Sandals in Sea Kayaking

Because of a death apparently related to sports sandals (i.e. "Teva-type") becoming caught on a kayak foot peg, this type of footwear is being discouraged or even prohibited in some quarters. (Specifically, we are told that at least one Maine outfitter has banned their use.) Some possible wordings that you may wish to use in trip info sheets:

• Some outfitters discourage the use of "Teva-style" sports sandals; as it is easier to catch your foot in the pegs with this style of footwear than with closed surf walkers or sneakers.
• Wear something that will stay on your feet while swimming. Many find neoprene booties the best bet for protection, boating comfort, and lack of pieces that could potentially catch on a foot-peg or other boat part. (You should NOT plan on bare feet given the rough and/or slippery rocks of many landing locations on the New England coast.)

Or some combination thereof.

This issue is somewhat of a trade-off because less secure footware such as thong sandals make for less secure footing at a rough, rocky landing -- which introduces its own dangers.

-- Gordon Haff