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Essential equipment for recreational kayaking
When you’re just about to start with paddling, this article gives you a brief impression of the essential pieces of gear required for recreational kayaking.
Kayak
The sport of kayaking offers a wide range of paddling disciplines where special gear is necessary. This article covers the equipment that is used for kayaking in general and focuses on recreational kayaking - a easy and quick way to get into the sport without bringing major previous knowledge with you.
In the beginning, finding the right boat might seem difficult due to the overwhelming choice of kayaks available. But once you decide how and where you’ll be using your gear, only a small number of candidates should be left.
Recreational boats can be divided into “sit-on-top” and “sit-inside” kayaks. As the name explains, sit-on-top kayaks have no confining boat hull around the paddler’s lower body. So getting into the kayak is very simple and even after capsizing you just flip it upright and scramble aboard. And since sit-on-tops are usually equipped with drainage holes you don’t even have to empty your boat. Combined with characteristic stability, these boats are perfectly suited for fun-orientated playing around, paddling in warm conditions, or kayaking in surf breaks where flipping over is likely.
By contrast, sit-inside kayaks offer better protection for your lower body from water and wind. This makes them much more convenient when paddling in colder conditions. Recreational sit-inside boats are typically equipped with large cockpits providing easy entry and exit. But the downside of this type of kayak is simply that capsizing means having to struggle with a swamped boat and getting out of the water on your own. Built-in bulkheads divide the interior into separate compartments that provide flotation when swimming upside-down and that can be used as relatively dry loading space for additional gear.
The most popular material for recreational boats is plastic (rotomolded polypropylene), as it is durable and affordable at the same time. In addition, inflatable sit-on-top and folding kayaks are available. These can offer the benefits of easier transport and storage, but do have to be set-up each time after they are deflated or folded together.
Paddle
A kayak paddle generally consists of two blades at the ends of a shaft. As the range of shapes, sizes, and materials is considerable, finding a paddle that’s best for you is largely a choice of personal preference. However, it’s recommendable to not spend huge amounts of money on your first paddle, as your demands might change after your initial experiences.
For recreational kayaking, paddle lengths vary from about 210cm to 250cm. Smaller paddlers or those using a narrow boat should generally use shorter paddles. Only strong paddlers should use paddles with large blades. Common materials are plastic and fiberglass. Plastic represents outstanding durability and affordability, while the appeal of fiberglass versions lies in reduced weight and more precise power transmission.
Last but not least, you have to decide the amount of feather (offset) for your paddle. The larger the offset between your paddle blades, the less air resistance you will have to deal with especially when paddling against the wind. On the other hand, a paddle with a smaller offset is easier to handle in the beginning, and easier on the paddler’s wrist.
PFD
Also known as a life jacket or life vest, your PFD (Personal Float Device) is your most important piece of safety equipment and should be worn at all times while paddling. Because of this, kayak PFDs have a special shape preventing your movements from being restricted, while still providing enough buoyancy to help you stay afloat. A correct fit is crucial so you should test a PFD carefully before choosing one. The vest should not ride up on your torso when in the water. If you hook your thumbs under the shoulder straps, you should only be able to pull the PFD up a few centimeters.
Sprayskirt
While unnecessary for sit-on-top kayaks, a sprayskirt is an optional piece of gear for recreational sit-inside boats and is indispensible for whitewater or seakayaking when you have to cope with currents and wind.
Clothing
When thinking about your clothes you have to take air and water temperatures into consideration. Paddling in hot conditions requires protection from the sun. Choose synthetic fabrics that dry quickly like surf shorts, a lycra shirt or swimsuit and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. When dressing for cold conditions you have to wear adequate insulation to be prepared in case of a capsize and immersion in frigid water. A neoprene ‘Farmer John’ (sleeveless) wetsuit combined with a thermal baselayer is always a good and affordable combination. Waterproof paddle jackets and dry pants might be more comfortable, and a complete dry suit provides the ultimate protection against the cold.
Regardless of the weather you should always think about wearing shoes, as the surface of river banks or the coast can be rocky and unpleasant to walk on. Special kayak shoes not only offer better grip on wet ground, but they also dry more quickly and fit better into small kayaks.
Accessories
Depending on what you want to do with your kayak, there is plenty of gear that can be useful to taken along. First of all, safety gear is recommended on longer trips or trips to remote places. A towline or “cowtail” (short elastic shock cord equipped with a carabiner) can be used to tow another paddler’s boat with you. Typically these ropes are attached to the PFD or to a towing cleat on the deck, which makes a quick release possible. A paddle float is an extra buoyancy for your paddle used to help with self-rescues. Paddle floats can be inflatable (less loading space) or built of solid foam (quicker to set-up). Last but not least a first aid kit carried in a dry bag is a precious piece of gear for treating injuries right away.
Especially in sit-inside boats, a big sponge is helpful in order to get and keep the interior really dry. To keep your paddle from floating away while you take photos or fish, you can use a paddle leash to connect the paddle to your boat or body. And don’t forget to bring some food and a bottle of water, especially when the length of your kayak trip is uncertain.
When you’re just about to start with paddling, this article gives you a brief impression of the essential pieces of gear required for recreational kayaking.
Kayak
The sport of kayaking offers a wide range of paddling disciplines where special gear is necessary. This article covers the equipment that is used for kayaking in general and focuses on recreational kayaking - a easy and quick way to get into the sport without bringing major previous knowledge with you.
In the beginning, finding the right boat might seem difficult due to the overwhelming choice of kayaks available. But once you decide how and where you’ll be using your gear, only a small number of candidates should be left.
Recreational boats can be divided into “sit-on-top” and “sit-inside” kayaks. As the name explains, sit-on-top kayaks have no confining boat hull around the paddler’s lower body. So getting into the kayak is very simple and even after capsizing you just flip it upright and scramble aboard. And since sit-on-tops are usually equipped with drainage holes you don’t even have to empty your boat. Combined with characteristic stability, these boats are perfectly suited for fun-orientated playing around, paddling in warm conditions, or kayaking in surf breaks where flipping over is likely.
By contrast, sit-inside kayaks offer better protection for your lower body from water and wind. This makes them much more convenient when paddling in colder conditions. Recreational sit-inside boats are typically equipped with large cockpits providing easy entry and exit. But the downside of this type of kayak is simply that capsizing means having to struggle with a swamped boat and getting out of the water on your own. Built-in bulkheads divide the interior into separate compartments that provide flotation when swimming upside-down and that can be used as relatively dry loading space for additional gear.
The most popular material for recreational boats is plastic (rotomolded polypropylene), as it is durable and affordable at the same time. In addition, inflatable sit-on-top and folding kayaks are available. These can offer the benefits of easier transport and storage, but do have to be set-up each time after they are deflated or folded together.
Paddle
A kayak paddle generally consists of two blades at the ends of a shaft. As the range of shapes, sizes, and materials is considerable, finding a paddle that’s best for you is largely a choice of personal preference. However, it’s recommendable to not spend huge amounts of money on your first paddle, as your demands might change after your initial experiences.
For recreational kayaking, paddle lengths vary from about 210cm to 250cm. Smaller paddlers or those using a narrow boat should generally use shorter paddles. Only strong paddlers should use paddles with large blades. Common materials are plastic and fiberglass. Plastic represents outstanding durability and affordability, while the appeal of fiberglass versions lies in reduced weight and more precise power transmission.
Last but not least, you have to decide the amount of feather (offset) for your paddle. The larger the offset between your paddle blades, the less air resistance you will have to deal with especially when paddling against the wind. On the other hand, a paddle with a smaller offset is easier to handle in the beginning, and easier on the paddler’s wrist.
Also known as a life jacket or life vest, your PFD (Personal Float Device) is your most important piece of safety equipment and should be worn at all times while paddling. Because of this, kayak PFDs have a special shape preventing your movements from being restricted, while still providing enough buoyancy to help you stay afloat. A correct fit is crucial so you should test a PFD carefully before choosing one. The vest should not ride up on your torso when in the water. If you hook your thumbs under the shoulder straps, you should only be able to pull the PFD up a few centimeters.
While unnecessary for sit-on-top kayaks, a sprayskirt is an optional piece of gear for recreational sit-inside boats and is indispensible for whitewater or seakayaking when you have to cope with currents and wind.
Clothing
When thinking about your clothes you have to take air and water temperatures into consideration. Paddling in hot conditions requires protection from the sun. Choose synthetic fabrics that dry quickly like surf shorts, a lycra shirt or swimsuit and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. When dressing for cold conditions you have to wear adequate insulation to be prepared in case of a capsize and immersion in frigid water. A neoprene ‘Farmer John’ (sleeveless) wetsuit combined with a thermal baselayer is always a good and affordable combination. Waterproof paddle jackets and dry pants might be more comfortable, and a complete dry suit provides the ultimate protection against the cold.
Accessories
Depending on what you want to do with your kayak, there is plenty of gear that can be useful to taken along. First of all, safety gear is recommended on longer trips or trips to remote places. A towline or “cowtail” (short elastic shock cord equipped with a carabiner) can be used to tow another paddler’s boat with you. Typically these ropes are attached to the PFD or to a towing cleat on the deck, which makes a quick release possible. A paddle float is an extra buoyancy for your paddle used to help with self-rescues. Paddle floats can be inflatable (less loading space) or built of solid foam (quicker to set-up). Last but not least a first aid kit carried in a dry bag is a precious piece of gear for treating injuries right away.
Especially in sit-inside boats, a big sponge is helpful in order to get and keep the interior really dry. To keep your paddle from floating away while you take photos or fish, you can use a paddle leash to connect the paddle to your boat or body. And don’t forget to bring some food and a bottle of water, especially when the length of your kayak trip is uncertain.
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