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Sea Kayak - Essential Paddling GearYou will need more than just a boat and paddle to get started in sea kayaking. But how much more? This chapter looks at the legal minimum equipment list and also gives some further suggestions to make your experience safe and happy. For a even a short day tour around a lake or river system, the Coast Guard and other government watch dog agencies require boaters, including paddle sport enthusiasts, to carry with them some basic mandatory items for safety. On top of these, there are a few other items that just make sense to take along with you to make even a short day trip a happy and healthy one.
If you plan on taking some extended kayak trips such as an overnight camping trip, or a week long expedition, more gear is required than just these basics. If you are going to kayak deep into the wilderness away from restaurants, bed and breakfasts, hotels and washrooms, even more gear will be needed for safety and comfort. For these situations, check out the next section in this guide entitled Sea Kayak Expedition Gear.
Mandatory, Legally Required Equipment.
Kayakers need a PFD but because the sport involves paddling over extended periods of time, not just any old life jacket will do. Select a PFD made for the kayak sport. This will be one that allows freedom of arm movement that allows paddle movement without chafing or restriction. Unlike PFD's made for the general boating population, kayak PFD's are also equipped with lots of pockets for storing handy items used in the course of a kayak tour such as cereal bars, sun block, a compass, whistle, map, and so on. Any PFD must be approved by the appropriate government agency such as the ULC, Underwriters Laboratories of Canada. A PFD should be a bright colour for maximum visibility such as yellow or orange.
A whistle will help you call for help in an emergency. The sound a whistle makes is louder and travels further than the human voice and can be produced even by an exhausted swimmer. The whistle sound is an internationally recognized signal of distress on the water. Do not wear the whistle on a string around your neck. It can slip off in a roll over or choke you. Attach it to your PFD with a lanyard.
Well, that is obvious is it not? Actually, the choice of a paddle is a whole different subject which is dealt with on its own. A paddle must be sized and fit for each paddler especially if you intend to take extended tours. The right paddle will make your kayak experience a happy one. The wrong paddle will tire you out unnecessarily.
It is not uncommon for a paddle to be broken or lost. So a spare is a mandatory requirement. Bilge Pump with Float. Kayaking is a wet sport and if an upset occurs, a bilge pump is needed to pump the water out of the cockpit so you can carry on. A float will keep the pump from sinking. Another option is a foot operated pump mounted to the front bulkhead of the cockpit. A foot pump can be operated when your hands are full or busy such as in rough water. Kayak bilge pumps are small, lightweight, hand operated units usually made from plastic.
Throw Bags: This is a small brightly coloured floating bag which contains a minimum of 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.
A flashlight will enable a stranded boater to signal for help at night. Or simply enable you to peer into the dark cavities of your boat to check for cracks, leaks or missing gear. Of course, it only works if you have good quality, fully charged batteries. Carry some spares. In some areas, the Coast Guard or Provincial or State Police may require a boater to also carry a strobe light. These are a great idea even if they are not a legal requirement in your area. They do not cost much and help you to be visible to other boaters when travelling at dusk or dawn. Remember that kayaks sit low in the water and are more diffiicult for other boaters to see especially in dim light.
Other Necessary Kayak Items.
Kayaking is different from other boating sports and, therefore, it is highly recommended that a few other items are carried along with you in your sea kayak for safety.
This is an essential item for any outdoor activity when you are away from home. A compass will help you find your bearings in an instant. Many times when kayaking fog will roll in, you may be far off shore, or you will be in unfamiliar territory, a compass will set you straight. For extended trips, it is recommended that you mount a compass on the deck in front of the cockpit so you can set a course and maintain it without having to stop paddling. A good idea is to have a backup compass in the pocket of your PFD.
Real navigators call them charts. Landlubbers call them maps. If you are paddling in unfamiliar waters, a chart is a good thing to have not just for knowing where you are and where to go, but also for measuring distances and estimating transit times, avoiding hazards such as rocks and ferry routes, selecting rest stops and camp sites, and using currents and tides. The chart should be up to date.
While not always necessary, these are great for finding your way even on the open sea with no land marks in site. A GPS can really ease navigation if you know how to use it. There are, however, a few cautions. They are battery operated devices, so always carry spare batteries. They are subject to failure and should never be used in place of a good chart and compass. Always monitor your position and progress when travelling through unfamiliar territory. Using a GPS can open up a whole new fun aspect of kayaking called Geo-Caching. That is the subject all on its own.
This is a device that a 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. There are basically 2 types of paddle floats commonly used:
This is a light leash that secures the paddle to the kayak so you never have to worry about losing your paddle if you roll over or just drop it. This is an inexpensive accessory that should be a mandatory addition for every kayaker. A paddle leash also allows a kayaker to quickly use a camera or radio without having to take time to stow the paddle.
This is good to have for towing purposes when a paddler is sick, injured, up the creek without a paddle, or just too tired to go on. There are two types available to choose from:
A spray skirt fits snuggly around the paddler and the cockpit rim in order to keep water out of the kayak. A grab loop is attached at the front of the skirt so it can quickly detach in an upset allowing the paddler to egress. Spray skirts are available in urethane-coated nylon, neoprene or other combinations depending on water conditions and budgets. They are really a necessity in rough water.
Knife and/or Multi-Tool. These are handy for repairs, cutting ropes and lines, and as a survival item. Pick one up at Canadian Tire and stow it in the pocket of your PFD.
These protect your important dry gear from getting wet. They have roll down tops that seal up tight. Here is where you stow a change of dry clothes, food, electronic gear, and so on. Dry bags come in a wide range of shapes and sizes so they can fit in the storage compartments of different sized boats. Many are clear or have see through windows so the paddler can readily find what they need without even having to open them.
Deck Bags. Deck Bags are gear organizers for paddlers. They are designed with functionality and accessibility in mind. They secure easily to the forward deck and 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. These are great to have on an over-night trip.
Kayaking is done out in the open, on the water, in the sun. That means you will need a few items to protect you from sun burn and sun stroke. You will need high SPF water-proof sunblock. You will need to reapply it often especially if you are getting wet. You will also need a good hat that covers your ears and will not blow off or be lost in a roll over. This is the sport where it is okay to tie your Tilley hat under your chin. Sun glasses will be needed. In fact, carry a spare set too. These few items will keep you happy and healthy, and ensure your kayak memories are good ones.
Kayaking is an athletic activity. You will burn calories and sweat. That means that even on a day trip you will need to bring along some bottled water to avoid becoming dehydrated. Pack some cereal bars and other snacks so you can keep up your energy levels.
Most sea kayaks do not fit in the back seat or the trunk of a car. Therefore they require some accessory equipment to enable the avid paddler to get his beautiful boat from home to the water "put-in" site. This may involve roof racks, foam pads, tie down straps, or even a trailer depending on the vehicle, the boat, and the number of boats.
Click the following link for a Printable Copy of the Recommended Safety Gear to include on the various levels of Kayak Trips: Sea Kayak Excursion Progressive Check List.
You can purchase your Sea Kayak Gear by visiting our on-water showroom or you can purchase it online at our Kayak and Canoe Gear web store.
While were sure we have forgotten to mention some things we trust you enjoyed our Essential Kayaking Gear Article. Please email us any additions or changes you feel we should make. Happy Paddling, Larry & Christine Showler, Owners
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