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OCEAN KAYAK

Main Site: http://www.oceankayak.com/

Charley's 'Yakkin' Tips!

1. It's always good to have a spare paddle kept in the hull of your 'yak, just in case.
2. Saltwater is brutal! Make sure to spray down ALL of your gear when you get home. There are some corrosion protection sprays out there, such as Corrosion X, that can be applied to metals to stop and prevent corrosion and rust.
3. Take a dry box to keep your cell phone, keys, etc. safe from the water.
4. Dress to swim, rig to flip. There's nothing worse than flipping and losing all of your gear! Especially when out in rough water, make sure everything is tied to the boat: even your fishing rods and paddle (rod leashes and paddle leashes are a great idea for this reason).
5. When returning to the beach from the surf, coming in with the stern of your 'yak first helps prevent you from flipping.
6. Never go out without telling someone where you're going, who you're going with, and when you plan on returning.
7. Reentering your kayak when in deep water is harder than it seems. A basic kayaking course will help you with skills such as this.
8. Life jacket, life jacket, life jacket.
9. Learn proper paddling technique. After a long day of kayaking, your body will thank you! (See Tip #12)
10. Take your new kayak out several times before installing any accessories such as rod holders, fish finders, cleats, pad-eyes, etc. Take a sharpie with you to mark where you would like such things. If put in the wrong spot, they could get in the way of paddling, casting, or basic body movements.
11. One to two cups of water should be expected in the hull of your kayak after a day of paddlign, especially when in the surf. However, if you find large amounts of water in yoru kayak, have it checked for leaks.
12. Make sure to separate the two halves of your paddle before storing. If you don't, there is a good chance they will get stuck together and won't come apart.
13. Don't row your kayak: plant the paddle in the water and pull yourself forward.
14. A disconnected cell phone will still call 911. So, if you have one lying around the house, charge it and take it with you.
15. Buy or make a First Aid Kit of things that could be used for injuries obtained from kayaking.
16. Wear breathable clothing that will protect you from the sun. A pair of polarized sunglasses is also a good idea.
17. You will find that half of the things you take with you are never used. Every so often, go through your gear and weed out the fishing lures, tackle, or other equipment that is just taking up space.
18. Program helpful phone numbers into your cell phone such as the Coast Guard, Parks and Wildlife, etc.

For more helpful tips from kayak lovers like you, read articles posted on Texas Kayak Fisherman's site here: http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/articles/articles.php.

Another great site for kayaking anglers is http://www.packtx.org/.