Equipment for Sea Kayaking: Suggestions
Suggesting the "right" gear to bring on any sort of outdoor adventure is always an invitation to argument. Indeed "the ten essential items to bring on a hike" has sparked many (usually) good-natured canonical debates. With that in mind, we tread lightly into this topic with several lists.
These lists are general guidelines. Leaders set gear requirements for individual trips based on their own experience and assessment of the trip requirements. None of these lists should be taken to imply that it's allowable to follow a lower standard than the trip leader has set.
The Minimum for All
This list spells out what we would generally consider to be the absolute minimum for any sea kayaker venturing out on the ocean even under benign conditions and accompanied by other paddlers more experienced and better equipped; i.e., a paddler equipped per this minimal list is not really self-sufficient.
- Properly outfitted sea kayak with deck lines and either waterproof bulkheads or flotation bags
- Suitable PFD (Type III Coast Guard Approved is a typical criterion) with attached whistle
- Non-cotton clothing (absolutely no jeans or sweat shirts). In many cases a wetsuit or drysuit is prudent.
- Footwear. Many find neoprene booties the best bet for protection, boating comfort, and lack of pieces that could potentially catch on a foot-peg or other boat part. Some outfitters are now discouraging (or even prohibiting) "Teva-style" sandals.
- "Paddling jacket" -- i.e. some form of waterproof jacket. (This can provide significant warmth)
- Food -- at least energy bars, gorp, etc. accessible while paddling
- Water -- at least one bottle accessible while paddling. (Minimum of 2-3 quarts total in boat.)
- Drybag or trash bag with spare warm clothing. Minimum of sweater or fleece top and hat.
- Paddle
- Any required personal medications such as for asthma
"Luxury" Items
These are items that we suggest participants may want to bring on a trip. Most are not directly safety related but may help to prevent blisters, burns, and lost stuff. They're generally a good idea and can lead to a more pleasurable experience.
- Sun screen
- Sunglasses -- with good strap!! (Ditto for prescription eyewear!!)
- Personal first aid items double-sealed in Ziplock, etc.
- Paddling gloves -- some people like to wear these; bike gloves are a good alternative
- Hat. With some sort of strap is best.
- Spare food
- We recommend AGAINST bringing devices such as cameras that don't mix well with salt water. If people MUST, they should also bring reliable waterproof protection for same. (Disposable, i.e. "one use", underwater cameras are another good option.)
The Basic Leader / Well-Equipped Participant
These are items over and above those associated with basic paddling that a leader should carry for most trips. In general, these items are what we would consider the "basic self-sufficient" paddler would carry plus a few additional things that leaders typically have laying around the house that could benefit others in the group before or during the trip. Of course, leaders should have tried out their tow systems and paddle floats so they're comfortable using them. Especially on intermediate and higher level trips, leaders may require that trip participants bring some or all of the gear in this section.
- Chart(s) (in case on deck)
- Compass (deck compass STRONGLY preferred)
- A dry bag with some spare warm clothing and jackets
- First aid kit
- Spare food and water
- Tow system
- Pump
- Spare paddle
- Paddle float
- Flashlight/headlamp -- preferably waterproof
- Sponge
The Fully-Equipped Paddler
These items go beyond the basics. Many find these additional items to be useful when the weather closes in and in other situations. As such, they are items that many paddlers find worth investing in over time as part of their paddling gear. The more advanced the trip or potentially tricky the conditions, the more important some of these items could become. Keep in mind that gear isn't useful unless you know how to use it and how to gain access to it in an emergency situation.
- Spare spray skirt, PFD, fleece (esp. top), jacket, dry bag(s), and whistles (bring in your car in case someone has forgotten or otherwise has problems)
- Pencil flares (at least three, not expired)
- Sling/stirrup to assist with rescues
- Strobe
- Fog horn
- Repair kit (duct tape, etc.)
- "Expedition" first aid kit. (Could include splints, etc.)
- VHF Radio and/or cell phone -- with knowledge of how to use them including frequencies/numbers to make calls
- Hot liquid in thermos
- Weather radio
- Spare handheld compass
- GPS -- only useful in conjunction with a chart
Updated 2 June 2003