Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

skilja · Since 02 Jan 2008 75 Posts

Was researching ways not to die and found this. It's news me, and thought there would be some coastal kiters who might consider it.
http://www.tlrsystems.com/products/personal-locator-beacon.html

harleyboy · Since 13 Jun 2007 41 Posts

I have one of these for aviation. Specifically for float flying. I carry it in my life jacket which I usually wear when flying on floats. This unit is not super small and it isn't super light...well from a kiting perspective. I personally wouldn't want to carry it around while kiting. If you are doing some real extreme stuff way off shore or you are kiting alone maybe an item worth carrying. I just kite with friends at all times. They are my PLBs!

Note that it does not self activate. You have to push two buttons simultaneously to activate it. So if you are knocked out cold in the middle of the ocean it isn't going to help you.

If you do considering buying one note that the larger unit floats but the smaller model does not.

The guy at preparedpilot.com knows quite a bit about them. You also have to register the unit with your SAR services in your country.

Mark

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Where's the adventure if you can call mom to pick your ass up.

But if you really need mommy, this might be more practical for calling the coast guard or the nearest boat - would think 5 to 10 mile range would cover you.

http://www.anchorexpress.com/product_detail.cfm?pid=10018