VIDEO: Close to Dead

[hanging pirate]

As a fellow hoosier hammocker and as somone who frequents Deem wilderness, your story hits close to home. you can second guess the "mistakes" you made all day long but truth be told there were several things you did right that saved your life and your friend's life as well (pfd, dry bag,staying close to shore,ect). I get some flack sometimes for over preparing or being too careful. Being prepared turns bad luck into a horrible day not a tragic one.

hope too see you bolth on the trails someday! Your story will be in the back of my mind as I pack and prep for every trip from now on!

[Arson]

Thanks everyone for their positive comments. I've already started to research a new PFD that has lots of pockets, Spot messengers, VHF, and other survival products. I guess in my head I'm not quite done with the outdoors yet. I guess time does heal wounds....
I still need to get out and try out my new hammock and equipment from AHE.

[HappyCamper]

Thank you for the video. I know it couldn't have been easy. But such an important message. Appreciate it.

[SkyPainter]

Arson, like everyone else, I am thankful that you both made it out of what was a potentially deadly situation. And also thankful that you posted this in such an informative, no nonsense, thoughtful and reflective manner.

We get so jazzed-up on all our new gear, so complacent with our skillsets and the areas we frequent, that we forget that it is still wild nature, and anything can, and often will, happen! Your video brings those issues back into sharp relief for all of us, and also the issues of risk assessment and preparedness based on location and activity to the forefront. Thank you!

Thank God you and your friend are okay! You can always replace stuff, but not people. You need to know that you made some GOOD decisions, both before and after the incident, that aided in saving both of your lives. This can only make you a safer, wiser, and more knowledgeable outdoorsman.

Proud to know you.

~ Sky

[Rain Man]

WOW... thanks so much for sharing this story (and your suggestions). Thank goodness it turned out the way it did. My wife and I kayak together and will be in some cold water next month on a kayak camping trip. This will definitely affect my planning for emergency.

Rain Man

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[MedicineMan]

Really enjoy you and your vids Arson-glad you made of course and let's keep those vids/reviews coming.
I was taught dress for water temperature not air and in those temps that means either a paddling suit or dry suit and insulation underneath. I've got the honking Kokatat drysuit but get much more use out of the Kokatat paddling suit, I'm more apt to put it on due to its neoprene neck closure versus the dry suits rubber gasket; either will buy you lots of time but the one your most likely to wear will be the one in the crunch.
A hypothermia bag is a good thing in the 'yak...dry fleece head to toe, a wind block (I use the Hilleberg Biv Anorak), a heat source external and internal...inside the big anorak can be a candle lantern heating up the inside; a thermos is almost always required in BCU classes.
I like what Brucie said 'One of the good things about near death experiences is that they can bring you back to life and you can start to really live again', that is so true.
It took a lot of guts/emotions for you to share the story. Thank you so much.

[TZBrown]

Glad you were able to get out, and be OK.

Very good points on planning for the worst and keep your survival gear on your person.

I am sure everyone that sees your report will re think some of our actions

[Stone]

Thanks for posting the video. Tough spot to be in. Glad you and your buddy made it out. It was very sobering to watch.

[Ewker]

this video has been posted on at least 3 different forums. What is interesting is the different replies on each forum.

[Adarack]

That is an amazing story Arson. Glad you both made it out alright.
That was a very sobering video and thank you for sharing it. I'm sure it will a positive effect the people who view it.

Like others have said hind sight is 20/20 you still did a lot right and that is what made the difference.