By Bob

June 8, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Capital punishment of a person is rarely warranted in non-judicial cases. In this case it is however.

By Mike - Business Broker

June 7, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Kristy, why don’t you buy a tandem kayak and go with him next time!

By havinfun

June 6, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

WOW! I am always amazed at how many angry people there are in this world. I think that because you are so miserable with your selves that it actually makes you feel better to insult others. I mean come honestly do you know how rediculous it sounds to come on here complaining how this idiot waisted our “tax dollars” and our valuable resources” on searching for this guy, i can assure you all that you are still gonna pay taxes wether or not something like this happens or not and did I miss another story somewhere where there was another person or boat missing at sea and the coast guard was to busy looking for the kayaker and couldn’t respond. Listen I was born and raised in south florida. I have been an avid fisherman for many years, have own several different boats, currently own a 21ft boat in which I travel out often. The ocean is a living breathing life form that should not only be respected but feared. This whole incident was simply a learning experience for a man who was simply getting out and enjoying the great outdoors, fortunately for him and his family it did not cost him his life. I think the next time all of you expert, opinionated stewards of the sea decide to bash someone maybe you should offer some advice instead name calling and and insulting someone you don’t even know!

By WJC

June 6, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Anyone who boats, dives or kayaks in S.E. FL needs to know that the gulf stream run very close to shore at 2-3 knots from south to north.

By william

June 6, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Great to hear this story had a happy ending. Glad we was found and safe. My better half would probably have taken a hacksaw to my kayak.

I actually go out when the waves are rough and big. I paddle a small white water river kayak. Usually the problem is paddling out and not getting back.

Any idea just how far off shore you have to paddle to hit this currents?

By SwampRat

June 6, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

I’m glad all ended well. What an adventure and an education! Kristy, please don’t sell the kayak, it’s C.J.’s. decision. I hope he decides to further his knowledge of the weather and the ocean safely.

By Kristy

June 6, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

The comments about him being and idiot and an a$$hole are super nice we appreciate them. However, he is not from Florida and has only been here a short while, so he is bound to make a few mistakes that people raised in Florida or who have lived here for some time don’t tend to make. It isn’t as though the lovely people who commented about him being an idiot and a$$hole have never made a bone head mistake in there life, so don’t be so quick to judge unless you actually know the person, and even then question your judgment. He was told about the dangers of waters in general in Florida, but kayaking is something he enjoyed. He doesn’t think he is a stud muffin, he feels stupid enough already. He didn’t go out to brave the waves or anything of the sort, he went out to just relax and paddle around. He is by no means an extreme sports person and didn’t really like the ocean to begin with. Our tax dollars were hard at work on this 2nd venture as well, it’s one reason why we ALL pay taxes so that if YOU or I get in trouble no matter whose fault it is someone will be there to rescue you. As for the Kayak I am posting it on Craigs list at some point.

By Dr.Michael W. Popejoy

June 6, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Kayaking is as safe or as dangerous as the person in the boat. All kayakers should check the weather and sea conditions before venturing out and inexperienced kayakers should paddle with a group preferrably with an experienced guide. Safety equipment is essential: a personal floatation device (PFD), a compass and chart of the local waters, a spare paddle and paddle leashes, a rescue throw bag, first aid kit, flares and smoke cannisters, cell phone, marine radio, and if you can afford it, an emergency locater transmitter or ELT). Carry spare water and a bit of food and some dry clothes—most touring kayaks have waterproof storage below deck. Always leave a paddle plan telling someone where you are going and when to expect you back. This is the same type of preparation for divers, campers, hikers, and pilots. It is common sense and preparation for almost any contingency. Outdoors activities claim lives every year due to lack of preparation for the conditions that will likely be encountered.

By Survey Says

June 6, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

I’m sure this guys thinks he’s a real stud-man, but does he realize the cost of sending out all these people to look for him when we all know the seas have been rough the past week or so..What an idiot…What is he trying to prove..I guess just what he did he’s a jerk to put so much worry on his family and friends and to waste precious manpower cause he’s stupid…just that…stupid. My friends are life long boaters and they cancelled their boating trips this week end…why, cause they have brains and knew it wasn’t safe….

By Geographer

June 6, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

I am a kayaker and often paddle in the same area that this person was swept out to sea. I have also been caught in one of these strong currents this year around December. This person is obviously not a strong paddler. His fionce and parents are making the decision that he should have made the first time that he could not handle the seas. Sea Kayaking is not for everyone. It is a workout and requires that you are fit, have good paddling skills, upder body strength, and know how to cross currents.

By What the?

June 5, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Okay, um, what did he not learn the first time? Please tell me I won’t have to hear about this bright individual missing at sea again.

By bruce

June 5, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

There is a reason why you look at the weather and sea forecasts before venturing out into the ocean. Seems like this idiot didn’t learn the first time and my tax dollars rescued him from his stupidity. This guy is certainly a candidate for the Darwin awards.

By won't kayak at night

June 5, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

How much is the kayak? I’ll buy it.

By kayaker

June 5, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

what an idiot