Sea Kayaking Equipment

Sea Kayaking with the Narragansett Chapter

For sea kayaking with the AMC, the following is required and some is suggestes equipment. The list is subject to the weather, season, time of day, and length of the paddle. It is a good list to review when ever going on a kayak paddle with the AMC whether in Narragansett Bay or at a coastal location. If you have any questions, check with the paddle leader.

Required Equipment List

SEA KAYAK: 14 feet is considered a minimum length for efficient paddling, with waterproof bulkheads, or flotation bags, and dry storage capacity.
PFD TYPE 3: (Personal Flotation Device, commonly called a Life Vest) Must be worn properly at all times. Required by the Coast Guard.
SPRAY SKIRT: Must be properly used in all open water routes. May be open in calm or closed waters when conditions permit for ventilation, or at the discretion of the leader.
PADDLE: Must be suitable for the trip. Drip rings are nice to have. (Greenland paddles do not use drip rings.) Carrying a spare paddle is suggested if available.
BILGE PUMP AND SPONGE: For removing water from the kayak.
EFFICIENT MEANS OF MAKING A SOUND SIGNAL: Such as a plastic whistle or handheld foghorn, (accessible while kayaking.) Required by the Coast Guard.
CHANGE OF CLOTHING in a DRY BAG: Weather specific warm clothing and towel should be carried in the kayak. (Wool or synthetic, not cotton.)
WATER: Sufficient for the duration and weather conditions of the paddle, usually a quart or more. (Accessible while kayaking.)
LUNCH: Usually carried for day paddles.
SUN PROTECTION: Wide brimmed hat for sun/rain, bandanas, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT: Depending on personal health history, the paddler should consider carrying items critical to their medical history. (eg. insulin, Epi-Pen). The items should be accessible during an emergency, such as in a dry bag in a day hatch. Also, be sure to tell the leaders or someone else on the trip about any medications you need to take and the location of the medications. There should be at least one standard First Aid Kit on the trip, which is the responsibility of the leader.
PERSONAL ID: What you normally carry in your wallet suffices. Should be in a waterproof container or bag.

For evening or night paddles

EFFICIENT MEANS OF SHOWING A LIGHT: A waterproof flashlight is the minimum requirement any time past sunset, (accessible while kayaking). With fresh batteries, spare batteries and spare bulb. Required by the Coast Guard. It is suggested that more than the minimum is carried as referenced in evening and night paddling.

For colder days or water

APPROPRIATE BODY CLOTHING: This includes using a dry suit, wet suit, or paddle jacket with appropriate underclothing suitable for the weather and water conditions. The amount of protection should be based on the possibility of capsizing in the water. Insulated hoods should be considered in very cold water. The protection should be worn properly with all zippers and closures fastened. Wool or synthetic (not cotton) clothing should be used. Swimsuits and T shirts are appropriate in really hot summer conditions.
HAND PROTECTION: Neoprene gloves, mittens or pogies are necessary for colder water or air temperatures.
FOOT PROTECTION: Neoprene booties or water shoes with insulated socks. This also includes footing appropriate to rocky and shell encrusted shorelines.

Suggested Additional Equipment List

The decision to include the recommended equipment should be based on the type of paddle, the duration , and the risk of the paddle. This list should be used as a personal consideration check off list. Sea kayakers are in general a very safety conscious group, because unlike other recreational activities, once committed, you are floating on a hostel environment, usually with no quick way out. Your own personal safety in an emergency depends on yourself and your gear. While others in the group may be able to assist, there are times when help is not immediate. This is why some paddlers carry almost all of this gear, on all paddles, in a waterproof container or dry bag. That way nothing is accidentally forgotten. Weight is not a problem in a kayak, so adding perceived emergency or backup gear to a bag should be considered.

PADDLE FLOAT: If you know how to use it for self rescues and when extra buoyancy is need. Assisted rescues are the normal in almost all kayaking.
VHF MARINE RADIO or CELL PHONE: there should be at least one member of a group with means to contact the Coast Guard. Spare alkaline batteries or battery packs should be carried. A cell phone is a poor but adequate substitute, if carried in a waterproof container and preferably operated without taking it out of the waterproof container.
WEATHER RADIO: For paddles when weather conditions may change during the paddle. Most vhf marine radios have the NOAA weather channels.
PADDLE LEASH: Properly attached to you or the boat. Should have a quick release to prevent entanglement during a capsize.
TOW LINE: There should be several tow ropes in a group in case a paddler needs general assistance, or pulled from a dangerous situation. Some also carry an emergency short tow line.
FLARES, SMOKE SIGNALS, DYE PACKETS, SIGNAL MIRROR: Only necessary for offshore or remote paddles.
EMERGENCY STROBE LIGHT: should be attached to the top of you PFD straps, only for emergencies.
INSECT REPELLENT: Warmer weather in near shore paddles or swampy locations. Also to be used when landing on deer tick infested shores or islands in southern New England.
SPARE SUNGLASSES and/or PERSONAL PRESCRIPTION GLASSES: Sun glare and UV over sunny bright water is especially dangerous if normal sunglasses are lost.
SPACE BANKET or LARGE "BLUE" TARP: for emergencies or just as a beach blanket.
KNIFE: Either a river knife on you pfd and/or general purpose knife or multipurpose tool in the repair kit.
MATCHES or LIGHTER: For emergencies only.
SPARE ROPE: Of sufficient strength and length to be used as a mooring line in situations where tidal variations or wind could cause loss of the kayak.
RIVER, LAKE and NAUTICAL CHARTS: To be carried when the paddle area is not known.
KAYAK COMPASS or HANDHELD COMPASS: whenever offshore, or when fog conditions are possible. Kayak mounted compasses are recommended so you can paddle while observing the compass.
GPS: For expert use only, if you have the proper nautical charts downloaded on the gps. Must be waterproof or in a waterproof container. Not to be substituted for the compass.
WATCH: Waterproof is recommended. Needed whenever a schedule is to be followed.
WATERPROOF FLASHLIGHT:For those times when the paddle may be extended into the evening or night.
BINOCULARS: For wildlife and bird watching and general viewing over long distances on the water.
BOAT REPAIR KIT: Should includes material for temporarily patching holes, dings, lost hatch covers, etc. Also condsider items useful to repair personal clothing or gear. Suitable items inlclude; large trash bags, duct tape, safety pins, nylon rope, wire, large needle and thread and cable ties, etc.
FLOATABLE EYEGLASS RETRAINER STRIPS: Prescription glasses are expensive, and even cheap sunglasses are essential in the bright sun.
THERMOS: a stainless steel thermos (not glass) for hot drink or food on colder paddles.
TOILET PAPER and SMALL SPADE: Consider including several zip-loc bags for carrying out used toilet paper and trash. (Leave no trace.)