If you’re going on a day trip kayaking, the chances are you’re not going to need to take much stuff with you.

But if you’re going on a multi-day kayaking adventure, you might want to look at the ultimate kayaking checklist, so you don’t forget to bring anything with you.

If you speak to any keen kayaker, they will tell you how important it is to have a few extra pieces with you, so you’re prepared if anything goes wrong.

So, don’t go anywhere if you’re a new paddler and have no idea what to bring with you on a long trip. The ultimate kayaking checklist ensures you never leave the house without everything you need!

Let’s take a look:

 

Kayaking Checklist: The Top 16 Most Important Items

 

When you’re new to kayaking, there’s a very good chance you don’t know what you should take with you on your trip.

So, in this section, I will be talking about all the things you need to take with you and explain a little bit about them.

If this sounds like what you’ve been looking for, don’t go anywhere.

 

#1. Kayak & Paddle

 

 

Okay, this one should be the obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. If you haven’t got your kayak already, you need to consider where you will be paddling. Kayaks come in different styles, and where you’re going will depend on what kind you need.

And the same goes for the paddle. There are many different styles of paddles, and they come with various benefits, so you need to do your research.

I really like what Werner puts out as far as paddles are concerned. I would look for a Carbon fiber paddle if you can afford it. Carbon fiber is the highest quality material for a kayak paddle. This material makes the paddle extremely light and also super strong and stiff, making it an excellent choice for long kayaking trips.

For more information on kayaking paddles please check out Werner Paddles at https://www.wernerpaddles.com

 

The Ultimate Kayaking Checklist Requires Safety Items

 

#2. PFD (Personal Floatation Device)

 

 

One of the most important things you’ll need to take with you on every trip, and no matter what water body you’re paddling in, is a Personal Floatation Device (PFD).

Some people might think you’re not required to wear a PFD, and in some cases, that’s true. But, even if you’re not required to wear one, it’s a good idea to wear one.

The good thing about PFD’s is they have become a lot more comfortable and easier to wear, and a lot of the time, you don’t know you’re wearing one. But, if anything happens, you know you’ll be safe in the water.

 

#3. First Aid Kit

Speaking of things happening:

There may be a time when you or your friend hurts themselves while you’re out kayaking.

And if you’re out in the middle of nowhere, you’ll probably have to deal with it. And this is why taking a first aid kit with you is so important.

 

#4. Emergency Shelter

If you’re going kayaking for a couple of days, there’s a good chance you will have a camping tent with you. But even so, taking an emergency shelter with you is a good idea.

If the weather starts getting rough or one of your friends hurts themselves, you will need a shelter that you can put up quickly to keep you safe. An emergency shelter can be a lifesaver when things go south.

 

#5. Paddle Leash

 

 

Okay, a paddle leash might not be at the top of everyone’s list, but it’s still a pretty handy thing to have with you. And this is especially true when you’re paddling in whitewater or if you’re new to kayaking.

One of the worst things that can happen to you while you are in the middle of the ocean is getting stuck without a paddle. And the good thing about having a strap is that the paddle is constantly connected to your kayak at all times.

So, even if you drop it or capsize, you’ll know your paddle hasn’t got away from you or your kayak.

 

#6. Whistle

Hopefully, you’ll never have to use your whistle. It’s the kind of item that you should always have with you but hope that you never have to use it.

You can use your whistle to call for help in case of an emergency. You might be wondering why you can’t just shout for help.

Well, when you’re out on the water, any sound you make usually sounds muffled due to the echo effect. And this can make it hard for people to hear you even when they are reasonably close to you.

Using a whistle will allow the sound to travel further, which means you should be able to get people’s attention quickly.

 

#7. Safety Knife

One thing that many people tend to forget to take with them is a safety knife. Sometimes people have throw lines or bungee cords connected to their kayak.

They are designed to cut rope or cord without cutting through your clothes or your leg.

 

#8. Sunglasses & Hat

No one wants to damage their eyes, but unfortunately, so many kayakers are damaging their eyes by not wearing sunglasses.

The glare from the water can be extremely damaging to your eyes. And this is why you need to invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses.

To add extra protection to the head and eyes, you should bring a peaked hat with you. It will help to keep the sun off your head to prevent sunstroke or sunburn.

Both of these items are a must for the ultimate kayaking checklist.

 

#9. Dry Bags

 

 

Another great thing to bring with you is a set of dry bags. A good quality dry bag will help keep anything inside there dry.

Honestly, not getting your spare pair of clothes wet while you’re kayaking is a God send.

To make things better, dry bags are very lightweight, compressible, and stretchy, so you can get many things inside them without losing too much space inside your kayak.

Sea to Summit makes incredible dry bags for kayaking. Please check them out at https://www.seatosummit.com

 

Clothes Are Important Too

 

#10. Suitable Clothing

Depending on where you’re kayaking will depend on what you’ll be wearing when you’re going kayaking. So, before you go on your trip think about what the water will be like.

If you’re paddling in cold waters, you’ll need a wetsuit, or if you have the money, you might want to splash out in a drysuit.

If you’re paddling in warm weather, you might be able to get away with using your swimsuit and sun cream to keep yourself safe.

 

#11. Change of Clothing

It’s not just the clothing you will be wearing in the water you need to consider. You need to take a spare pair of clothes with you.

Having a spare of clothes will allow you to get dry, so you’re not hanging out in wet or damp clothes.

 

#12. Water Shoes

Wearing sneakers while you’re kayaking usually isn’t a good idea. They get extremely heavy when they get wet, which can make it tough to swim. So, using a decent pair of water shoes can be extremely beneficial.

You need to find a pair that are comfortable, lightweight, and not too chunky, so they can fit in your kayak easily.

 

#13. Rain Jacket

Of course, there’s a good chance you’ll get wet while you’re kayaking. But when it starts to rain, you need to be able to stay warm and dry, which is why a rain jacket is a good thing to bring with you.

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; it just needs to be able to keep the cold rain off you, so you don’t catch a cold.

 

#14. Vehicle Rack/ Transportation Option

Before you leave the house, you need to make sure you have your roof rack securely on your car so you can transport your kayak to the lake.

Of course, this won’t apply to you if you’re already storing your kayak near the body of water you will be paddling in.

 

#15. Snacks & Water

One of the last things you should consider is the food and water you will be taking with you on your journey.

Kayaking is a very energy-intensive sport, so you’ll need some food for your journey to keep your energy levels up.

And it’s not just the food you need to think about. You really need to stay hydrated while you’re in the water. So, make sure you have plenty of water with you on your trip, so you don’t get dehydrated in the heat.

 

#16. Cell Phone

The last thing you should bring with you is your cell phone, which could be for many reasons. Maybe you saw something beautiful on your trip and want to take a picture to remember your journey.

Or maybe you must call your driver to let them know you made it to the river’s end and need picking up.

But more importantly, if anything goes wrong, you have the chance of calling the emergency services if you get hurt.

Just ensure you have a waterproof casing, so your phone doesn’t get damaged when you’re paddling.

 

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

 

Of course, this is just a guideline for what you need to take, and you might want to take more or less with you in certain situations.

But the idea of this article was to help you understand what you need to bring with you on your trips.

The trick is to plan the day before and write everything down that you’re going to need with you on your adventure.

I hope the Ultimate Kayaking Checklist helps you determine what you might need on your next trip. Please let me know what your most important items are when you go kayaking in the comment section below.

 

 

 

-CT