The list below contains the minimum equipment needed to keep you warm and safe. Remember: Dress for the water, not for the air. If you tend to get cold easily, dress warm. You can always cool off in the water.
Basic safety gear
- Non-cotton base layers for warmth and insulation
- Wetsuit (Farmer John style) or drysuit
- Paddle jacket
- Booties
- PFD—a Coast Guard-approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device) must be carried by all boaters.
We insist that you carry it on your body, i.e. you wear it. Then it is there when you need it most. - Whistle—attach permanently to your PFD, although not to the main zipper
- Spray skirt
- Food and water
In the kayak:
- Bilge pump
- Paddle float
- First Aid kit
- Tow rope—attached to the body or the boat, with quick release
- Spare paddle—at least one for the group
- Signaling devices—flares or smoke guns
- Bail-out bag—with an extra set of dry clothes, food, basic repair kit
Other items that can be very handy or essential (depending on conditions)
- Navigation aids (Map, compass, GPS)
- Helmet—when paddling close to rocks or doing surf launches and landings
- Neoprene cap and gloves
- Sunglasses and sunblock
- VHF radio
- Watch
- Knife
- Sponge
View or download this list as a PDF document.
