The Mishap Chronicles

[JimmyJack]

Beware of Losing Radio:
I was out at Berkely yesterday and was reminded of the week or so before when my harness webbing snapped and I was left with just the webbing that holds the bar down and the webbing on the other side. It was not that big of a deal in and of itself, but what that break caused could have been a problem if the situation was more distressed because my radio and extra line were in a emergency bag that attaches to the part of the webbing that ripped and so it slid off and into the water, not to be found or retrieved.

I raise this issue because I went out with the comfort of having a radio, but in the end when something went wrong, I didn't have it at all. Nobody warned me about this, not that they should have, but I didnt think of it myself either. I would llike to start a new discussion that can act as a chronicle of situations that one might not have considered that could put one in danger. Then we can all go back and read it from time to time and those newer to the sport can then avoid many of the mistakes we have made in the past.

[victor]

radio should be attached to a lanyard around your neck and stuffed into your wetsuit.

marine radios should be submersible.

advice from salesperson:

DO NOT put in a waterproof bag. a little humidity gets in the battery compartment will affect the contacts. without bag the radio dries out well when not in use. good idea to take battery out occasionally rinse with fresh water and make sure the compartment dries well.

[Aloha]

Okay knock on wood my radio is still working after years of carrying it in a waterproof bag. I test it every time before going out, but keep it "off" all the time (including while on water). I actually have only had to charge it once in a few years. That reminds me I should probably run the battery down and then fully charge it again to just test cycle it.

After each use I rinse the radio in fresh water along with the inside of the bag, and let both dry completely. The bag by stuffing with paper towel and letting it sun dry.

I carry the setup in this: http://www.the-house.com/da5watmch15zz- ... HwodEFwEbQ

Built in whistle on the chest strap ... usually only use it at Crissy.

[mcfly777]

And what radio do you recommend or have good experience with?
Leo

[Aloha]

Mine is one of those little ICOM ones that West Marine sells.. Something like this:

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/icom--m88 ... o--3757010

When I got it a lot of people were recommending the ICOM's and the quality has held up at least for me over the years

[sflinux]

I keep a silica gel bag in my waterproof bag.

[mf1tym]

Sorry maybe a stupid question but what is the radio for? Does everyone carry one when kiting? or it is only needed when kiting at certain spots?

[seashell]

Sorry maybe a stupid question but what is the radio for? Does everyone carry one when kiting? or it is only needed when kiting at certain spots?

The radio is for calling the Coast Guard if you ever need to be rescued. Some people don't carry them, but they may be amazing swimmers or have people on shore who know where they are.

[reyrivera]

I like to ride alone a lot, and in isolated areas where I feel comfortable.

I carry a cell phone at the river (delta).

Marine radio when I go to open water plus an EPIRB.

[mcfly777]

I like to ride alone a lot, and in isolated areas where I feel comfortable.

I carry a cell phone at the river (delta).

Marine radio when I go to open water plus an EPIRB.

I'm wodering how you carry all this equipment. I used to carry my cell phone in a waterproof bag in the front pocket of my vest, but then the plastic of the bag dried up and water came in (and ruined the phone). Now I have a larger waterproof case (+ I put the phone in a zip lock bag), but it is quite bulky and I have a different vest without a pocket...

thanks
Leo