safety

what is common practice for safety while paddling an ocean ski on your own on a downhill run.this in reference to loosing your ski or paddle in rough conditions ???? do you have leg leash ?paddle leash or an altertnative?
I have fallen of my ski and watch the wind and waves roll it at a great pace away rom me. I was only 50 metres from shore to so no panic, and I am fortunate that we mainly on shore winds am I am very good swimmer. But did hight what could happen.

thanks

I always do the following whether alone or with someone:
-Wear a PFD
-Carry a Cell Phone and a small waterproof headlamp in a dry bag
-Leash attached to leg or body, and/or leash attached to paddle
-Tell someone where I'm paddling and how long I expect to be gone
You may also consider carrying a flare
Also, if I'm paddling alone in conditions, I usually take my more stable ski (V10 Sport Ultra) to reduce the chances of a swim alone.

- leg leash, ALWAYS. If it happens I forgot to put one on my ski, I tie my leg to the footplate with the strap I use to tie the ski to the car's racks.
- let my wife where I go, and when I'm supposed to be back.
- stay close to the shore.
- if big seas, paddle my XT instead of my mako6.
- if weather/sea is very bad CANCEL the paddle and go back home.

- I'm considering buying a small handheld waterproof vhf.

Hey Hiro, and others,
I bought a Standard Horizon 850S handheld VHF radio...Awesome product. Has built in DSC w/ GPS so if you are really screwed, activate the DSC and your position will be transmitted to everyone. Has weather band, strobe light etc....I think I got it for around $150, plus it's 6 watts of power, nice and strong.

www.standardhorizon.com/

I take it with me when solo paddling in the cold winter months, our water on the East Coast gets pretty chilly, sometimes down to 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hope this helps,
Aloha,
-Rich

Standard Issue
Hi-Vis Think PFD
Leash attached to leg or PFD
Cell or VHF depending on where I am paddling attached to me, not Ski!
Hi-Vis Cap
Common Sense. I won't paddle further off shore by myself than I would be happy to swim

thanks for the info.I would love to have a quiver of ski,s. people talk about which ski they are taking out in different conditions. talk about Jealous.