Don't Be Somebody's Idiot Uncle

Think for a minute. What’s the dumbest thing you’ve seen on the water lately?

How about somebody’s idiot uncle in a kayak with a life jacket strapped on the deck? Or that aspiring Instagram influencer on the SUP in the look-at-me outfit and the life jacket bungied on deck.

Yes, we are looking at you. And shaking our heads.

We don’t know why we have to explain why that’s so stupid, but here goes: Have you ever tried to put on a life jacket when you really need it? Like when you’re in the water after flipping your kayak, or worse yet, after getting swept into a strainer or run down by motorboat?

Maybe you won’t flip your kayak. Maybe you are a great swimmer. And yeah, if coach would’ve put you in fourth quarter your high school for sure would have been state champions.

But now, out on the lake with that vest strapped where you can’t reach it, you just look like somebody’s idiot uncle. Don’t be that guy.

Related Articles

If you go to the box store for paper towels and end up with a kayak, make sure you also pick up a life…

Paddling is a fun and safe activity, especially if you pay attention to these common-sense rules --…

When a 17-year-old paddleboarder was swept out to sea, his survival depended on his cell phone and the…

When a night-fishing mission goes awry, two kayak anglers learn the importance of staying calm and…