Kayak Essential Gear
Each paddler is required to have the below gear on all trips
| Gear | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sea Kayak with Floatation in both ends. For boats without bulk heads a sea sock is highly recommended but sea sock is not floatation and sea sock without flotation bags is inadequate | Deck perimeter lines recommended. Additional floatation and deck perimeter lines are required in surf or current play. |
| Paddle | |
| PFD (USCG approved) | |
| Spray Skirt | |
| Paddle Float | |
| Pump | |
| Appropriate Attire (Dress for immersion) Including footwear and gloves | |
| Whistle | |
| Flares (as required by USCG) | Please see page 17 of the USCG booklet located at http://www.uscgboating.org/images/420.PDF for information about when and where flares are required for kayaks. (This booklet has lots of other good information too.) |
| Chart and compass (deck or handheld) | |
| Spare clothes in a dry bag | |
| Water | For the trip and a bit extra. |
| Food |
For the trip and a little more. |
| First Aid Kit appropriate to trip | |
| Repair Kit appropriate to trip/boat/gear |
Trip leader required to carry multi-tool or pliers and screw drivers in their repair kit. |
| Headlamp or flashlight | |
| Emergency Shelter appropriate to trip | Space blanket or cag or bothy bag or tent, depending on trip. |
| Sun Protection (sun glasses with retainer strap, sunscreen, hat) | |
| Lighter or Waterproof Matches |
Except, perhaps, in summer, recommend a full fire kit with all items necessary to create a fire including fuel for 30 mins. (Often there is no dry fuel available where we might need to build a fire. ) |
Depending on the trip, additional gear may be required.
|
Gear |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Waterproof watch |
Trip leader required to carry on all trips; recommended all carry on all trips. |
|
Pertinent Tide and Current Data |
Trip leader required to carry on all trips. |
|
Helmet |
|
|
Tow belt |
Required to be carried by trip leader or designee on all trips. |
|
Knife |
Trip leader required to carry on all trips; all required to carry on SKIV and above trips; recommended all carry on all trips. |
|
Spare Paddle |
Required to be carried by trip leader or designee on all trips. |
|
VHF Radio or weather radio |
Required to be carried by trip leader on all trips. VHF radio (with weather channels) required to be carried by trip leader on SKIV and above trips. |
|
Wag (or other poop) Bag |
Required to be carried by trip leader on all trips; recommended all carry on all trips. |
|
Thermos with hot non-caffeinated beverage |
|
|
EPIRB or Personal Locator Beacon |
Required to be carried by trip leader on coastal trips. |
|
GPS (mapping) |
Required to be carried by trip leader on coastal trips. |