Glad to hear you made it through. Scary stuff!

When the #^&#^&#^&#^& hits the fan, it happens quick. Glad you're ok Jeff. I never enter the water, even in a wet suit, without my cell in the life proof case and submersible / floating VHF.

Holy #^&#^&#^&#^& , glad you're ok.

wow glad you are ok and thank you for sharing - everybody can learn a lot from this experience

Glad you're ok. I wouldn't even sit in a kayak on the beach without a Pfd on.
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Crazy stuff! Glad you're OK

yikes...glad it ended well...

Glad your OK ! Sounds like you kept your cool.

Wow...Jeff...sooo glad yer ok. I'll gather up some gear for ya!

Glad to hear you survived, stuff can be replaced, unless your a cat you only have one life. I think a lot of people don't realize how fast hypothermia can immobilize you. I've only had one brush with it, was fishing a bass tourney on the Merrimack River, typical sunny day forecast that turned into a windy cold rainy raw day and I didn't pack for it. Being a Federation Tourney, I was trying to tuff it out, but miles upriver, I suddenly began shaking uncontrollably. I had to lay down on the floor and laid out all the soft tackle worm totes I had on top of me until my partner could get me back to the ramp.

I'm SURE that sucked.... but that's a pretty damn funny mental picture.

Yeah, but ever since I've always got a waterproof bag with spare clothing, lessons learned are usually either embarrassing or expensive. In my case it's usually both, but I like to make sure I learn throughout life:).

That was a close call, too close.
Glad to hear you are ok now
don't scare your family like that again, a fish just is not worth it

I almost drowned in a sit inside kayak in florida. It was a small river kayak and I could barely squeeze inside it. I flipped it in the surf and I could not roll it back and I could not get out. Scary as fahck.... Closest to death I have ever been.
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update: I let go too soon lol. police called to tell me my kayak washed up 2 houses away from mom and dads! I told them to keep it. Was an outgoing wind and tide at the time i went swimming. it travelled a ways after the tide turned. still had one bluefish inside it.

I cant say I have been in your shoes but I can somewhat relate. My husband and I have a friend that enjoys the outdoors as we do and we often have the "acceptable risk" conversation. If you don't understand what I mean by "acceptable risk" I will summarize it. Basically if you partake in any activity that has potential to be risky or dangerous and understand this is a reality but still partake, this is "acceptable risk". You choose to accept the fact that it could be dangerous because the reward is worth the risk to you. You can certainly avoid much of the risk by being conscious of the risks and act accordingly. You may avoid 90% of the risk by proceeding in a proactive way but the fact remains that accidents happen and S*&T can happen. The biggest risk I take in my life is when I get on my snowmobile. I ride everytime as if there could be some crazy corner coming up or some A$$hat coming around the next corner. I try to enjoy myself but also be aware, and as ready to react should I need to. You can only control your own actions and reactions. Tis past winter I broke down in zero degrees, 30 miles from the nearest road or home (yeah, try hiking 30 miles in snow, not happening) It was late in the day and even though I had my hubby for a tow or to double up on his sled to get out of there I worried about his sled not making it. Would I have to spend the night in the wilderness & cold? Yes, It was a possibility. Was I prepared? Yes. It would not have been a Hilton experience by any means but We had just enough survival gear and know how to survive the night in sub zero if we had to. Luckily it did not come to that but it was a grave reminder to never slack on being prepared for what could happen, whether it be a PFD or a bivy bag. Technology has brought us many great lightweight yet dependable items to allow us to enjoy what we love with a peace of mind. You can keep your load minimal and still easily take enough "gear" to save your life, so why not pack one more pound that could save your life to enjoy another day of riding, fishing, friends, family, etc.?

This is a great post and a great reminder of things we tend to slack on or take for granted.

Wow, glad your Ok. Close call, never thought of a sit in as that much of a death trap. Wont forget that...

Great post Jenn.

YES, ALL MY FUTURE TRIPS ON MY SOT YAK WILL DEFINITELY BE DONE WITH A HEAD FULL OF WHAT IFS????? NOT GOING TO TAKE THE FACT THAT I GREW UP ON THAT BAY, HAVE SWAM MUCH FURTHER THAN THAT BY CHOICE (IN MY YOUNGER DAYS) HAVE BOATED COUNTLESS FISH WITH NO PROBLEMS(EXCEPT OCCASIONAL HUMAN HOOK REMOVAL) FOR GRANTED. FUNNY THING IS NEXT DAY WAS FRIDAY 13TH W/ FULL MOON.... I DIDN'T EVEN WANT TO GET OUT OF BED FRIDAY(BUT HAD TO WORK). TODAY I AM VERY TIRED STILL, QUITE SORE, AND VERY THANKFULL. THANKFUL TO BE HOME WITH THE FAMILY AND THANKFUL FOR ALL THE GENEROSITY FROM S-B LAND. SOME OF THE BEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER/NEVER MET! THANK YOU

Glad your still with us

WOW


thats not long winded you needed that spout of words to make your mind right . Its good to put it writing . save it for another date and read it before you go yaking .

glad we were able to read it from you . Stay safe

Thats some scary chit there ,glad you made it out clean
Way to go Bro.
If I'm not mistaken this is you're third escape from the reaper.......
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ya, time to mello

Indeed. No fish is worth dying for. This is fishing for god sake. Take a little time off and reflect on how lucky you were.

I've had my share of close calls after 46 years doing this, both in the surf and boat, but none as close as yours.

Yeah ya gotta cool it, because you wouldn't be here for dad's day. Some of us count on ya for some more good laughs to come!
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most scary situations seem to happen in a blink of an eye, which is how it started but the swim was a long, slow scenario during which I definitely had some time to put my life in perspective.

That's why I have a SOT kayak, and also why I ALWAYS wear my PFD jacket. I wear the PFD all season long, whether it's 50 degrees or 95 degress.

Unfortunately, you learned an important (and somewhat expensive) lesson. Fortunately you had your PFD and were able to reach shore.

Calling the authorities about the kayak was an added plus, because as you stated, you didn't want them to think there was someone in the drink that could cost time, money and manpower to try and locate. There would also be a possibility of someone geeting hurt during such a search operation.

Glad you're safe and sound, and also a little wiser in the end.

Glad you are ok.