For day trips on the river – some things you need. Remember, if it’s not tied intoyour boat it will
float when you wet-exit. New paddlers must realize that everything you have in your boat will be lost
when you and your boat part company. So tie everything in – use carabiners tomake it easy to
attach/detach.
So, what gear should you have before you push off?
- Kayak, well-fitting with comfortable seat, footrests adjusted to suit your body, air bags fitted
and well-fitting spray deck (kayaks can be hired for Club trips) - Helmet, paddle, buoyancy aid (can be hired for Club trips)
- Dry bag for food, 1st aid gear, spare polyprops, valuables etc., attached to your kayak
- Sandshoes or booties, even if you don’t wear them inside your boat
- Polyprops or fleece underneath wet suit or dry top. Hot tops, hot pants and Hot Heads are
great. In winter, a dry top or paddle jacket is essential tokeep out water and wind – that old
windbreaker you use for running just won’t do. You can’t expect tokeep warm when you’re
swimming if you don’t have warm gear! - Hot Head - if you don’t have one, get a balaclava
- Food and drink – a flask is a good idea towarm you up, choccy bars, but make sure they are
fastened inside your kayak or the eels will get them. - Emergency gear – we don’t expect new paddlers tohave all of these items but you should aim
toacquire them and make them part of your essential equipment- Split paddle
- Detachable tow line on your buoyancy aid with paddlebiner for rescuing boats
- Throw bag – 20 m of floating line
- 1st aid kit – basic but your life may depend on it
- Duct tape
- Sun block
- Torch, compass
- Rope, pulley, extra carabiners (river rescue)
- Spare polyprops
- Survival kit including fire-lighting gear, space blanket, rescue knife
Be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
