet trying to figure if it's the Badarka or land's End I kinda like the free breakfast at the Bedarka. I always like free.

Registered last night and can't wait. In the process of getting everything together and need a little advise if anyone can help. What should my kayak consist of when setting up for the tourney? It says you need a light beacon and 3 flares along with a devise for sound in case of an emergency. Is that all really necessary for kayaks?

Also I'm picking up my new outback limited edition tomorrow from alaska raft and kayak and super stoked. 1 of 2 in alaska so you can't miss me in the waters. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Good luck to all.

I tend to carry the safety gear.   I have never fired off a flare from any boat, canoe, or kayak... But I do believe in being prepared.   

My rigging for light last year was a waterproof Bike light that I attached to my net handle.  It makes you much more visible in the early AM when it' still relatively dark.   I already had the light, so didn't have to buy one.   
   I keep a whistle in the pocket of all of my PFDs (cheap signaling device and won't rust like the canned air-horn things.   I do have a set of flares in my dry bag on board, I keep those, a lighter, and spare batteries for my VHF as well...   I should probably keep one of the flares in my vest as well - in case I ditch and get separated from my Kayak by wind / current. 

If you want a cheap solution for your light - there is a thread in the "drilling and cutting" board on how to make one on the cheap out of PVC and a Fred Meyer Dorcy brand tent light.   I plan to make one - just haven't got around to it. 

I am sort of embarrassed to say I really don't know the firm answer.  I carry communication gear and a whistle.  Not sure what would be considered a signaling device. Not sure you need one on a kayak DURING daylight hours.  We should confirm with the derby.  Its a non-issue...until it becomes an issue. 

Here's a quick guide I found.
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/boating/pdf/boatrequire120309.pdf

Also I'm picking up my new outback limited edition tomorrow from alaska raft and kayak and super stoked. 1 of 2 in alaska so you can't miss me in the waters. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Checked out a limited edition Outback at AK Raft and Kayak he had just gotten in.  I'm very tempted to pick one up as I have been offered one but my 2011 Hobie Outback still seems pretty dang fishy.  If you have ever seen my vehicles, you know I am the type to just run my gear completely into the ground before replacing.

It sure looked super sweet though!!!!!!  Congrats!!!!

I've been off the blog for lots of reasons. I got a limited edition from Alaska Raft & Kayak and will pick it up next month. Rudy I think you deserve a new Yak. Go for it.
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I am sort of embarrassed to say I really don't know the firm answer.  I carry communication gear and a whistle.  Not sure what would be considered a signaling device. Not sure you need one on a kayak DURING daylight hours.  We should confirm with the derby.  Its a non-issue...until it becomes an issue. 

Here's a quick guide I found.
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/boating/pdf/boatrequire120309.pdf

Heres the deal, I am a bit of a safety geek, so I have looked through most of this before.  I am pretty sure the Derby is requiring the USCG and AK Boating Handbook mandated safety gear.   For audible device, the USCG has this to say: 
"   Do I need a horn on my boat?
A: Navigation Rules require sound signals to be made under certain circumstances, such as meeting, crossing, and overtaking other vessels. Recreational vessels are also required to use sound signals during periods of reduced visibility and while at anchor. See A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats for the types of sound producing devices required for your specific vessel. A vessel of less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) must, at a a minimum, have some means of making an efficient sound signal i.e., handheld air horn, athletic whistle, installed horn, etc. A human voice/sound is not acceptable. A vessel 39.4 feet (12 meters) or greater, must have a sound signaling appliance capable of producing an efficient sound signal, audible for  mile, with a 4 to 6 second duration....."    The device doubles as your emergency signal, so if you carry a whistle make sure it works - they can get salted up.  Cheap orange plastic ones seem to last pretty well for me. 

And for the visual signaling devices -- see this link:   http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/docs/vds_table.pdf   Note - the first column is for recreational boats, and that the state of AK boating safety requirements basically refer you to the USCG.   See this link:   http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/boating/pdf/postcard2014.pdf  see page two or the attached PDF. 

In AK your non-motorized kayak doesn't need to be registered, and the 'requirements' are mirrored in the coastal Kayaking recommendations... no surprise there - they call out VHF/UHF Radio, Whistle, Lights, and Flares or other signaling device (lasers were in vogue but not cheap a few years ago, allowed I think)   I have been tempted to add a floating smoke flare to my vest - but unlike the little handheld aerial flares I haven't found small waterproof smoke flares to fit my vest pocket yet, so dont carry them now.

Thank you AkRider for the great info and sharing.  Better safe than sorry is probably the best precaution to take when dealing with open waters.  A small dry bag containing an emergency safety kit sounds like the way to go.  The pvc light beacon looks to be a great application and a fun easy project to do during the winter months lol. 

Just got back from picking up the Outback LTD from Alaska Raft and Kayak and looks like there are a few more Outback LTD's available.  Mark from AR&K says they were able to get 5 total to Alaska.  I'm he won't have issues getting rid of those.

Boy she's pretty.  I haven't gotten a chance to open mine up yet but can't wait.