25 yo missing kayaker in Tarpon Springs

[TerryW]

Missing 25-year-old kayaker last seen in Tarpon Springs

Read more: http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/r ... z1mq46RIMB" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - Multiple agencies are searching for a missing 25-year-old kayaker.

According to the Tarpon Springs Police Department, David Stephen Hoffmann Jr. left 936 Bayshore Drive around 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

He was in a 15-foot single passenger yellow "Ocean" kayak, and did not have a cell phone with him.

Hoffmann reportedly moved to the area approximately six months ago, and did not usually take the kayak too far from shore.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office are assisting in the search.

Read more: http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/r ... z1mq42LNFw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Skeeter]

Good idea to check the tides before heading out.

http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/ ... ar-360508/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[TerryW]

Good idea to check the tides before heading out.

http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/ ... ar-360508/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for that update. I'm surprised we don't have more of these novices getting in serious trouble.

[DaveR]

An adventure to him. A burden to tax payers. Send him a bill.

[Tide1on]

According to the police he left at approximately 4:30PM on Saturday, (see first arrow).

Hoffman told police he was caught on a low tide and spent Saturday night on an island until the next tide rose. (see second arrow).

Saturday's tides for Tarpon Springs (Anclote River)
4:44 am low tide ( -0.3 ft. )
11:14 am high tide ( 2.1 ft. )
4:25 pm low tide ( 1.1 ft. )
9:58 pm high tide ( 2.7 ft. )


I agree with DaveR, "Send him a bill."

[Rik]

How many of us have dragged our kayak across a barely wet flat when misjudging the tides or purposely because the fish are just on the other side...... Wonder why he didn't do that.

[TRKpoker]

I got stuck once like this for more than a few hours (but I had planned to be out all night anyways). The bottom was so soft if I tried to cross it I would have lost my shoes and maybe more. Hell, this guy might have just wanted to get away from his old lady and left the phone at home so he wouldnt get bothered. Not that I have EVER done this.

[sfurman]

In the infamous words of Buggs Bunny, "whata maroon"

[bluebill]

Thanks to TerryW again for reminding us about safety.

I dunked and lost my Droid phone in saltwater and swore I would never take my new one near the Salt again.

But, I am much older than the 25yr old and finally thought the better and wrapped the new phone in a ziplock and put it in the high zipperedpocket of my PFD.

So, unless I got swamped ( unlikely) the phone would be fine. Besides I bought the replacement insurance from Verizon.

We have acres of quick mud flats here in Pine island Sound where you cannot walk or drag a kayak so I understand the plight of the missing kayaker from T. Springs.

[TerryW]

BlueBill - Get a waterproof VHF. Your life is worth it.
ps - I'm heading down your way again in the next two months. This time, we've got to get out together!

[Todd]

But, I am much older than the 25yr old and finally thought the better and wrapped the new phone in a ziplock and put it in the high zipperedpocket of my PFD
.

I never understand why folks take an upwards of $200, or more, phone out in a kayak and think they are protecting it in a .05 plastic bag. Dry boxes are very inexpensive and they work. Well worth the investment.

[bigguy]

But, I am much older than the 25yr old and finally thought the better and wrapped the new phone in a ziplock and put it in the high zipperedpocket of my PFD
.

I never understand why folks take an upwards of $200, or more, phone out in a kayak and think they are protecting it in a .05 plastic bag. Dry boxes are very inexpensive and they work. Well worth the investment.

Most of the newer phones have retail prices of somewhere in the 6-900$ range, you just get a good deal when you sign a 2 year contract.

[Rik]

I never understand why folks take an upwards of $200, or more, phone out in a kayak and think they are protecting it in a .05 plastic bag. Dry boxes are very inexpensive and they work. Well worth the investment.

Ditto.

[JoeS]

Well here we go again.....Like Terry said buy yourself a handheld VHF radio $99 gets you a waterproof one then you don't have to worry about bringing your expensive "Man Binkies" with you.......and for those of you that must any old Cell (Man Binkie) activated or not has 911 capabilities as well as GPS tracking so find one of the dozens of old cells you have laying around to take on the water.........In an emergency a Waterproof VHF is right beside you or in your pocket thus instant reaction(which is most often needed in emergency situations) where as your Man Binkie is all wrapped/locked/bundled/zipped/stored......away......try being out on the water one time with out receiving calls from your BFF telling you about the hot dog the had for lunch or text that they just put on brown shoes to go to Publix........ and the work excuse.......just plain BS.....like your going to do something while fishing......

[TerryW]

Dear Joe - Those of us with pedaling Hobies can & do multi-task while on the water, especially during the legislative session.

I bought a new waterproof VHF a year or so ago. It has a nice emergency button with a GPS to send my position. However, it's size makes it a royal pain to carry on my person. Since I often fish alone in the kayak or flatsboat, I really like WEARING a VHF. It does you no good if it's in the boat & you are in the water. And cell phones not properly stored in water proof bags are just a dead piece of uselessness if you go overboard with it.

[JoeS]

Dear Joe - Those of us with pedaling Hobies can & do multi-task while on the water, especially during the legislative session.

I bought a new waterproof VHF a year or so ago. It has a nice emergency button with a GPS to send my position. However, it's size makes it a royal pain to carry on my person. Since I often fish alone in the kayak or flatsboat, I really like WEARING a VHF. It does you no good if it's in the boat & you are in the water. And cell phones not properly stored in water proof bags are just a dead piece of uselessness if you go overboard with it.

Terry I think that's what I was saying in an real time emergency the cell is useless where as the VHF can be a life saver......I agree with you......other than the Legislation (to use one of your terms)...."Hooey"......