Reddit mentions: The best marine safety & flotation devices

First time we went, DD was 4 months old. It was memorial day weekend but unusually cold. Thankfully DH was super prepared. We had a giant 13'x13' tent with woodstove hookup 😂 it was kind of insane. He went up the day before us to get set up. We have a blow up couch and everything. It's a luxury 🙄

For babe, definitely pack n play for sleep and a convenient place to go when hands were all full. I won't be trusting my LO on an air mattress any time soon. Anything you use nightly - noise machine, night light, lullabies. We have a halo battery pack so I bring the baby monitor and everything but most of her nighttime stuff has the option of being battery operated.

I actually brought her bouncy chair at that age too bc I was afraid of dealing without it. We had also just started solids so I brought her highchair (fisher price space saver) to keep things consistent. She's 1yo now so I probably won't bring that along this year (although maybe, bc again it's nice to have a safe place to stick her when hands are full and things are busy)

bring alllll the diapers lol and a mini first aid kit (Tylenol/Motrin, diaper cream, snot sucker, nail clippers, anything you might randomly need) extra food in case they suddenly become super picky and extra formula/water/etc (I exclusively pumped so let me know if you need THAT whole list bc holy packing batman!)

Annnd way more clothes than you think you'll need. Better to go home with some clean stuff than to be leaving in the "least dirty" stuff. Extra warm clothes/hats/socks that can double as mittens, fleece is better than cotton. Even if the lowest predicted temp is 70° it's better to be prepared for the worst. Extra blankets too. Be a boy scout, "always be prepared" 😊

We went camping again around 7 months and it was much less worry but still that warm gear came in handy. Babe and I left a day earlier than everyone else bc there was rain the next day and I didn't want to be a part of the take down while standing in the rain with a baby. So take a separate "baby car" if at all possible. You may want it, you may not but it's definitely nice to have the option of going home early and not ruining everyone else's good time.

Have fun!!

Edit to add: you should be okay floating in a raft but if water is deeper than waist deep, or you may be going in a boat anytime with LO, it would be wise to get a baby life jacket. We got this one, knowing she could wear it for at least 2 seasons, maybe even 3, and then baby #2 could use it beyond that:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MZ4L5EE/ref=oh_aui_i_sh_in_o0_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

(And she loves it, never complained once about wearing it several times. Once even for 4th of July for several hours! Those are our pictures in the customer reviews 😁)

Update:

The bottom is a hard line keel for both the Pungo and the Loon. The Loon has sloping sides, whereas the Pungo is hard-chined. I wouldn't think there would be much performance difference, but the stability of the Pungo could be a bit better. Don't have pics of that.

I have had the Loon out on the water like 5 times now. It handled the first time with a bit of chop pretty well. Then three of the times, in placid water, it was so sleek it was like a dream. The other time it was in moderate chop, it did feel stable, but I didn't venture too far from shore.

It tracks very well, turns on what to me feels like a dime. My friend had a LL Bean Manatee (10') and I easily went in circles around it in terms of speed and tracking.
Here are two other pics for reference on the water. I like the side view because it shows how low in the water it sits. I believe this is good for flat-water kayaking since it reduces the wind drag. It moderately protects against water coming over the bow, but I'm sure a touring or sea kayak would be better in that department: http://imgur.com/a/N617B

Finally, it is soooo comfortable, at least compared with numerous rental boats I've tried over the years. I could sit in it for hours. Width and length are great to stretch out, and the seat is awesome. I'd recommend getting a high back PFD. I literally tried 5 of them with the kayak, and the two best for me were: Astral http://amzn.to/29rVAMB and Onyx: http://amzn.to/2920ZrR (the one I bought)

Obviously, it will depend on what he's already gotten for himself, what you can afford, what kind of sailing he's doing, and where you are.

You know your dad, I don't, but I'm going to suggest that a genuinely antique spyglass isn't going to have the utility you are envisioning. If he has a den/study/other area to display a curio, then fine, but it probably shouldn't be knocked around and soaked in the ways it will while sailing. A good [waterproof pair of binoculars] ( http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Waterproof-Fogproof-Prism-Binocular/dp/B006U3ZIWQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1370063798&sr=1-1&keywords=waterproof+binoculars) would be much better, IMO.

In my limited experience, here are some things most sailors might need, in no particular order:

• PFD--Personal Floatation Device, "lifejacket". On wetter, faster and/or smaller boats many people like a [kayak style vest] (http://www.amazon.com/Stohlquist-Personal-Floatation-X-Large-XX-Large/dp/B000FB9JBU/ref=sr_1_10?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1370063280&sr=1-10&keywords=paddling+vest) . If it's a drier cruising style of sailing, [an automatic inflating vest] ( http://www.amazon.com/Revere-ComfortMax-Inflatable-Automatic-30-52-Inch/dp/B000EG3VI8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1370063031&sr=8-6&keywords=automatic+inflatable+life+vest) is great. I linked an inflatable with a safety harness, a good idea for offshore, rough weather but if it's sunny-day and flat water sailing, then a sub-$100 version should be great.
  
  
• A hat they will wear. If you know him just right, you can pick out his "sailing hat" for life. Maybe a ball cap with the perfect logo on it, maybe a hiking/sun hat from the outdoor supplier, maybe a Tilley hat. It will live on the boat and he will wear it as soon as he steps on board.
  
  
• Gloves. Plenty to choose from. [Here's an avereage priced, commonly available sample] (http://www.amazon.com/Deckhand-Gloves-Deck-Glove-Short/dp/B00140P1DG/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1370063702&sr=1-2&keywords=gill+deckhand)
  
  
• Footwear. Way too dependent on the type of sailing for me to supply good samples. Post specifics if you want suggestions, otherwise google "sailing boots(or shoes)" for ideas.
  
  
• Knife. Plenty of basic ["Sailing Knives"'] (http://www.amazon.com/Maxam-SKRULE-Misc-Sailors-Tool/dp/B003COEDMW/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1370064431&sr=1-4&keywords=sailing+knife) on the market. Normally includes a blade (duh), a marlinspike and a shackle key. Again, you know him. Some prefer a [multitool with an easy to deploy blade] (http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-30-000587-Crucial-Multi-Tool-Black/dp/B00783N8MO/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1370064557&sr=1-2&keywords=gerber+crucial), while still others will prefer a fixed, small (maybe 3 or 4 inches) blade with a sheath.
  
  
• Polarised sunglasses. 'nuff said
  
  
• Tethers (like "croakies") for abovementioned hats and glasses. It's windy, things prefer to fall overboard than stay attached to you.
  
  
• Foul weather gear. In some places, even when it's nice on land it is cold and wet on the water. You can use hiking style soft/hard shell jackets and rain gear as well as a VAST assortment of sailing-specific jackets and pants. Look at the apparel sections at websites like westmarine or mauiprosailing.
  
  
• Books. "Sail Trim" and "Knots" are good places to start. Normally, you should avoid a "for dummies" or "eyewitness" type book for someone who is already sailing.
  
  Does he own the boat? Jackpot! You almost cannot go wrong if you talk to him and do a little bit of research. ALL boats, huge or tiny, need many somethings, all the time, forever. Some silly expensive, others affordable. Charts, Compass, Air-horn, Fenders, Tail-bags, Sheets, Blocks, Cleats, Clutches, Etc., Etc.
  
  Oh, can't figure it all out? Try this:
  
  http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ShopView?langId=-1&storeId=11151&catalogId=10001&page=Gift-Cards&redirectTo=WM

Defer to your further research as to whether it is OK to fix it up or get a new one. It does look a bit worn out from my perspective, but if it holds you and it is leak free, might be worthwhile. My advice would be to stick close to shore though :)

What you have is a type of "touring" kayak, which will be fine for a local lake. If you're looking for something with a larger opening, get a recreational kayak instead. Types are reviewed here: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/kayak.html

Definitely a good idea if you have a pool to watch some Youtube videos and try out techniques.

As for paddle, I can recommend https://www.rei.com/product/766595/bending-branches-whisper-paddle

For PFD (personal flotation device), I recommend https://www.amazon.com/MoveVent-Dynamic-Paddle-Sports-Orange/dp/B00FI3FAZ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491528039&sr=8-1&keywords=onyx+life+jacket

Also, you'll need to think about how to transport it. For instance, last year I owned a recreational kayak, and had it on the roof of my car using the following:

foam to protect the car and on which to place the kayak: https://www.rei.com/product/672423/riverside-universal-kayak-replacement-foam-blocks
straps secured over the sides and tied through my car windows: https://www.rei.com/product/853269/riverside-heavy-duty-utility-straps-twin-pack-15-ft
tie-downs for the front and back, and secure it to a metal non-moving piece of the car: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IHQHYPI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Depends. I tried using the shuttle once and they refused to take me since I didn't have a "dual-chambered" tube, which is bullshit. It was just their way of forcing you to rent one of their tubes if you want to ride with them. Taking 2 cars is definitely the way to go, leaving one at the exit point (Parking costs $3). If you're going to go more than once over the summer, just invest in the tube a life jacket. These are the tubes everyone buys, and buying it costs the same as renting it once. It won't help you for tomorrow, but life jackets are currently $12 on Amazon. So once you make the initial investment, it's free to go as much as you want after that.

I use a different route than what was suggested above: Start at Cochran island, 5450 Interstate N Pkwy Sandy Springs, GA 30328 and end at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Paces Mill
3444 Cobb Pkwy Atlanta, GA 30339. I've done a lot of tubing and this is the best route, and it's very popular. It takes 3 hours. I've never heard of being able to rent only the life jackets, but it may be possible.

I go pretty often, so let me know if you have any other questions. Oh, and here's where you check if it's safe to go, but this is only an issue if it's been raining during the week.

EDIT: I just saw an even better deal for life jackets

$300 for a boat is pretty limiting, so I'll avoid talking about that since you're already aware of it. With your height though, just be sure that your feet don't feel too cramped.

Personally I dislike foam grips on my paddles. Ideally you should hold your paddle loosely in your hands - you push a paddle, not pull it. It is all preference though, some of my customers swore by them. The length is good for now; if you ever get a narrower boat I'd suggest going down to a 230cm (90.5") paddle.

I'm not sure what kind of PFD you have, but if it's not a kayaking jacket then it'll be rather uncomfortable. Extrasport makes a cheap, reliable, and comfortable jacket. The key is the shape; it loads all the flotation into the front and back of the jacket giving freedom of motion for your arms and won't ride up into your face when you sit down like a ski jacket would.

Paddle tethers are alright, but usually I just slip my paddle under deck cord. You shouldn't need a flotation bag, kayaks typically have neutral buoyancy. For dry bags, if you leave just a little bit of extra air at the top they should float relatively easily - for extra security you can strap it to your boat. Seattle Sports makes some high quality dry bags for not too much money.

Lume Cubes are delightful little flashlights, but they have a relatively few use cases on a drone. I say "relatively few" because the light source still has to be somewhat close to the subject to receive enough illumination. You can see some demonstrations in this video.

If you're looking to do photography from your drone at night, I don't think Lume Cubes will do much for you. The photos will probably look rather lame. However, if you're looking to do some photography using a handheld camera with your drone as a lighting device, you could get some use out of Lume Cubes.

I purchased a couple Lume Cubes to put on a mount with a GoPro Session camera. I then suspend this mount from a drone, fly it far out over the ocean at night, and drop it off so that it floats about 2 feet under the surface of the water until the lights run out of battery. I will then be able to reel the mount into shore using a fishing pole. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to use this setup yet, but the idea is that any neat nighttime ocean creatures hanging out in the water column will be attracted to the light and I could capture them on video. I suspect that I'd be able to see little squids.

If you're looking for an accessory for making night flights safer, I strongly recommend looking at this product over Lume Cubes. These little LED lights are insanely bright. If you turn them on while looking straight at them, you'll have rainbow blotches in your vision for a long while. They are definitely visible for at least 3 nautical miles. Despite their phenomenal brightness, the battery lasts for well over an hour and they weigh almost nothing. They are absolutely perfect for drones. I give the lights five stars.

I'm giving you US links just to let you know what I'm talking about but you shouldn't have any trouble finding them elsewhere.

• Dry Bags - Very handy to have along and it wouldn't hurt to have more than one. I keep one stocked and ready to go at all times.
  
• Onyx PFD - PFD that wears like a belt and stays out of the way until you need it.
  
• Waterproof Phone Pouch - Cheap and handy
  
• First Aid Kit - I keep one in my dry bags but have never had to use it. You never know though.
  
• Survival Whistle - Because you never know.
  
• Cooler - If it's a long outing I like to have a soft cooler that I can strap down.
  
• Headlamp - Just another one of those you never know items that takes up hardly any space in a dry bag. Alternatively you could get a bunch of those cheap LED bracelets.
  
• Water Bottle - I swear the Gatorade squeeze bottle is the best water bottle ever made. I always have one with me when I'm paddling.

I had bought specific kayaking ones, but these I found on ebay and are so comfortable. Plus it was like 10 bucks or something. I can find the link to the item if people are interested.

Edit: I couldn't find the same product, but this one has a similar cut and shape http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Swimming-Life-Jacket-Boating-Kayaking-Surfing-SUP-Buoyancy-Aid-Fishing-Vest-/322494891715?hash=item4b163186c3

Alternatively, I also bought this one I bought one. Almost as comfortable but the back was too high so I would end up leaning and sitting too far back. These fit the kids perfectly though https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00FI3FAZ4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And since we're talking about PFDs, this is the one I use for the sausage puppy https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01GPOUOZU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Congrats on the kayak, you're gonna have a blast with it!

You can find serviceable PFDs for around $20 on Amazon. Here's a decent paddle for about $30. Neither of these are the best-of-the-best, but they won't break your wallet and they will get you on the water.

And that's the point. It seems like every time I get on the water, something cool happens. Yesterday, I futzed around my local harbor for just a couple of hours. In that short period of time, I got barked at repeatedly by an annoyed sea lion and I watched a film crew record a scene of a guy being rescued.

Kayaking is neat :)

Footwear is going to depend on what exactly you are doing. On trawling/dredging trips, I have a pair of shrimper boots (I prefer the taller boots, which are better at keeping water out of them). For wading, I have two sets of wading boots. I have soft wade boots, which are easier to put on and sufficient for mud/sand. I also have harder soled wade boots that last longer when you are frequently on rocks or oysters shells. I've even used a pair of hiking boots, which honestly lasted the longest but looked less professional. I also know a couple of people that swear by neoprene boots like these.

I also recommend that you get a UV Buff. Partly it's because I hate being covered in sunscreen. But it also protects you from wind and cold.

Get a decent pair of polarized sunglasses. Pick a lens color that is suitable for the waters where you are working. (I think you are technically supposed to use blue/green for oceanic waters, but I've always preferred a brown lens)

UV longleeves are a decent temperature-regulating alternative to the Columbia button-downs (they are basically just under armour shirts). Also I recommend looking into some cheaper off-brands (Columbia is expensive!). But DO NOT get the Columbia-style button downs with velcro in place of buttons at the collars/sleeves.

I also recommend investing in an inflatable life jacket. They tend to get in the way less when you are trying to work out on the water.

Right on :D For a waist pack I really like this one from MTI: MTI Adventurewear NRS also has this one that's a little cheaper but I found the belt hits me funny. Hope you get more time to explore without the crying kiddos! ;)

I highly recommend an electronic torque wrench.
The mechanical ones are very inaccurate at the bottom end of range. Head bolts are often at the bottom or below what they can even be set to.

I use this one and it works amazingly well. It can accurately go down to 3ftlb. You can set the desired torque and it has a beep alarm as you approach, reach, and go over the threshold. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VYUKTC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I also recommend flying with a very basic set of tools. I fly with some hex keys and wrench that fits all the sizes on my paramator. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F512F74/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Siphon is nice to get fuel out of paramotor. This one works amazingly for me. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CKW15ZS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Radio chest harness. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HJKSG8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I added a draw cord to attach my phone to. Phone then tucks into the velcro pocket and is secured by one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H4E9Z6O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It's powerful enough to draw in a medium weight phone.


Hook knife: https://superflyinc.com/products/jack-the-ripper-hook-knife


Power floats: https://glidersports.com/shop/powerfloat-2bsure/

Waste flotation: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013RLI9XS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Cut prop tape strips out of this: https://www.amazon.com/Scotchgard-Clear-Paint-Protection-60-inches/dp/B004VG8DS0/ref=sr_1_9?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1534535837&sr=1-9&keywords=3m+scotchgard


RTV silicon to put on exhaust springs to reduce vibration fatigue: https://www.amazon.com/Rutland-500%C2%B0RTV-High-Silicone-Black/dp/B000H5Y6CQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1534352404&sr=1-5&keywords=heat+resistant+silicon+rtv


Motor tachometer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GTP6ORC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Radio: I recommend the FT60 or FT65. The 60 model is tried and true and can also be modded to RX aviation band. FT65 has newer display and is cheaper having been made in China.

I LOVE my Flo its a Kayak PFD and has indents for your breasts so they don't get squished. I absolutely love it. its totally adjustable. I live in Georgia and it gets really hot, this one has never bothered me. If you have a local outfitter, go try one one.

MOAR TACKLE

Canopy Grenades

S-Wavers

Whopper Ploppers

Phenix Abyss 808

A few G Loomis Rods in your price range

New PFD

Sort of impersonal, but anybody would love a Tackle Warehouse Gift Card.

If you know where he puts in, you could also buy a years worth of launching fees.

I have a Stohlquist women’s model. I picked I up as a last season color for like $50ish. I love it, super comfy, big pockets, comfy for all day paddling.

Edit: I have this one in orange: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006LJRW4Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1527033459&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=51r2uZsT2vL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: http://www.amazon.com/Astral-Buoyancy-V-Eight-Jacket-Medium/dp/B002AJHTN0/ref=sr_1_13?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1397324201&sr=1-13&keywords=kayaking+life+jacket


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To help donate money to charity, please have a look at this thread.

This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

Forgot to add the link...

Kayalu Kayalite® Kayak Light | Portable bright white LED kayak light. Top-ratings in pro-paddling community. Kayak light compatible with sit-on-top (SOT), stand-up paddle board (SUP), canoe, scull. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003GTZQJW/

Kayalu has really good gear. I've used several of their mounts and they've all been superb.

Same brand as the other poster, this one is a bit more. I own this one, best PFD I have had for all around. Has the high back for sitting in kayak, has nice easy to use pockets, very comfortable.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050HDACS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

dont' put your kid in a little floaty as mentioned in the comments at 2, thats no fun. we got our kids these puddle jumpers, they are coast guard approved life vests that the kids can wear in a boat, and are also awesome for swimming. I had my 1 year old swimming all over the pool in these ,
https://www.amazon.com/Stearns-Puddle-Jumper-Basic-Jacket/dp/B01EJ393K6

Maybe get something like this :
http://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Co2-Automatic-Vest-Universal-Adult/dp/B0032ALK36/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1422675595&sr=1-1&keywords=automatic+inflatable+life+jacket

That way there is some piece of mind should something happen and you wind up in the water, you're safe?

I have one that I really only wear when I am solo on the boat. Hey, ya never know. It's not the things you're expecting to happen that happen, be safe out there.

I bought an Astral V-Eight pdf and am happy with it. It is ventilated, so it doesn't get as hot as other models. This is important because I live in south Louisiana and it gets really hot and humid down here in the summers. It has a couple of small pockets and a strobe attachment point.

You can check it out at the link below:

http://www.amazon.com/Astral-Buoyancy-V-Eight-Jacket-Medium/dp/B002AJHTN0/ref=sr_1_13?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1397324201&sr=1-13&keywords=kayaking+life+jacket

If I had a decked out hazmat suit, I feel like it could actually be pretty interesting. Unfortunately they're $1700 on Amazon.

Not sure if you're looking for this type but maybe a canister one similar to this canister pfd I'm in AUS so cant recommend brands/shops etc, but i love mine, its so light and i don't notice it at all.

I purchased this as my first fuel can and really like it.

https://www.amazon.com/Surecan-CRSUR5G1-Gasoline-CAN-Gallon/dp/B00DE2EDAY/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=gas+can&qid=1564078992&s=gateway&sr=8-6

​

These firehouse strobes are popular (but I have not used them).

https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Technology-Approved-Flights-Quadcopter/dp/B073PMGLXR/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=firehouse+strobe&qid=1564079064&s=gateway&sr=8-1

​

I picked up this mirror

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RZQI68/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You're right that it's dangerous, but I think you can also take steps to be safe.

Maybe just mention your concerns to SIL, and see if they have any ideas?

It seems like as long as you don't leave your son unattended (and really, when would he be?) the pool won't be much of an issue.

Also, if he is mobile and you're in the yard, you can always pop him in one of these in case he does crawl in somehow.

That's probably a fine life jacket, it'll work to keep you afloat. The difference between sailing and powerboating is that you probably don't intend to ever get in the water (tho you can for swimming and whatnot), so a jacket like that can get uncomfortable (big and bulky).

I use something similar to this: http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Outdoor-Full-Throttle-Automatic/dp/B0032ALK36/ref=pd_sbs_sg_52 which automatically inflates if you hit the water. I don't have my exact brand handy, but this is the basic idea. Since it's usually deflated, it's much more comfy to wear for long days sailing.

For better or for worse, a lot of people don't wear life jackets while on board a boat on CO reservoirs, they just have them nearby. If you feel comfortable doing that, the one you linked will work just fine. If there's a storm or possibility of stiff winds, you should put it on stat!

I personally wear one at all times, which is why I wanted the auto-inflate one.

no don't buy that, instead buy this one, it'll the looks on your chest area

also pair it with a fedora, and girls will come begging you to take them on a date.


if you want to skip the date part, and be able to go straight to the sex. pair everything above with a nice neckbeard, and you're good to go.

Is a life preserver like this sufficient for flying over/around the Chesapeake Bay? I don't plan on flying over water that often, and it's not that much distance over water, so I'd probably be out of glide range of land for only short periods of time. I want to be prepared, but I'm not sure I need a bigger, over-the-shoulder style one. Thoughts, please?

http://www.amazon.com/Carlisle-Magic-Plus-Kayak-Paddle/dp/B001AI69KQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1427333608&sr=1-4&keywords=kayak+paddle

That's the paddle I have and it's awesome. $67.

http://www.amazon.com/Stohlquist-Fisherman-Personal-Floatation-X-Large/dp/B0050HDACS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427333486&sr=8-2&keywords=fishing+pfd

I bought my father in law and brother in law stohlquist kayaking pfds and they are solid. They look great and are extremely high quality. I know the fisherman pfd is expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Recently bought a Stohlquist Men's Ebb and I'm quite happy with it.

Get something that fits correctly!!!! that is a big thing. Also get something with utility, mine has pockets and zippers all over it and it serves as a mini tackle box. like this http://smile.amazon.com/Stohlquist-Fisherman-Personal-Floatation-X-Large/dp/B0050HDACS/ref=sr_1_15?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1397315283&sr=1-15&keywords=personal+flotation+device+fishing

I tend to think of my flashlights as 'before I knew anything about flashlights' and 'proper lights.'

That said, there's some 'before' lights that are fantastic (I use a Tek-tite on a post to light my kayak/canoe at night and I don't think there's anything better).

Good training will cover emergency scenarios like you describe. Basically, I can image imagine two scenarios involving water landing: engine out and loss of vehicle control. Here's how I would handle them.

For an engine out over water:

1. Check any surge (the forward movement of the wing that comes from a rapid deceleration) with brake input. Steer the wing. Aviate towards safe terrain that can serve as a landing zone.
   
2. If you still have a lot of altitude, attempt to restart the motor. (It is always better to regain powdered flight if possible).
   
3. Whether the motor restarts or not, land immediately once possible, and preferably into the wind.
   
4. If landing on ground isn't possible and the motor does not restart (or you are at low enough altitude that you can't risk a restart) begin un-clipping from the harness progressively as you the approach the water. Legs first, then waist, then chest (the idea being that its harder to get to the further connection points while in the water). Ideally, your pace should match with your altitude (so that you don't fall out too soon). Limit any connections between you and the vehicle (you may wish to have a hook knife in hand at this point).
   
5. As your legs hit the water, jump forward away from the vehicle. Swim clear.
   
6. Since you're smart and wore a PFD to fly over water, inflate it now. Do not attempt to recover your wing or motor until after you have reached safety. Again, you're smart, and you equipped your motor with floatation, so it'll handle itself until rescued.
   
   For loss of vehicle control over water:
   
   
7. At higher altitudes, assess the situation. If the wing is likely to recover with no or minimal input, give it those inputs and enough time to say aloud "ohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuck". Mentally prepare to deploy reserve.
   
8. If the wing hasn't recovered after your brief cuss session, you are at too low an altitude to await a recovery, or the situation is deemed irrecoverable, follow the procedure to deploy your reserve. "Look, grab, pull, clear, throw!"
   
9. Once the reserve is deployed, disable the glider wing if possible. In this scenario, I would recommend using a hook knife to cut the glider's risers, but I don't think I advocate pulling the wing in towards you (to prevent entangling yourself when in the water). Downplaning in bad, but getting caught in the lines in water is worse. As you approach the water, follow the procedures for motor out, above, starting at (4).

Stohlquist makes decent discount pfds for yakkers.

eg https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006LJSIYY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have one...nice open shoulders...pockets in front...and a high back that doesn't touch my kayak seat. Only $62.

They make a version for women if that is helpful.

I use an inflatable while fishing. Much more comfortable than a I or III.

Similar to this:

http://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Co2-Automatic-Vest-Universal-Adult/dp/B0032ALK36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405525205&sr=8-1&keywords=inflatable+life+vest

I have the auto-inflate disabled, but if I was a non-swimmer I would not disable it.

It's nice but you should go big or go home.

I use one of these. I have some navigational lights on the bow too.

https://www.amazon.com/M-16-Belt-Pack/dp/B013RLI9XS/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=onyx+m16&qid=1554639820&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Found a couple sites that sell them.

http://www.pksafety.com/clothing/hazmatsuits.html

https://www.amazon.com/Demron-Full-Bodysuit-Hazmat-Suits/dp/B007Z42GCY

This maybe?

Time to start saving up, know what im buying

A Bearcat costs about 300K$ and a hazmat suit cost's under 2000$. What you rather your town have?

PFD

be safe!

When you are indoors a life jacket is a liability.

They make "Float Coats" with these built in or you can just wear those.

If you want to go crazy, buy one of these and attach it to your PC. Itll automatically inflate if its submerged in water.

This is absolutely true. However. The modifications required are a stick on light that can be had on Amazon for under $50:

https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Technology-Approved-Flights-Quadcopter/dp/B073PMGLXR/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=uas+night+light&qid=1556464058&s=gateway&sr=8-6-spell

People get 107 night waivers using those, never mind recreational flights.

As for the footage itself, it looks compressed, IE shot with a telephoto rather than wide angle lens. (I was thinking inspire here until someone mentioned class B... That is unfortunate and an Ins. pilot kinda should know better so perhaps a Mavic 2 zoom? ) That compression means it's hard to have a good idea of exactly where he was or what he was flying over. (Kinda why you're not supposed to fly FPV without a VO, ya know?) I agree that the general area is bad if it is class B but I don't think there's sufficient evidence that he's flying over people, including that highway.

My point here is that there is a degree of ambiguity about whether or not this was legal. I see people frequently rush to judgement on these flights- and my suspicion is that the "crime" may sometimes be SLANDER. Yelling about how other people are commiting crimes has the potential to be a crime itself, and is regardless a somewhat unwelcoming thing to do to new members of the community.

PS regarding that Class B business: Recreational pilots are still allowed to follow community based guidelines like those published by the AMA. Here's the whole guidance:

www.modelaircraft.org/files/100.pdf

He doesn't need to be in class G, write a letter for a waiver, use LAANC or any other shenanigans. He needs to be 5 miles from an airport. Fin.