Safety Gear

The list below contains the minimum equipment needed to keep you warm and safe. Remember: Dress for the water, not for the air. If you tend to get cold easily, dress warm. You can always cool off in the water.

Safety gear

Basic safety gear

  • Non-cotton base layers for warmth and insulation
  • Wetsuit (Farmer John style) or drysuit
  • Paddle jacket
  • Booties
  • PFD - a Coast Guard approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device) must be carried by all boaters - we insist that you carry it on your body, i.e. you wear it. Then it is there when you need it most
  • Whistle - attach permanently to your PFD
  • Spray skirt
  • Food and water

In the kayak:

  • Bilge pump
  • Paddle float
  • First Aid kit
  • Tow rope - attached to the body or the boat, with quick release
  • Spare paddle - at least one for the group
  • Signaling devices - flares or smoke guns
  • Bail-out bag - with an extra set of dry clothes, food, basic repair kit

Other items that can be very handy or essential (depending on conditions)

  • Navigation aids (Map, compass, GPS)
  • Helmet - when paddling close to rocks or doing surf launches and landings
  • Neoprene cap and gloves
  • Sunglasses and sunblock
  • VHF radio
  • Watch
  • Knife
  • Sponge

Download this list as a PDF document.