When you are packing for a kayak trip always consider about your security first. This doesn't matter if you are a beginner or an expert. But if you are a beginner you may not be known about the essential kayaking gear you need for kayaking. In this case, you should go to the salesperson who has kayaking experience. But before you go for buying you can have a brief idea about the most important kayaking kits in this article. So let's make a list of some most essential gears we need for kayaking.
1. Kayak: You may think there’s nothing to mention about kayak in this article because everybody knows that kayaking must need a kayak. But it is important as there are different types of kayak available in the market like- sea kayaks, touring kayaks, sit on top kayaks, inflatable kayaks and many more. So you need to select the right one for you.
In most cases, beginners start with the recreational boat. The large cockpit of this type of boat allows paddlers to climb in and out easily. You can also read this article to get some idea about the right kayak for you.
2. Lifevest: Now you need to choose a kayaking- specific life vest. Kayaking specific life vest is different in many ways. The main difference is in the higher back that doesn’t interrupt with kayak sit and designed in such a way you can keep moving and paddling comfortably. There are some models that include multiple pockets so you can keep snacks, camera, GPS navigator and other important things needed for kayaking.
3. Paddle: Be very careful while buying the paddle for kayaking. Remember one thing- the nicer the paddle, the more enjoyable your outing becomes. Just try a high- end carbon fiber paddle for once and you will realize why I am telling this. One more important thing to remember while buying a paddle is always choose paddle according to your height, don’t buy too long one for you. You can check the length by placing the paddle vertically and try to reach up and wrap your fingers comfortably around the paddles end. If you do this without stretching yourself, go for it.
Helmet: You must wear a helmet no matter you are a beginner or an expert. It protects your head from getting bashed by any kind of accidents.
4. Navigation & Communication Equipment: You may think that you know well the place you are going for kayaking. But you don’t know what would be the situation later! So always keep Compass, Map and Communication Equipment for any emergency.
Bilge Pump: Water may get in your kayak while paddling or by sloshing around the kayak. Whatever the reason is it is annoying to have water splashing on the leg on the kayak. So carry a bilge pump to get rid of this annoyance.
5. Water and Snacks: You won’t be able to have fun with a hungry stomach. So always keep light snacks and water to drink with you for a nice kayak trip.
6. Whistle: Whistles can help you to communicate with other paddlers during an emergency.
7. Spray Skirt: Sprayskirt helps to keep the water out of your kayak by sealing the cockpit opening when you sit. Before buying a Spray Skirt, be sure that it fits both you and your kayak.
8. Proper Clothing: For kayaking, you need to get dressed for the water not just for the air temperature. You may get wet by a minor splash while kayaking so dry suit or wet suit to stay dry. And always carry spare clothes with you. Also, wear footwear that attaches around the ankle so that you don’t lose the shoes in any worst situation.
9. Dry Bags: Dry bags work great to keep your other kit dry from water. As they are fully watertight, you can put your precious contents safe from water in them.
10. Other Safety Equipment: Try to keep a flashlight, rescue gear and tow ropes with you in case of an emergency situation. With them, you will be able to see in darkness or low lighting area and help other paddlers in an emergency.
Though there are more kayaking gears these are few things that I think is most important to be safe while kayaking. One more thing I’d like to mention that never be cheap for any safety equipment because anything can be replaced except your precious life. So go for the proper kayaking gear and enjoy your trip.
Again, you may need some basic knowledge about kayaking as a beginner. In Kayaking Tips for beginners I've highlighted on some most important issues.
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