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SAFETY BY TOM WATSON
A Kayaker’s Seven Steps to Survival
In an emergency that leaves you strand- ed or incapacitated, use your head and follow these seven universal survival steps from former Alaska kayak guide and search and rescue team member Tom Watson. (To remember the seven steps, use the acronym KISSWEP.)
h T3 Meridian Dry Suit with
relief zipper and socks Made of TROPOS T3, Kokatat’s new 3-layer waterproof/breathable fabric, the T3 Meridian also incorporates an overskirt to layer with your spray skirt and keep water out of your boat. Two of our most popular options (relief zipper and T3 socks) complete the suit. Women’s model also available. Made in USA.
» STEP 1 KNOW: Know that you are in trouble. Acceptance is the first step to developing your best survival tool: a positive mental attitude.
» STEP 2 INVENTORY: Assess the immediate area for further danger; assess for injuries to self and others; assess the surroundings for resources you can use in the following steps.
h Nomad This lightweight paddling boot with
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a waterproof/breathable upper is great for canoeing and kayaking when protection from cold weather is needed.
» STEP 3 SHELTER: Keep dry and warm. Hypothermia is a constant threat. Building a fire is secondary if bad weather is near. Once shelter is secure, work on the fire!
» STEP 4 SIGNAL: Use anything that draws attention and stands out in contrast to background or surroundings. Develop several ways to be seen: bright clothes, fires by night, smoke by day, signal mirrors.
» STEP 5 WATER: Find it, purify it and drink it—often. Look for dew on leaves, grass, or rainwater runoff. Filter all ground- source water if you can.
» STEP 6 EAT: You need food for fuel. Consider berries, some barks, tide pool critters. But if you don’t know what it is, don’t eat it! And don’t eat much if you don’t have water as well.
» STEP 7 PLAY: Yes, play, not pray. Games help to keep spirits up. Unless it’s dangerous, it’s best to stay put and keep a positive mental attitude. Focus on rescue. Be a survivor!
16 ADVENTURE KAYAK | SPRING 2009
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