Kayak on the Great Lakes

[dvx216]

With kayak being more popular I'm see more of them on Erie. They have every right to be out on the lake with the rest of us. With that said they are almost impossible to see from a safe distance when the lake is roller like it normally does. So why then isn't a flag something that is part of a Kayak safety equipment when it's on the lake hell it wouldn't be a bad idea for bass boat also. A 2'x2' Mylar flag would make them even more visible. Now if you mention this to some kayakers they will get all pissy about it. I'm I missing something here or does it not just make common sense to make yourself more visible when your sharing the water with power boats.

 

[Gofirstclass]

dwna1, I suspect if you try to force kayakers to fly a flag, especially one that large you will get a lot of pushback.

Look at the pushback against getting vaccinated. Ya can't legislate stoopid!

 

[JHornsby3]

With the growing number of SUP's on the waterways here in Oregon, the state and the USCG have changed some of the rulings. They are now saying that you should be wearing a PFD that is the red or orange. Or at least a brightly colored shirt. So this is telling me that it might become a law in the near future. Right now it's a suggested ruling but I can see it changing to law if folks keep being stupid. I'm not sure about other states but in Oregon the SUP's are governed by the same laws as canoes and kayaks.

 

[Creekwood]

They make flags for kayaks and I have seen them on kayaks on Georgian Bay. Not often though.

 

[yobub]

I'm confused. How do you want kayakers to mount a flag so it would be high enough for you to see it if you cant see their upright torso?

A 2x2 flag would probably require at least a 4' pole to be more visible than the paddler.

 

[Gofirstclass]

yobub, I think you have mixed up a SUP (stand up paddleboard) and a kayak where the operator is sitting.

 

[Maggieiscrazy]

I see groups of kayakers on Lake Superior making their way to the Apostle islands all the time in rough conditions. You see them, then you don’t. I also hear distress calls quite often coming in from kayakers that go over. In 2018 there was a family of 5 that tried to make their way from Madeline island to Michigan island on 1 kayak. They capsized and the only one that survived was the mother. A lot of people head out on big water on kayaks and don’t realize the danger they’re putting themselves in.

 

[yobub]

yobub, I think you have mixed up a SUP (stand up paddleboard) and a kayak where the operator is sitting.

Our family owns 4 kayaks. 3 are polyethylene and one is inflatable. The inflatable can also be used as a SUP. One of the polyethylene kayaks has rod holders, so I could possibly see being able to mount a flag in that, but beyond that it seems difficult to mount. Drilling a base into the polyethylene and then mounting something that rocks with leverage seems like it would just pull out. Obviously mounting to the inflatable would be very difficult.

I'm 6'3. If I'm sitting in the kayak my butt is a couple inches below the water line but not much, so let's say 3' of my torso is above the water line. For a flag to be more visible than I am it would have to be on a pole that is at least 4' tall. That is the reason for my question.

I understand the visibility issue; I operate boats just like you all do. I just think the idea of mandating a flag is a little misguided.

On the kayak that I use most often I have SOLAS reflective tape on the hull and on the paddle. I have found that the yellow paddle blades, which I dont have, are probably the best aid to visibility.

 

[JHornsby3]

There is rod holders that can be added. My son has them to put in on his two. They look like they are pretty stout. I don't know about flags but at least bright clothing or PFD's would be a great help. Most kayakers I see like to blend into the surrounding vegetation too much. And that is no help.

 

[blaster]

I for one will not kayak on open or congested water ways. If I did I surly would find a lightweight banner to fly so as to not die. I prefer to paddle a kayak on a nice river or stream or in a no wake zone. I bring out an inflatable kayak sometimes to get way back into the protected waters. Paddling a kayak or SUP on the Great Lake sounds like a tryout to win a Darwin Award.

 

[OllieC]

I see groups of kayakers on Lake Superior making their way to the Apostle islands all the time in rough conditions. You see them, then you don’t. I also hear distress calls quite often coming in from kayakers that go over. In 2018 there was a family of 5 that tried to make their way from Madeline island to Michigan island on 1 kayak. They capsized and the only one that survived was the mother. A lot of people head out on big water on kayaks and don’t realize the danger they’re putting themselves in.

I remember that Michigan Island tragedy. My 1st time getting caught in 4’-6’ with an occasional 8’ in confused seas, where I thought we were toast, the radio was going off with a kayaker in distress at Bear Island. Luckily he had a radio. The CG couldn’t get to him right away so was asking for anyone in the area to help. No way I could have done anything. I assume he was picked up because I heard nothing afterward.

I’ve always wondered why they don’t have flags on big water? When in CA off roading in the Pismo Beach sand dunes, you’re required to have a flag on the back of your atv. A 4’ whip with and orange or green flag would be helpful. I too lose them in the horizon at times.

 

[Mike sandor]

We were on Stockton when that tragedy went down. Heartbreaking!
Constant look out for kayaks. Many times all you see is a flash of there oars in the sun. Shitty weather, you don’t even see that. When they are crossing from one island to the next, that is when visibility really sucks. Add wave action and they literally disappear. I would love to see some type of flags or metallic tape that possibly radar would pick up. Always keep a look out!

 

[TimzxX]

Man, I wish I could do some kayaking on the Great Lakes. It has been my dream ever since I started practicing this great sport. I was quite close to booking a trip to Michigan a couple of years ago, but I had to cancel my plans because of the covid pandemic. Still, I haven't given up! Anyway, I completely agree with you. All the kayakers should care for their safety, especially when sharing the water with bigger boats. In my case, mentioning a flag doesn't bother me at all, and I would happily place it on my inflatable kayak to make sure I'm as visible as possible. Cheers!