: what is "EPIRB" ?
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons are radio transmitters that broadcast on dedicated emergency frequencies when a vessel/person is in imminent danger. There are models that can be manually or automatically activated. They are intended to be used in a MAYDAY situation and after exhausting other voice transmissions (e.g. a VHF radio). And this is the important part, a good waterproof VHF radio will cost you much less than an EPIRB. If you do not venture out of VHF radio range, carry other signaling devices, and file a float plan; an EPIRB may not be necessary. They are not intended for inshore use. That being said, they have saved lives. If you take trips where an EPIRB would be essential, such as remote areas, you could look into renting one. Check your local kayak shop. If you have not already done so, and you are planning on being adventurous, I would recommend reading some of the wonderful books on sea kayaking, such as Sea Kayaking by John Dowd. There are other books, check your favorite internet book store.

: I couldn't find stainless knife.
: I asked at a camping store and they told me any metal will stain.
: they carry a nice selection of knifes but could not guarranty
: they will not stain, regardless of any lable on the knife saying
: "stainless".
: can anybody enlighten me on this ?

What you are looking for is a "stainless steel" knife. Steel is made stainless by adding nickel. The nickel makes steel rust resistant, not actually guaranteed stainless. I like the jack knife style single blade that the special forces use. It has a searaded blade about 3 to 4 inches long in a light weight plastic carbon fiber sheath. Tether it to your vest.

Safe Paddling
Guy