Heading out to sea for the first time. HELP!!?

[TheBentRod]

Originally Posted by Cbad Mike

Maybe you can get a little more comfortable by launching in a harbor and paddling out into the open water. This way you can get familiar with swells and the action of the water. Plus if you find yourself getting a little sea sick you won't be far away from the calm water of the harbor.
Just my 2 cents.... Good luck.


Mike

All good advice. This is the most important thing. Get used to your kayak. Understand how to change direction in your yak. Prowlers track pretty well and are made for surf launches.

Watch all of the You-tube videos on launching and landing. There are very helpful ones.

If you don't have a GPS, just don't lose sight of shore. So don't go out on foggy days. Also get a compass in case and learn to read it.

The only way to learn is to get out on the water. The only thing that matters is to be safe.

[echo1er]

crawl...walk...run!

harbor...baby beach...surf!

[bellcon]

Some good advice
But lets not make harbors sound like a no danger zone...

Some crazy chit can and will happen to you in a harbor if your not careful;
Wind, small boats, sail boats, wind surfers and large ships are just some of the dangers

Keep your head on a swivel and be safe out there

[TheBentRod]

Originally Posted by bellcon

Some good advice
But lets not make harbors sound like a no danger zone...

Some crazy chit can and will happen to you in a harbor if your not careful;
Wind, small boats, sail boats, wind surfers and large ships are just some of the dangers

Keep your head on a swivel and be safe out there

True that!

[PE.rider]

...What everyone has said so far plus...

Make sure your vessel is fitted with proper safety gear like VHF Marine radio, safety and signalling tools, rod leashes, tie-downs or bungee hatches, anchors, first-aid kits, H20, etc. These are all must haves!