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If it’s your first time paddling, you might want to know what to bring when kayaking. Being out on the glistening ocean or sparkling lakes is a great experience.
Know What to Bring When Kayaking – 8 Must-Have Essentials
However, spending the day kayaking does take a bit of preparation. To have a fun (and safe) time, here are a few essentials all paddlers should take with them on their trip.
Kayak
You obviously can’t go kayaking without a kayak! If you’re renting from a shop, they’ll supply you with a kayak and paddle. But if you’re in the market to purchase one, you can choose from two different styles. A sit-on-top kayak is easy to get in and out of, so it’s a great option for beginners. A sit-inside kayak is enclosed, keeping you and your belongings drier and more protected. These are better suited for rougher conditions with rapids or waves.
Paddle
A paddle is another essential item to bring kayaking. However, paddles aren’t one size fits all. Shorter people will need shorter paddles, while taller people will need longer paddles. If you’re a beginner, you might also consider bringing a spare paddle. If you drop yours in the water or lose it in a wave, you won’t be stranded out at sea.
Life vest
A life vest is a must-have item on your kayaking checklist if you’re spending time on the water. Even if you’re not paddling far from shore, it’s crucial to have a floatation device in case of emergencies. You can purchase a traditional strap-on life vest or a slimmer, auto-inflatable model.
Dry bag
Even if your boat doesn’t flip, it can still get very wet while paddling. That means you’ll need to protect your valuables. A dry bag is a waterproof bag that keeps your belongings dry (even if completely submerged in water). You can also put in extra clothes, snacks, keys, or anything else you want to protect while paddling.
Whistle
Although it’s unlikely you’ll need to use it, you’ll be thankful to have a whistle with you. This is especially important if you’re kayaking in more remote areas without lots of people. It can also be used to alert others if you encounter an accident or injury. It’s small, cheap, and can save lives, so there’s no excuse not to get one.
Headlamp
Kayaking at night can be a unique experience. However, there are certain items you’ll need if you want to be outdoors after sunset. That includes a headlamp. It will illuminate the way while keeping your hands free for paddling.
Appropriate clothing
On hot, sunny days, wearing a swimsuit or light T-shirt is probably all you need (don’t forget sunscreen and sunhat). But if you’re kayaking in colder weather, you might need a wet suit from Dick’s Sporting Goods instead. This will help insulate your body to keep you warm in harsher temperatures. You may also want water shoes to help you grip slippery surfaces while getting in and out of the kayak.
Water bottle
As with any form of exercise, it’s important to stay hydrated while kayaking. Therefore, make sure to add a reusable water bottle to your “What to Bring When Kayaking” checklist. An insulated bottle can keep your drinks cold for hours. So even if you’re out the whole day, you can still enjoy a refreshing sip of ice-cold water anytime. And don’t forget the snacks! Exerting all that energy means you’ll need to pack on the calories with healthy foods like nuts, fruits, or granola.
More Outdoor Ideas
Kayaking is a fun way to explore nature while also staying in top shape. It’s a great activity to do by yourself, with friends, or with your family! Speaking of family, here are a few other creative activities to strengthen your relationship with your kids. If you’re looking for different ways to burn calories without venturing outside, we have some workouts for you to try. Here is our 10-minute toned leg workout and our intense ab and butt circuit workout.
