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.

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, although not to the main zipper
• 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

View or download this list as a PDF document.