All,
Thanks for the input so far, I am glad we have views on this and whilst most seem positive I would also be happy if anyone with negative views voiced them as well, After all it
Hi Zed,
I think it's a good idea for more floating anglers to join the club.
I believe Frisky is the only boat with sails in the club at present, is the slowest boat in the fleet under engine (and probably the slowest under sail too !), but can undertake the longest fishing trips due to the accommodation available. I've tried to compete on level terms over the last few years, but some of the anglers are really skillful, and we do struggle at times. We've certainly had fun trying, and ocasionally raise a smile when we get something decent.
Kayaks joining in adds to the diversity of club craft, I for one think it's a good idea, and am envious at the level of fun you guys seem to have!
Regarding safety, I am an RNLI Sea Safety Officer, and the RNLI has issued guidelines for kayak safety, that were developed in conjunction with an extreme kayak group, so that the Sea Safety Scheme can be extended to kayaks as well as other small private craft. This focusses on matters such as equipment to be carried. Would be more than happy to bring details to the next meeting so that we can discuss relevance for angling from kayaks within the context of the club. From what I've seen, most anglers from kayaks appear well equipped - there's nothing like utter vulnerability to focus the mind.
What I would suggest is that the distance between two well-equipped buddy kayaks is kept to the minimum for competition fishing. If one is to be close enough to help the other, then a minute or 5 apart might just be too long to avoid a disaster. I think this will be a key matter in any decision taken.
Mike
An interesting thread developing. 
It would be great to get as many views as possible. I have stated mine.
But would like to agree with Mike that if two Kyakers are fishing together, they surely must need to be very close if they are covering each other for safety reasons.
Paul I was wondering why you are refraining from comment as in your words
" i'll stay out of it as i have a vested interest being a keen yaker myself"
IMHO a view from a senior Member of the Committee who is a keen angler and has an interest in boats and Kyaks would be vary valid.
Charlie
I cant really see why kayakers need a new committee member especially as our illustrious chairman is a part time kayaker himself.
We dont specify much about the types of boats allowed in our club only an upper limit on length so the only difference is the question of buddying for safety reasons.
The major difference here is that instead of a fishing unit being one boat, one skipper plus crew, the fishing unit for competition purposes in kayaks would be two craft and two skippers.
I agree that the time taken to get to help a fellow kayaker is the critical factor in determining how far apart the kayaks should be and discussion with experienced kayakers is the way forward.
As to a list of equipment--we've been here before. if we specify a list then we enter the realms of equipment checks and responsibility as a committee.
The responsibility for safety equipment has to rest with the skippers as any check would only be like an MOT i.e. valid at the time of the check. The equipment present on board for each trip would not be verifiable by the committee.
The proposed RNLI checklist for kayaks is the answer here to give skippers a point of reference from which they can equip their craft and it would be up to them to maintain that level of safety gear.
Petesnr
This could start people complaining that they should be allowed to fish from Tender sized dinghies, as long as they're in pairs.
Have fun with the wording chaps.
Jim
There's nothing stopping people fishing from tenders--most will take two people of average size. Perhaps we should only allow two man kayaks!
Does this mean 2 single handed boats can fish a comp as long as they are close to each other?
Definition of "close" please?
My worry for Yaks is that I am assuming the distance may not be far but being at anchor could slow any rescue attempt unless the rope was buoyed and ready to release?
On the drift - how long would it take a Yak to help a friend if they were 50 yds apart in a big sea with wind and tide against them?
I know we have the same issues potentially on Boats but many of us have initial rescue devices to throw to an overboard crew member.
This is where a demo \ talk from an experience Yaker would really help.
R
thI believe Frisky is e only boat with sails in the club at present,
Trevor's got a sailing boat.!!! 
Paul I was wondering why you are refraining from comment
Charlie,
I'll have my say but towards the end, Due to my position, i don't want to be seen as trying to steer or influence this in anyway as it's whats best for the club that matters
PJ
Just seen this interesting thread 
A few of us have been trying for a few years to get into Flounder comps on Kayaks all over the country,but certain rules have always hit us back.
When I go out fishing with a buddy(pairs) we tend to fish about 30 feet apart and are on a quick release system to our anchor which is buoyed off,so if the worse comes to the worse we leave our anchor and retrieve later.We find any closer than 30 feet and our rigs start getting caught in each others anchor warps when the wind/tide starts moving us.
At that distance we can also Photograph each others catches
Some people have said about tandem fishing kayaks only to enter competitions.I have tried a tandem and in my eyes they are more dangerous than a single one.If one person suddenly moves it catches the second person out and that person could panic and try to steady the craft by tipping the other way.Resulting in both people in the water.
So personally I think the way to go would be a short distance apart for competitions In the harbor.
In the open sea a little bit more distance is needed to allow for the swell and current.
Safety is the first thing on our list and we take that very seriously.Nearly all of us Carry VHF Radio's,flares(inshore and smoke)GPS,Compass,First aid kits,Mobile phones for back up and lots more.
You will find that most serious kayak anglers don't go out to sea in wind more than a force 4,we take shelter in the harbor and find a nice quiet bay to fish in.
I have been a member of this great forum for about 4 years now.
I think I will go the whole way and join the club seeing as I am local to Poole and have met a few of you out on the water over the years.
I'm personnally in favour of bringing kayak fishing into the comps. I think it brings a refreshing dimension to the fishing, and can only add to the safety of the kayakers if there are also club members in boats who can assist if help is needed.
It surely must be safer for kayakers to be in a comp with other "proper" boats than fishing their own comps.
Kayaking is one of the fastest growing sustained sports in the country. Lets embrace it and help it move forward.
BF
Only just noticed this, and what an interesting thread & discussion.
There are some very valid points made regarding Kayak fishing, safety etc. This branch of fishing is still in it's infancy and I for one would be very pleased to see new faces joining in, particularly from the ranks of the club. There's a great deal to be discovered and fresh minds will bring new ideas, to the benefit of all.
As for teaming kayaks up with boats, competitions etc. again, there's much still much to be done, we are only scratching the surface at the moment.
My primary motivation in posting the odd catch report has always been to raise awarenss of Kayak fishing and bring new people into the sport.
I'm not a member of this club but perhaps now the time is right. (if you'll have me!!)
Cheers
James
My other boat is an inflatable 2 man canoe which Heidi and I often take on holiday to explore the inshore fishing in new locations. Its great fun and I believe allowing these really small boats into the club would be a really good move, providing some suitable safety guidlines are developed.
Gordon H
I'm not a member of this club but perhaps now the time is right. (if you'll have me!!)
Cheers
James
Hi James
Well you never gave us the chance to say no 
welcome to the club and I hope you enjoy your membership.
I have updated your forum status to that of club member and Bob F will send a formal acknowledgement in due course.
Martin
Oooooops.
Sorry Martin I think I just jumped the gun a bit too and paid for membership.
Was I meant to fill out an application form first?
And then the application goes infront of a commitee?