
Required
Waka Ama Safety Gear:
Personal floatation devices (PFD) as required
Bailers– as required (2 for a W6)
Fixed White light fixed 1m above deck and visible from all
directions
Bungs (as required)
Spray Skirts (as required)
Communication equipment (at least one form)
Recommended
Waka Ama Safety Gear: A second form of communication
Spare
paddle
Signalling equipment (Flare)
Tow rope (25 meters)
Leg leash (as required)
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Waka visibility
There are many factors that can prevent boaties from seeing
Waka and other craft that sit low in the water. Conditions such as choppy
water, fog, glare, sun strike, rain, wind in the eyes, and salt spray on the
windshield, poor vision or a combination of any of these can affect a boatie’s
ability to spot a small craft in the water. Waka paddlers and others using
similar craft can do a lot to dramatically improve their visibility – and
therefore their own safety.
- Use your head - Your head is your highest point – make
it as bright as possible. Day-glow orange or yellow hats are highly visible.
- Blazing paddles - Motion is another important
visibility tool. Because your hoe (paddle) is in constant motion while
paddling, you can increase your visibility by using reflective tape on blades
or shafts, in combination with strips of day-glow tape.
- Fly the flag - Day-glow orange and yellow chopper flags
provide a permanent bright flash at a good height above the water. Chopper
flags ‘break the horizon’ of other vessels and draw attention to the Waka.
- Have a colourful craft - Choose a Waka in a bright,
contrasting colour.
- Dress to impress and protect - Wearing a day-glow
orange or yellow paddle jacket or over shirt offers the highest visibility
potential
- Warm, dry clothing - Effective clothing for paddlers in
winter is a top made of polypropylene (or similar synthetic fibre), plus a
waterproof wind shell as necessary.
- Stick together and light up
Miscellaneous Equipment
- Water bottle/energy snacks - If you are paddling any distance you need to keep well
hydrated. You can use an ordinary water bottle, but make sure it is tied onto
your Waka. Most paddlers use a backpack drinking system for long distance
paddling. Energy bars or similar can also provide nourishment.
- Knife - A sharp knife attached to your PFD can have
many uses from freeing yourself or others from entanglement, to fishing.
- Survival kit - On a serious trip paddlers should carry
a small bag containing survival gear that they can grab if they get washed onto
some remote shoreline. This can contain first aid gear, an emergency blanket,
emergency shelter, fire lighting equipment, energy food.
- First aid kit - A small, basic first aid kit should be
carried.
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Updated:
Sep 26, 2014
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