Your Native Slayer Propel 10 is fast, powerful, expandable and stable. Its Propel Pedal drive is powerful and its built-in rod holders and storage compartments offer plenty of space. This means it’s an excellent rig for late-season adventures (especially for fishermen), even well into the winter.
But cold water is a killer and no kayak, however sound, is a sure-fire antidote to the hazards of hypothermia.
All the same, there are things you can do to make fall and winter kayaking safer. Here are some things to keep in mind before you bring your rig on the water late in the year.
● Dress appropriately
When it’s cold out, it’s not just water that’s the issue, but air as well. You want to minimize heat loss by dressing for the conditions. Wear several layers – start with a lightweight wool or performance base layer that wicks away moisture, add a thick, insulating midlayer (wool is also good here because it remains warm even when wet), and complete the ensemble with a waterproof, windproof shell.
● Wear a life jacket
It’s already November, which means in some states it’s actually illegal to be on the water unless you’re wearing a life vest. The rationale here is to protect paddlers against cold shock, which occurs when suddenly immersed in cold water. It can be disorienting, and, frankly, lethal. It also increases the risk of drowning subsequently. Therefore, whether it’s law in your state or not, our official advice is to wear a life jacket when you’re on the water, especially if you’re in a kayak and the chances of getting wet (or falling in) are higher.
● Don’t stray far from shore
It’s dangerous enough being on the water when the temperatures are fairly cold – but open water presents unique risks, not to mention if you’re far from shore, fall in, and can’t get back in your kayak, the situation immediately worsens. By hugging the shoreline, you increase the odds that, should you fall in and can’t get back in the yak, you can get to shore and out of the water as rapidly as possible.
● Bring a whistle or other signaling device
Being able to signal to others that are on the water just might save your life. Always carry a whistle, at least – but other signaling devices like horns and flags are not bad, either. Whatever the case, you need a fast, practical way to get attention if you do need help.
● Tell someone where you’re going
Telling someone where you’re going means someone will know to be on the lookout for you, especially if you aren’t back by the time you said you would be. That way, help will be on the way if you ever need it – at least by a certain time.
● Practice re-entering your kayak if you take a spill (but not in the winter)
This is possibly the most important callout in this list. You need to be able to get back in your kayak if you ever fall out, and you need to be good at it. If you ever fall in, every second you’re in the water is a second that you’ll be losing precious heat. Fortunately, wide, stable fishing kayaks like the Native Slayer Propel 10 are fairly easy to re-enter – but that doesn’t mean by any stretch that you shouldn’t drill beforehand.
Staying Safe in Your Native Slayer Propel 10
If you heed all these suggestions and learn how to get back in your Native Slayer Propel 10, you’re at least hedging your bets that you can stay safer on the water. Always dress appropriately, bring plenty of snacks and water, pay attention while you’re on the water, and let someone know when you’ll be back.
Otherwise, be safe and enjoy the water – in late fall and winter, it’s usually pretty quiet.
