Checklist for Kayaking

One of the best ways to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip is to prepare yourself with the appropriate equipment for your outdoor activity. With the use of a kayak, many outdoor enthusiasts can find themselves experiencing all that the waterways have to offer. Distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle, kayaking is a  low-to-the-water, canoe-like boat in which the paddler sits facing forward, legs in front, using a double-bladed paddle to pull front-to-back on one side and then the other in rotation. Those who participate in water activities as an addition to their camping or hiking trip or to their travel plans will want to also review our other checklists as well to ensure that they’re fully stocked for anything that may come their way.

Click here to download a printable PDF shopping list.

Essential Equipment

Kayaking involves a specialized set of equipment. As we just mentioned, a kayak and the accessory pieces of gear that go with it are specific to kayaking, making this equipment checklist an essential for anyone who plans to participate in kayaking sports. Those who are planning a quick day trip will still need most of these items (if not all of these items) in comparison to a multi-day kayaking tourist.

Basic Gear

Kayaking can range from the casual to the turbulent, and your basic gear will need to match your needs. While some items are essential for any length of kayaking excursion, multi-day kayaking tours may require more of this gear than a quick kayaking trip out on the lake.

Travel Items and Miscellaneous Gear

Because many will need to travel in order to reach their watersports location, there are many travel items to consider. Additionally, we’ll cover many of the miscellaneous products you can opt to bring depending on which water activities you’ll be getting into! If you’re simply planning a quick kayak trip out on a calm lake, you can leave many of the larger items (like a cooler, for instance) just on shore for you to return to.

Clothing

While one may consider the minimalist perspective for watersport attire, kayakers should take into consideration their exposure to the sun when out on the water and well as their exposure to the elements. As we’ve mentioned before, shorter and more casual trips may require less attire than someone planning a multi-day tour. Remember that it’s always recommended to dress in layers that can be easily removed as temperatures rise.

Repair Kit Items

Kayaks are prone to breakdowns like any type of watercraft. There are certain specialized items that are useful to take along in case of an accident or equipment failure. Be sure to have these either in your kayak or just on shore.

First Aid

As an essential to any trip, first aid can help to ensure that minor accidents and ailments are taken care of. Those participating in watersports aboard a boat or other dry area will have the benefit of being able to bring more first aid items than, say, a swimmer would. But even kayakers, canoers, and rafters will want to bring minimal supplies for the trip in case of emergency. If you’re staying near shore, be sure to keep you first aid items in easy reach on the shoreline.