Some Safety/rescue suggestions for your long river trip. These should be with most of us on most yak and water trips.
Uniden Atlantis 250G waterproof Marine handheld/portable radios. Get two, one for each of you. These will enable you to communicate with each other if separated, monitor weather reports/warnings, listen/communicate with other marine radio operators and ask for directions, where to eat, or help. The systems are not light but they are durable. On a recent trip to Bodega Bay, my unit enabled me to listen to and monitor weather reports, the local fishermen and some Coastie Chatter. A NOAA weather warning re higher winds than expected saved us from a bad trip and apparently notified wind surfers to come and enjoy the wind.
ACR Personal Locator Beacon with GPS. These are emergency transmitters which use the satellites to get emergency help for you if needed. I have one of these, and it goes on any long road trip or water trip.
Link to sellers and other info on ACR PLBs.
http://search.comcast.net/?cat=web&con= ... &offset=10It's always a good idea to have a visual and/or audible distress signal such as a signal mirror, whistle, or a strobe light to help catch search and rescue's attention when they get close. Many PLBs include a built-in LED signal light for this purpose.
Spot communication system. As a back up for the PLB and to communicate with those following your trip. The REI link takes you to customer review of the Spot, and many aren’t that positive due to what seem to be predator customer service instead of friendly service:
http://www.rei.com/product/784892/spot- ... -messengerWe are in our 70’s and make our purchases where we save money and hassle.
I buy a lot of outdoor gear from Cabela’s. I have a Cabela’s credit card , and I’m a Cabela’s Club member. Cabela’s sales can be big money savers.
We, also, buy via the internet from Walmart. Items are shipped to our local Walmart at no cost and often at a better price if you went into the Walmart to buy the items.
We are REI members, and take advantage of their big sales like their 30% off sale on this week.