Paddling Gear

Choosing the right paddles, lifejackets and other paddling gear is difficult to do from a downtown store, that's why we suggest an enjoyable alternative... paddle with them!

Frontenac Outfitters offers loads of the latest & greatest in paddling accessories at great prices. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer questions and help custom fit your individual paddling needs. Christine and I take great pride in selecting only the very best in quality gear. As paddlers we know the importance of safety, comfort, durability and performance. We apply the same stringent parameters to choosing our paddling gear as we do to choosing our selection of boats.

Did you know you are 5 ½ times 'less likely' to drown if you are wearing your PFD or lifejacket? Eliminating 'unnecessary risk' is easier today then in the past. Lifejackets are no longer bulky and cumbersome to wear. In fact today they fit more like a comfortable sweater that's adjustable. So why not wear one - it's the law! Provincial boating regulations for Ontario state you must have one approved Canadian ULC approved PFD for each person in a canoe or kayak. Canoe and kayak PFD's today are designed specifically to accommodate the active motions associated with paddling. Short waists, larger armholes, and adjustable straps, see through pockets for keys, sunblock and whistle, lash tabs for a knife or flashlight and reflective tape for increased visibility.

Canada's Provincial Boating Regulations state paddlers must carry the following paddling gear by LAW:

• Approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD), Bright Colours: Red, Yellow or Orange & WEAR YOUR PFD WHILE KAYAKING. Canadian approved PFDs must have an Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) Maple Leaf Label on the inside of the jacket
• Whistle with lanyard attached to your PFD
• Kayak Paddle, I know it's obvious but the stories we could tell!
• Spare kayak paddle
  
• Bilge Pump with Float
• Throw Bag with 15 metres (50') of floating line
• Flashlight, waterproof, with WORKING batteries

"Anybody can get into a dangerous situation on the water,
but it takes "common sense and the right gear to survive".

Throw Bags:
A small brightly coloured floating bag which contains 15 metres (about 50 feet) of quality floating line. For use in self-rescue situations you throw the bag by holding one end of the loop and throwing the bag with your other hand.

Bilge Pumps:
A small pump and float designed specifically for kayakers to manually pump water from the cockpit in an efficient manner. Both a bilge pump and a large sponge should be essential safety items for every sea kayaker.

Sounding Devises:
Attach a quality whistle to your PFD with a light line. An increasing number of paddlers now carry a sound-signaling canister as well.

Strobe Lights:
Unlike flares that may be dangerous and last for only a few minutes, waterproof strobe lights emit a bright flash of light for a minimum of eight hours. Strobe lights run on replaceable batteries and are small enough to attach to most PFD's or stow anywhere. A safety gear must for night paddling and a consideration for anyone kayaking near dark.

Paddle Floats:
A devise the paddler puts over one end of a kayak paddle to form a stabilizing lever, better enabling the paddler to re-enter the kayak after an upset. Two types of paddle floats are commonly available:

a.) Inflatable Paddle Floats made of urethane-coated nylon; they are small, easy to stow almost anywhere and take a few seconds to inflate.
b.) Foam Core Paddle Floats are larger and more difficult to stow, but do not puncture and don't need to be inflated.

Tow Ropes:
Designed for towing purposes when a paddler is just too tired to go on. There are two types available to choose from:
a.) Waist-held towrope with 50 feet of line can double as a throw bag, eliminating one piece of gear.
b.) A combing-held model takes the stress away from the paddler and onto the kayak.

Paddle Leash:
A light leash that secures the paddle to the kayak so you never have to worry about losing your paddle if you capsize? This inexpensive accessory should be a mandatory addition for every kayaker. A paddle leash also provides photographers a safe and easy way to click away.

Spare Paddle:
What's that old saying? "Up The Creek Without A Paddle", well if yours breaks or washes away you could be! An secondary take-apart paddle that sets left, right or centre is a wise piece of safety gear.

Compass & GPS Units:
Every paddler should carry a compass and know how to use it! In big waters, fog or simply a new destination paddlers can lose their bearings quickly. Compasses should be mounted on the kayak deck as far forward as is visible to enable the paddler to see both the compass and the horizon at the same time. GPS units are quickly becoming an important gear item for most avid sea kayakers... but as they take batteries, thus can fail, we recommend carrying a GPS and a map and compass. 

Spray Skirts:
Spray skirts fit snuggly around the paddler and the kayaks cockpit rim to keep water out of the kayak. A large grab loop is provided offset at the front for quick removal. Spray skirts are available in urethane-coated nylon, neoprene or other combinations depending on water conditions and budgets.

Knifes:
If you haven't got a quality clip on knife or multi tool get one. A knife could save your life and at the very least will be a handy addition to your paddling gear.

Deck Bags:
Deck Bags are gear organizers for paddlers. They are designed with functionality and accessibility in mind. They secure easily to your kayaks forward deck have different sizes of mesh pockets, hooks and Velcro strips to attach a wide range of small paddling accessories, safety supplies and items of convenience.

Dry Bags:
As the name implies dry bags keep protect your gear from the elements. They have roll down tops that seal and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Many are clear or have see through windows so the paddler can readily find what they need. With cameras, cell phones and GPS's becoming increasingly popular. Dry bags have now been designed specifically for these electronic devises.

Dress:
Paddling jackets, neoprene wet suits, gloves, socks, boots and paddle poogies may be items to look at depending where and when you paddle.

Transporting your new boat(s)... no problem, we offer a complete line of Yakima roof racks and accessories with assembly and installation ‘FREE' of charge. If racks aren't in your budget we stock a complete line of canoe & kayak blocks, straps & lines to transport your boat(s) home safely and efficiently... so breathe easy and drive with confidence.

For more details check out our section on, "7 Step Sea Kayak Safety Guide", "How to Choose a Paddle", or visit www.yakima.com for roof rack accessories. For even more information, check out our "online Tutorials"