Everything You Need For A Safe Kayaking Trip

As with all sorts of sports or recreational activities, kayaking can also lead to injuries. As such, you must have all the essential equipment and tools before you hit for the water. Kayaking requires a wide range of tools, but some are more important for ensuring safety. Luckily, most of this equipment is affordable and available in any kayak rental shop. This article breaks down everything you’ll need for a safe kayak trip.

Kayak

Keep in mind that there are various types of kayaks. If you haven’t purchased your unit, you must figure out which kind of kayaking you want to do and what level of paddling ability you have. If you’re a beginner, you should opt for a short recreational kayak.

For beginners, the 3 Waters Kayaks Big Fish 105 Fishing Kayak is easy to use and offers excellent stability.

Paddle

Choose a paddle specifically meant for kayaking. Don’t confuse canoe and kayak paddles. Kayak ones come with blades on both ends and generally range from 82-102 inches. The taller you are, the longer your paddle will have to be. In case you want to go on a lengthy kayaking session, you may have to bring along an extra paddle. You can ask for help from the kayak rental shopkeeper to figure out which paddle will be suitable for your purposes.

The Bending Branches Angler Classic Kayak Paddle is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Personal Floatation Device (PFD)

While kayaking, accidents are bound to happen even if you’re a professional. You shouldn’t hit the water without having put on your PFD. They ensure your safety, and if you can’t swim, it becomes even more critical to sport a PFD. However, not every PFD has the same design, so ensure that your gear is sturdy and made with premium materials.

The NRS Chinook PFD sports a high-back design to offer incredible comfort.

Helmet

Helmets are also a necessity as they ensure maximum safety while protecting your head. If you’re white-water or surf kayaking, you’ll need them, but they aren’t a requirement for sea kayaking.

Comfort and a perfect fit are the two qualities of a good helmet. Additionally, the material used to construct the helmet must be able to sustain heavy impacts. Generally, ABS plastic shell helmets offer outstanding protection.

The NRS Havoc Livery Helmet is a good option that will not disappoint.

Dry Bag

If you want to keep your stuff dry, you will need a dry bag in your kayaking arsenal. These bags can also float, making them perfect for storing your clothes. They are convenient and allow you to store all your essentials in one place.

Make sure that your dry bag is the right size for the length of your kayaking trip. The bags are quite affordable, so you can bring a few of them on your kayaking adventure if needed.

If you’re looking for a high-quality dry bag, the Geckobrands 10L is durable and has plenty of space to store your essentials.

Gloves

Many people tend to overlook gloves, but they’re essential for a safe and efficient kayaking experience. The paddle’s resistance and heavy force of the water can sore out your hands and cause blisters making it harder for you to paddle.

Gloves are an absolute must if you’re going to be kayaking for more than 2 hours. There are gloves specifically designed for kayaking, but any sports gloves will work as well.

The SealSkinz Waterproof All Weather Lightweight Gloves are waterproof and offer fantastic grip and control.

Water Shoes

Wearing your everyday shoes for kayaking isn’t ideal. Foot protection is critical, especially when you’re entering or getting out of water. Many kayaking launch and exit spots aren’t suitable for barefoot walking.

You can often find clamshells, broken glass, and other sharp objects that can injure your feet there. That is why it is best to wear water shoes that offer protection from injuries and enhance grip on slippery surfaces.

The Stohlquist Seaboard Water shoe is comfortable to wear and offers proper ventilation and drainage.

First-Aid kit

Outdoor sports like kayaking are sure to invite the occasional cuts and bruises. Never forget your first-aid kit when you’re going kayaking. If you get a cut, treat it immediately to prevent infections. These days numerous first-aid kits have designs that are suitable for kayaking.

Blisters are widespread among kayakers, and they can be discomforting if you don’t treat them immediately. The Adventure Medical Kits Blister Medic is an excellent remedy for preventing and treating blisters.

Conclusion

Make a checklist of the items mentioned above for your kayak rental and bring them with you whenever you go kayaking. They’ll ensure that you have a fun and safe time kayaking.