How a PFD Problem Created Challenge for Kayak Angler

I like to kayak fish among the mangrove islands near Ozello. It’s a place I love that is often quiet and tranquil. One calm fall day the waters there were flat and inviting. Because everything was going so well, I paddled into deeper water to the edge of the grass where trout lurk.

I anchored my kayak and began casting into deeper water. I hooked something large and aggressive that thrashed me about. For several minutes I worked to tire the beast to get it closer to my net. The net was on the other side of the kayak, and while I reached for it, the big fish yanked the rod out of my hand into the watery abyss.

Instinctively, I overreached to grab my favorite rod. That’s when disaster occurred. Without warning, my kayak flipped over. Suddenly I was in deep water.

I always wear my self-inflating personal flotation device, and as soon as I hit the water, it exploded into a yellow balloon. Suddenly, I was in deep water unable to move because the device restricted my upper body. The PFD lifted me out of the water and over my head, so I could not see or move my arms well. I felt like a sumo wrestler with dwarf arms, not knowing how to swim.

I righted the kayak and struggled to enter it from the side. But while struggling to position myself, the kayak flipped over again. It would simply roll over whenever I tried to enter. I began to tire.

I eventually swam the kayak to a shallow spot where I was able to re-board. That’s when boaters nearby saw me and rendered assistance. Thankfully, my story had a happy ending.

Always Consider

• Know FWC boating and kayak safety regulations. Consider taking the Florida Safe Boating Course.
• Carry a phone and file a float plan. Inform somebody where you’re going and when to expect you back.
• When possible, don’t kayak or adventure outdoors alone.
• Just because you have a life preserver doesn’t mean you’re perfectly safe. Know how to use and test in advance a reliable PFD. When testing automatic inflation of a preserver, it will need to be recharged, usually about $35, but well worth the expense.
• Be aware of other watercraft that might develop problems when on the water. Make it a habit to watch and listen for others.
• Respond to any distress call. Three loud whistle blasts are a distress signal.
• Caution when rendering help to avoid becoming part of the problem.
• Carry a metal referee whistle often heard at a great distance—a plastic “tooter” will not do. Keep it handy, not in the bottom of the tackle box.
• Sea kayaking differs significantly from river kayaking. Understand both to enjoy Florida waters safely.
• Consider adding a crotch strap to your PFD, especially the automatic inflation type. That keeps the preserver from ballooning to restrict sight and upper body movement like mine did. Straps also keep children from slipping down through a buoyant preserver. My self-inflatable preservers all have been outfitted with a strap now.

I guided in the northern wilderness for over 30 years. I taught canoeing and kayaking skills. But even at 84, one can still learn. I did most things right, but disaster can still strike when a paddler is inattentive or arrogant. On the water fun is great, but preparedness and safety are a must.

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• This story was featured in the February 2025 issue of Florida Sportsman magazine. Click to subscribe.

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