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CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
Here's a simple head-to-toe guide for the fully outfitted paddler. As an outdoors enthusiast, you may already own many of these items, so don't be scared off by the huge laundry list. You'll be able to add pieces of gear over months or years as you develop your skill and scope as a paddler. You do not need to own all of these to have a good paddling experiecnce.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD):; A.K.A. "Life vest." US Coast Guard regulations require that each watercraft passenger at least carries a wearable PFD (Class III or V in flotation rating). The American Canoe Association requires that PFDs must be worn during all ACA sanctioned programs. This item is almost always provided to you by the outfitter that you are using.
Brimmed Hat or Visor: Although rain is a paddler's friend (since rain fills our lakes and rivers), you will probably most enjoy venturing out on a clear, sunny day. Therefore, unless you're from the tropics, you'll want to protect your head and face from the sun's harmful rays. And don't forget the Sunscreen. UV rays are just as severe reflecting up from the water.
Sunglasses: Keep these handy for the same reason as your sun visor. They can also score big points in the coolness category. Don't forget the retainer strap.
Retainer Strap: This item is used to keep your glasses, sunglasses or hats attached to your person, in case you come out of your boat. There are two kinds sold, one type for glasses and another for hats. Most outfitters keep the glasses available for sale, while the ones for hats are harder to find. You definitely do not want to lose a $300.00 pair of perscription glasses!
Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a definite must. You’d be suprised how burnt you can get from having spent 2 hours on the water.
Helmet: A solid paddling helmet is essential for whitewater paddling or surf kayaking. Can you picture a public service announcement about, "This is your brain on the rocks?"
Nose Plugs or Clips: Designed specially for paddlers who plan to roll upside-down frequently, but can't seem to stop themselves from inhaling.
Water Bottle: A hydrated paddler is a happy paddler. Bring some snacks too, such as trail mix, candy bars, fruit and energy bars.
Whistle: Or other audible signaling device, often attached to your PFD for easy access. A whistle is very useful for getting attention during an emergency and warning other watercraft of your presence. Also required by the Coast Guard on large bodies of water and navigation channels.
Synthetic Sweater and/or Long Underwear: Popular for their wicking qualities (drawing water away from your skin) synthetic fibers dry quickly and help keep your body warmth in when it's cold out. Cotton is generally frowned upon because it has the opposite effect of conducting body heat when it gets wet. Even in the summer, cold water, wind and wet cotton can be a deadly combination. Use Synthetic Pants or Lycra Tights for your lower half too.
Paddling Jacket: Specially coated nylon or Gortex jackets with neoprene cuffs and collars are water and wind repellent for keeping splashing water and cooling wind off your skin. They will keep you semi-dry when you roll upside-down. Paddling Pants too!
Wet Suit: Worn right next to your skin, wet suits can be a life saver when submerged in cold water. The neoprene material holds in a thin layer of water as a thermal barrier against the outside cold water. Highly recommended for winter or early spring paddles.
Dry Suit: Although relatively expensive, the dry suit is the ultimate piece of clothing for winter paddling. It is similar to the paddling jacket, except the cuffs and collar are sealed with flexible rubber gaskets. The gaskets form a snug seal around the neck, wrists and ankles to keep you completely dry, even when submerged. Made as a single piece suit or as separate tops and pants.
Gloves or Pogies: Helpful for keeping your hands warm and nimble on cool or windy days. Pogies are large mitten that attach around the shaft/handle of your paddle. Some folks also like to wear gloves when it is warm to improve their grip and to prevent blisters.
Bathing Suit and Towel: Because you will get wet on this ride. Besides, the best paddling destinations rarely have designated changing areas.
Spray Deck: (A.K.A. "spray skirt") Worn around the waist of a kayaker and closes around the cockpit of the kayak to keep waves and spray from filling the boat. But don't worry, the skirt does very little to hold the kayaker in, and comes with a quick release strap for fast "wet" exits.
Footwear: Nearly 90% of all paddling injuries occur from walking around with bare feet. Protect your toes with strong river sandals, old sneakers or neoprene booties. Some folks also wear fleece or wool socks for extra warmth.
First Aid Kit and Duct Tape: Take along a well-stocked repair kit for your body and boat whenever venturing out into the wilderness. There are several varieties of ready-equipped first aid kits for various degrees of need, some of which come with their own dry bags.
Dry Bags: If you were just wondering what they are, these rubberized gear bags have sealed openings for keeping your stuff inside and water outside. Use a dry bag for storing extra clothes, snacks, or camping equipment inside your boat. They come in a variety of sizes. It is good practice to secure them to the boat so they stay "in" when you fall "out". The combinations of which items you choose to take on your paddling trips will vary greatly. For each excursion you'll need to take into consideration a multitude of factors: air temperature, water temperature, cloud cover, precipitation, destination remoteness, etc. Eventually you'll develop a well-stocked gear bag to take along so you don't have to choose until you get there. (Where? At the put-in of course). One rule to follow always--expect to get wet and dress and pack accordingly.
Once you are properly geared, being prepared goes beyond equipment and clothing. For many remote-paddling destinations, you are embarking on an expedition, not just a Disneyland ride. A day or afternoon of paddling can demand strenuous physical exertion. Start with shorter (time and distance) outings to build up your strength and stamina. As you refine your paddling skills too, you'll experience greater stroke efficiency.
It's a good idea to consult with outdoor guidebooks or other experienced paddlers to research your destinations ahead of time. You'll want to know what hazards to expect and which emergency facilities are close by. Remember that guidebooks cannot replace the need for good river-reading skills as rivers are constantly changing.
Of course you can spend your whole life preparing. So now that you have the essentials, let's get going!
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