VHF Radio Question

Norestekite · Since 31 Mar 2013 5 Posts Kook

Does anyone out there use one of these?
I'm thinking of getting a small handheld VHF, 3W for Ocean use.

Aeolus · Tue Apr 30, 13 7:44 am

Are you going fishing on a boat? Wink

I spend 99.7% of my kiting time in the oregon piece of the Pacific Ocean year around and feel that having a radio would help me about 0.000018%. To get into that 0.000018% situation I would have to make some pretty bad choices before ever hooking into the chicken loop.

If you plan on racing around offshore for some reason or the other, or big crossings then a radio is probably in order. But a support boat would probably be better. But for hitting lips in the wave zone on the Oregon coast....no radio needed.

Nak · Tue Apr 30, 13 7:58 am

There are times when it might be nice to have one, it depends on where & what conditions you ride in. If you're only playing in the breaks with onshore wind, then it's not really needed. If you like cruising way off shore, or riding in offshore winds (bad idea most of the time), or in the Columbia near the mouth on an outgoing tide (Also a bad idea but lots of people do it), then a radio could save your life. Just make sure it's waterproof and corrosion proof. Also, always check your battery.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2102 Posts PNW Bigfoot

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

I use a “waterproof” radio to teach and it’s only rated to 3 feet underwater.
This does not include the force of the water when I am moving, so unprotected, I would drive water into it on the first crash.
I carry mine in a waterproof bag slung over my shoulder so I can bring it in front of my face to transmit.
It’s generally a pain in the ass, and the less you use, it the worse the ratio between benefit and hassle.

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

I've always thought a little mini strobe like we had for night ops in army when we were in the desert would be cool. Something that just integrated into your harness/pfd/impact vest.

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

In the Columbia it’s probably a matter of getting your own but to shore or someone spotting your kite.
After work kiting secession under the Golden Gate Bridge with a turning or outgoing tide is the other extreme.
Yes -- Strobe & Dye Pack & Stay with your Kite
The kite is visible bright sun light when the strobe is useless.
Dye is not visible from the shore or water level but may get attention of commercial pilots approaching or leaving airports and works great for coast guard choppers in daylight

You can test the strobe regularly and the dye pack shelf life is long .
They will work when you need them

forrest · Tue Apr 30, 13 10:45 am

Buddy system!

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

I forgot about the die stuff. We used to use that for helos scooping us out of the drink. Good idea

Weaz · Since 23 May 2012 360 Posts Beaverton Obsessed

doesn't smoke work better?

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

yes,
smoke would work off shore and in the Columbia as well.
I bet you would stop traffic on 84, and have a line of spectators on the shoulder.
That might be dangerous, possibly a down side.

I am not sure about shelf life of smoke when submerged often -
you can feel the dye power is OK through the packaging, and you can test the strobe.

rePete · Since 18 Dec 2007 215 Posts Mosier, Oregon Stoked

A PLB(personal locator beacon) is like an EPIRB carried on yachts but you carry it. If you get in trouble this will send out a gps locating position that the Coast Guard monitors. They are water proof and designed for ocean use. If you're going offshore I would highly advise having one. A little overkill for close inshore work but would be nice in a true emergency. You might even find a unit that has both radio and locator in one unit. I use a gps that has that feature which sends a signal to another like unit for location with a radio when in the backcountry. Here's a link to an example of a PLB
http://www.acrartex.com/products/catalog/personal-locator-beacons/aqualink-plb/

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

What about compact dive fins in a pack? I know a guy who kites with these. I think they could prove useful in many situations: solo kiting, cold water kiting, offshore downwinders, past the breaker breakdowns, oncoming barges. Seems more "proactive" than EPIRBs, radios, beacons, strobes, flares, dye packs, smoke in that you can motor the f€£¥ out of there ASAP. It could save you and your gear.

SpaceRacer · Since 04 Nov 2007 434 Posts Obsessed

Norestekite, there is a good discussion about this topic on San Francisco Bay Area Kiteboarding Forum here: http://www.bayareakiteboarding.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6536&hilit=epirb+vs+radio&start=0

It appears that an EPIRB is a better way to go for offshore kiting because they are more waterproof than a marine radio, can give an exact location of where you are than a marine radio (unless you know exactly where you are) and a marine radio needs a direct line of sight, which can be hindered by swell, etc.

Joshiebaby · Since 14 Oct 2007 569 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

I know that there are some watches that have ELTs on them. They are basically the same signal as when a plane goes down. These watches are far from cheap and if you pull the ELT cord and it is not an emergency it multiple thousands of dollars in fines. Yet if you are taking risks with drifting out and are looking for something lightweight and dependable this could be your Jam. Plus that way you can justify the purchase of a 1000 dollar+ watch.

Procktor · Since 11 Apr 2013 46 Posts Hood River

If you kite in the ocean and don't carry a radio, flares, pfd, helmet, whistle and compass you're reckless and must have a death wish.

MarkWorth · Since 02 May 2011 149 Posts Hood River Stoked

Check it out. looks real and it,s only $18.00
http://westpacmarine.com/safety_equipment/lights.asp
and another Personal Locator Beacons for 400
http://westpacmarine.com/safety_equipment/plb.asp