Is sea kayaking safe for strong seas?

Answer 1

Your question is very vague - if you can give more information, it would be easier to answer.

Sea kayaking in the ocean, in 5-7 foot swells with strong currents and wind? No, it's not safe.

IF you are proficient in your strokes and have a bomb-proof roll, if you're dressed for immersion and against hypothermia, you wear your pfd 100% of the time, if you are a strong paddler, and (this is the key) you have excellent navigation skills, then you MAY be okay. Don't forget your waterproof VHF radio.

If you don't have all of the above going for you, then I'd say no. Don't do it. Even then, you are putting yourself at risk, as well as putting Coast Guard rescue crews at risk as well.

Answer 2

I kayak on the windward side of the Big Island in Hawaii. I paddle a Prowler 13 kayak with a rudder. When the winds are up over 15 mph, I don't even bother taking it out unless I'm up for a workout. I go big game fishing in my yak so sometimes I'll drive up the coast and make it a one-way paddle with the wind to another location where I'll have someone pick me up. If the winds where you paddle blow off shore, I would invest in a VHF submersible hand held radio, and make sure you have a pfd. Aloha!