If you've recently caught the kayaking bug, you'll want to know what equipment and accessories you need to get out on the water and send it. In our article, we explore the various gear you will need for your kayak to have the best adventures possible.
When is The Best Time to Kayaking?
Summer is the best season to get out on the water for the first time; the water's calmer, the weather's warmer, and you've got plenty of time to leisurely paddle in the sunshine.
What Essential Equipment Do I Need For Kayaking?
Once you've got your kayak, the next step is to stock up on your safety kit. Some accessories are purely for comfort, whereas others are bare essentials you'll need out on the water. We have provided the top eight accessories you need to complete your kayak kit.
1. Kayak Paddle
A kayak paddle is an essential piece of equipment when kayaking. A kayak paddle is a short pole with a broad blade at one or both ends of the paddle. The paddle is used to propel and steer the kayak while you are out on the water.
When picking out your paddle, consider your height. The taller you are, the longer you'll need it to be.
2. Buoyancy Aids For Kayaking
A buoyancy aid is an essential piece of kit, especially for beginners. They work in a similar way to lifejackets, but they allow for a much wider range of movement for the arms and neck.
When paddling out on various grades of water, you can come into contact with some sneaky currents and get yourself into a bit of trouble. It's also worth considering that you might want to get a buoyancy aid for your four-legged friend too!
3. Kayak Helmet
Even advanced paddlers still wear their helmets. When you're out in the water, you can suffer from head injuries, and that's not just from hitting yourself in the head with your own paddle!
A kayak helmet is an essential piece of safety equipment that can prevent head injuries in the water. Helmets are used during whitewater kayaking, kayak surfing, and kayaking in and around caves and other rocky shoreline features while in waves.
4. Kayak Trolley
Trolleys are super handy pieces of equipment that you'll be glad you invested in, especially if you're a long walk from the water.
If you're more of a soloist, you'll be relieving yourself of the kayak’s weight, which can protect your kayak from potential damage from dragging and dropping it.
5. Wetsuits For Kayaking
Naturally, what you wear will depend on the weather; in the summer, you can happily paddle in some boardies and a t-shirt, but if you fall in, be warned that the water will be cold; this is where wetsuits come in.
Wetsuits are a great investment, and they can keep you kayaking all year round as they will provide much-needed insulation and keep you fairly dry.
Wet Shoes
Wet shoes are great pieces of kit to invest in and can be worn across multiple water sports; they will provide you with some great grip when making your way across slippery surfaces. They also offer your feet some protection so you can confidently walk into the water.
6. Kayak Leash
Another essential piece of equipment to invest in is a leash; your paddle should always be leashed to your boat. So, if you drop it, which can easily happen, you won't be left without a paddle!
7. Kayak Throw Rope
A throw rope is designed to float and be thrown by a rescuer to help out a swimmer. Similar to buoyancy aids, throw ropes are essential pieces of equipment, especially on white water. They're vital pieces of kit that are easy to use and can save lives.
8. Drybag
If you want to keep any of your possessions dry while you're out paddling, you should consider investing in a drybag. They're a really handy piece of kit to have around, especially if you're one for water sports!
They're great for keeping spare clothes in and valuables such as your phone, although you can invest in a waterproof phone case that can clip onto your buoyancy aid.
We hope this article has helped you create a kit list for your next paddling adventure! If you have any questions about your water sports equipment or require further advice, contact a member of our team or have a browse through our blog!
