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HOW TO PADDLE What to Bring A perfect paddling trip requires the proper equipment. Most paddling schools and outfitters will supply you with the basic equipment, including a boat, paddle, PFD and spray skirt (if you are kayaking). Here are few extras that will improve your comfort and safety. A brimmed hat or sun visor protects your head and face from the sun's harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is also important. Remember, UV rays are just as severe reflecting up from the water. Sunglasses will also protect against sun. Don't forget a retaining strap; you might swim even if you don't expect it A solid paddling helmet is essential for whitewater paddling or surf kayaking. Nose plugs or clips keep the water out when you roll upside-down. Keep a water bottle handy while paddling to avoid dehydration. Bring snacks to keep your energy up. A whistle or other audible signaling device can be attached to your PFD for easy access. A whistle can draw attention during emergency and warn other watercraft of your presence. The Coast Guard requires whistles on large bodies of water and navigation channels. Proper clothing can make your paddle more comfortable. On cold days or in cold water, a synthetic sweater or long underwear provides warmth and wicks water away from your skin. Synthetic fibers are better than cotton, which conducts body heat and dries slowly. A specially coated nylon or Gore-Tex paddling jacket with neoprene cuffs and collars repels wind and water. Paddling pants are also useful. A wet suit is worn right next to your skin and can be a lifesaver when submerged in cold water. The neoprene material holds in a thin layer of water as a thermal barrier against the outside cold water. These are highly recommended for winter of early spring paddles. Dry suits are relatively expensive, but is the ultimate piece of clothing for winter paddling. These are similar to a wet suit, but the cuff and collar are sealed with flexible rubber gaskets that form a seal around the wrist, ankles and neck to keep you completely dry even when submerged. Gloves or pogies keep your hands warm and nimble on cool or windy days. Pogies are large mittens that attach around the shaft/handle of your paddle. Some folks even wear gloves when it's warm to improve their grip and prevent blisters. A bathing suit and towel are nice accessories. Getting wet is part of the fun of paddling and not all paddling destinations have changing areas. A spray deck or spray skirt is worn around the waist of a kayaker and closes around the cockpit of the boat to keep waves and spray from filling the boat. The skirt removes quickly with a release strap for fast "wet" exits. Footwear is essential. Nearly 90 percent of all paddling injuries occur from walking around with bare feet. Protect your toes with strong river sandals, old sneakers or neoprene boots. Some paddlers wear fleece or wool socks for extra warmth. At first aid kit comes in handy in the event of accidents. Ready-made varieties come in many sizes, some with their own dry bag. You'll also want a repair kit for your boat, which should include always-useful duct tape. Dry bags are rubberized gear bags with sealed openings to keep your gear dry. These are great for storing extra clothes, snacks or camping equipment and come in many different sizes. It's good practice to secure these to your boat so they stay in when you tumble. Guidebooks, maps and charts along with a compass are important for remote paddling trips. Just remember these tools don't replace the need for good river reading skills as rivers change constantly. Back to How To Paddle Main Page Learn about PFDs Learn about Paddling Basics
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