You’ve finally decided to join your buddies on that kayaking adventure that you’ve been avoiding since before you can remember—Congratulations! It can be intimidating at first to join in on a new sport, especially one as oftentimes fast-paced as kayaking if you are not sure about what equipment and gear is essential when getting the necessary items needed for your water journey. So, whether you’re going down a slow river, doing a bit of fishing from a kayak or venturing through the harsh currents of Great Falls, Virginia, make sure to obtain these 10 essential items before beginning your expedition.
Top Must-Have Kayak Gear Items
Before doing your shopping, check out our suggestions for the top ten things that you’ll want to look for when outfitting for your first kayaking expedition.
1. Picking the Right Kayak
There are a variety of kayaks to choose from, which can seem overwhelming at first. It’s important to know your kayak before taking it out onto the water, so knowing where you’re going, for how long, and your skill is important. If you are taking a trip through calm waters for the day and you are a beginner to intermediate kayaker, it’s best to go with a recreational kayak, as opposed to a touring kayak which is meant for longer days and rougher waters. Learn more with our tips on buying your first kayak, and reviews of our favorite models of kayaks for fishing.
2. Picking the Right Paddle
Choosing a paddle might sound easy enough, but there is a lot that goes into choosing the right paddle for you and it can impact the comfort of your trip as well as your safety, so it is important to decide carefully which paddle fits your adventure best. Knowing things such as the height and length of your kayak, your skill and experience, and the waters of where you are kayaking are key in deciding what paddle is right for you.
3. Life Jackets
Safety is essential when kayaking, and even though you are probably an experienced swimmer, it is still important to wear a life jacket or carry a PFD (personal floatation device). Depending on the currents of the water, and what you are trying to accomplish during your kayaking trip—fishing, touring, what have you—it is important to stay safe and prepare for the worst.
4. Helmets
This is vital for whitewater kayaking, and though they can be used for any type of kayaking, it is essential mostly in more dangerous forms of the sport. Hitting rocks is common in whitewater kayaking, and a helmet could be the difference between life and death. Add this to a must have if you are kayaking along any water that is rocky and fast-moving. If you are fishing in a slower-paced river, you probably can leave it at home, but it doesn’t hurt to have one in case.
5. Picking the Right Clothing
Make sure to dress for your trip in a way that is right for your specific situation. It may be hot and sunny above the water, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be freezing if you get inside the water. Layering is key when kayaking, and it is important to dress for the water not just the weather because you will certainly get wet.
6. Spray Skirts
Spray skirts keep the water out of your kayak and is a must-have for any trip. Most spray skirts are designed to fit your kayak specifically, so it is important to get one that matches your boat as well as your trip. There are certain spray skirts for flat-water kayaking, made for occasional splashes here and there, and there are spray skirts for whitewater kayaking, which endure harsher currents and heavier splashes.
7. Hydration and Nutrition
It is important to bring food and water on your trip to avoid dehydration and nutrition loss. Extra water bottles, or investing in a filtration water bottle can really come in handy as well as snacks and freeze-dried nutritional supplements.
8. Kayak Cart
Unless you plan on carrying your kayak around, it is important to invest in a cart. This will help you tow your kayak to your destination, and they often come with straps to tie your kayak to your car.
9. Safety Gear
Aside from a life jacket or a PFD, it is important to carry a basic first aid kit as well as items such as a knife, sun screen, a water-proof flashlight, matches, extra clothing, emergency shelter, and a repair kit for your kayak. These small items can save you in a pinch.
10. Navigation Supplies
Phones nowadays have navigation guides on them, and getting a water-proof phone case can make it better than any map. However, it is important to have something as a backup in case an unforeseen situation occurs—like your phone dies or is eaten by a fish. You’re going to want to know how to get back home, and you’ll be happy that you brought a map or compass then.
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