Kayaking Essentials You Will Need Before You Sail Out

September 29, 2020

Kayaking is a pretty extreme pastime that can be a lot of fun. However, it can also be dangerous if you don’t have the right training or tools. So before you even think of sailing out of your floating kayak dock, you will need to get the right equipment. Here are key kayaking essentials you will need before you sail out.

Paddle

Out of all your equipment, your paddle is by far the most versatile and important. Your paddle is technically your lifeline in the water. Without a paddle, you won’t be able to steer your kayak through the tides and current. So it is imperative that your paddle is as sturdy as possible. When you choose a paddle, you should test out the weight and proper paddling technique. Try making strokes with the paddle and see if it fits your needs.

Signaling Whistle

One piece of equipment that you should always have with you in the wilderness is a signaling whistle. A signaling whistle is a specially made whistle that can emit a piercing sound. The whistle is very important during a kayaking trip because you can get thrown off your kayak or it can get upended. With a signaling whistle, you will be able to contact your companions and passersby for help.

First-Aid Kit

During a kayaking trip, there may be a chance for you to get injured. Your arm can get cut on a jagged rock or you could get bruised by debris, and seeing as most river routes are far away from civilization, you will need to be able to treat your injuries as soon as possible.

So you should make sure that you pack a first-aid kit with you. The kit should contain bandages, gauze pads, disinfectants, splints, and other necessities. It should also have other essentials such as antibiotic medicine for infections. If you require maintenance medicine you should also have a small supply tucked away. Store the first-aid kit in a waterproof container, and keep it near your person at all times.

Spray Deck

One of the most essential pieces of equipment a kayaker should have is a spray deck. This is especially important if you are using a sit-inside kayak because it has a very enclosed cockpit. This means that any water that gets inside the kayak will be very difficult to pump out. With a spray deck, you’ll be able to keep out the water from your cockpit.

Swiss Army Knife

Kayaking can be quite a dangerous pastime because it can take you to untamed areas all over the world. So you will need to have the right tools to survive in such dangerous areas. One essential tool is a swiss army knife. This type of knife is extremely useful for life or death situations because it can provide you with multiple tools, in one portable knife. It will also allow you to perform emergency repairs on your kayak should the need arise. So make it a habit to carry a swiss army knife with you during your kayaking trips.

Floating Kayak Dock

A floating kayak dock is extremely important because it will act as your vessel’s shelter against the elements. Remember that there will be times where you will need to dock your kayak. However, there may not be permanent docks around all the time. Luckily, there are floating kayak docks for sale online. These types of docks can be assembled and disassembled quickly. They are also easy to transport so you can take them with you when you plan to kayak and install them near the shoreline. Having your very own floating kayak dock will allow you to dock your vessel at a moment’s notice.

What to Wear for Kayaking?

Aside from packing your kayak with the right tools, you will also need to have the right apparel to keep yourself safe and afloat no matter how strong the current is.

Dry Suit

If you’re going to do any kind of watersport, you should have a dry suit at the ready. This suit will give you much-needed insulation and exclusion against water. It is also a great way to keep out contaminated water. They are perfect for kayakers who sail through untamed environments such as rivers and swampland.

Personal Flotation Device

A PFA or Personal Flotation Device is extremely important. If there’s one thing you should know about kayaking, it’s that is quite unpredictable. You can be a skilled kayaker with years of experience, but if your vessel hits a strong enough tide or current, it might get overturned. So you will need to keep yourself afloat until you can tip your kayak back. With a personal flotation device, you’ll be able to keep yourself afloat no matter how dire your situation is. Overall, your Personal Flotation Device is essential to your survival.

Gloves

Gloves are extremely important for kayakers. You are expected to steer your vessel through strong currents and tides, so you will need a firm grip on your paddles. This is where gloves come in handy. They will allow you to grip your paddles firmly, without any danger of them slipping off or chafing your hands.

Helmet

When it comes to kayaking apparel, one of the most important pieces of equipment you can have is a helmet. Remember that there are pieces of debris in rivers, and all it takes is one hit on the head to knock you out. By wearing a helmet, you will be able to protect your head, and stay conscious no matter how strong the current is.

Conclusion

Kayaking is an exciting pastime that allows you to ride the waves and currents like a cowboy. However, the dangers are quite real as well. So before you sail out, you will need to have the right equipment. With this list of kayaking essentials, you’ll be able to push off your floating kayak dock and ride the currents with all the confidence in the world.

In addition to packing the essentials for kayaking you also need to learn how to launch a kayak properly. Hiseadock floating kayak docks are designed to help you get on and off your kayaks easily. Contact us today to learn more about our products.

If you want to learn more about kayaking, please check out these articles:

5 Features That You Should Look for in a Kayak Dock

6 Types of Kayaks and Their Key Features

How to DIY Your Own Floating Kayak Dock