SPOT Satellite Messenger vs PLB

Hi Alan,

Quote:
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However, last week at the Outdoor Adventure Show I was speaking with a gentleman from the Canadian National Search and Rescue Secretariat and got into a discussion with him about SPOT, PLB's and their differences. I left their booth conflicted as I thought that with SPOT I would be safe and be able to entertain those shorebound all at the same time. Not entirely true apparently.


I too have chatted with Search & Rescue as well as the Marine units at various shows and answer I come away with is: from their persective, a PLB is better and an EPIRB even better (how for kayak I have no idea).

I've been waiting to try find a sale on PLB's, but no luck so far, might just have to break down and spend the bucks.

Quote:
The personal locator beacon referred to in the article was activated at 12:59 pm, a Canadian AIRPLANE located them at 3:19 pm and they were finally plucked out of the water by a US HELICOPTER at 4:01pm.

To me, 3 hours and 2 minutes is a little too long to be floating around in the water waiting on a rescue.


That does seem a long time, having a PLB would lead one to believe that it is faster.
Again, talking to one the SAR folks about paddling on Superior, they indicated that once they get the signal to the time the C130 is dispatched to your general location would be about 30-45 minutes, and then the chopper or Coast Guard or helpful sole to pick you up.

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I welcome any thoughts on this especially from those that have experience with both, or experience with one or the other.


Maybe if we get a few people together we can go for a bulk purchase and get a discount on the price.

Goni.

Optimus Nova and Nova Plus stoves - Recall

Those of you who have either of the above stoves should check out the recall notice:

http://www.optimusstoves.com/en/service/newsroom/detail/article/2010/09/27/katadyn-products-inc-recalls-optimus-multifuel-expedition-stoves-due-to-fire-hazard/

My stove is guilty as charged, good thing made to the end of the Puk trip with no serious issues.

Having a backup stove is starting to look good...

Cheers,
Goni.

Report of Kayak rescue in Netherlands

Here is a report of a kayak rescue this past June in the Netherlands. Interesting bit is that they have commentary from the participants after the event. Very interesting to see thier thinking and the dynamics of the group:

http://www.seakayaker.nl/TMP/ReportSeaKayakIncidentNoorderhaaks13June2010.pdf

Cheers,
Goni.

Carbon fiber paddle repair

Got my paddle repaired, it looks good as new and it is a bit stronger now as well

The place that did the repair: paddlesportsrepairs.com

Execellent work, service and price is spot on.

If you have any paddle repairs or drysuit repairs, check them out.

Goni.

Carbon fiber paddle repair

Hey folks,

Anyone how to repair a carbon fiber paddle or knows someone who can?

Thanks,
Goni.

Repair neoprene skirt

Hi folks,

My neoprene skirt has developed a couple of small holes where the skirt attaches to the coaming. Is it possible to repair, and if so how?

Thanks,
Goni.

Re: Paddle Sunday May 9th: Cherry Beach to Tommy Thompson Park

Hi Ralph,

Put me down as a yes.

Cheers,
Goni.

edited.

Lendal or Werner Bent shaft

I have the Lendal bent-shaft and the padlock system they use is great. I've never had one loosen on me in any conditions so far.
I like the heft that Lendal has, the Werners felt wierd being so light. YMMV.

Haven't checked if there's a For Sale section yet, so I'll put this up:

I have a Lendal bent-shaft Switchlock 210cm shaft for sale.

Cheers,
Goni.