Kayaking is one of those sports that falls somewhere in between swimming and staying dry. Thus, the weather and the temperature of the water will have a big impact on what you wear.
On a hot summer’s day, you might be able to get away with wearing a T-shirt and shorts you do not mind getting wet, or swimming shorts and a rash vest, aside from your helmet and flotation device (which your club will supply). Although they will not keep you dry if you fall in or capsize, dry tops and cagoules are also very popular among kayakers because they shield you from rain and unexpected splashes.
It might be more appropriate for you to wear a dry suit or a wetsuit if the weather is not warm or the water is exceptionally warm, as it is in many parts of the UK throughout the year.
It is generally advised to wear wet shoes when kayaking to protect your feet. These are slipper-like, lightweight shoes, usually made of the same material as wetsuits, neoprene. Should you trip over anything on the bed or bank, their thick soles will shield your feet.
As they will be aware of the conditions, it is advisable to discuss what to wear with your instructor in advance. See this article from Decathlon for additional suggestions and guidance on what to wear when kayaking, such as “wear layers” and “avoid cotton.”
What equipment do I need for kayaking?
As we’ve already mentioned, one of the best reasons for joining a kayaking club is that they’ll typically provide you with all the equipment you need to paddle. However, once you develop your skills, you might find that you want some of your own gear.
We will go over every detail below.
Kayak
At first glance, it could appear that kayaks are essentially the same. However, kayaks are available in a wide variety of styles and dimensions. Your choice of kayak will be influenced by various elements, including your size, level of skill, and preferred style of kayaking.
Additionally, some kayaks are more well-liked and appropriate for novices than others. We have listed some of the most popular varieties below to give you an idea of what is available.
- SOTs, or sit-on-top kayaks Simple and stable, STOs are ideal for novices and anyone wishing to take it easy on calm waters. Because of their open-top design, the cockpit is not enclosed. You simply sit on top and proceed, as the name implies! This implies that kayakers who wish to get off their boat and take a quick swim will find them ideal. You can usually buy these in solo, tandem, and three-person varieties, so they’re perfect for families.
- Inflatable kayaks are another great choice for beginner paddlers and families wanting a day out on relatively calm water. These types of kayaks are wide, stable, and can be inflated/deflated for easy transportation. You can find inflatable kayaks in both sit-in and sit-on varieties, and they come as solo, tandem, and three-person boats.
- Touring kayaks: Ideal for explorers who want to spend a little more time out on the water, touring kayaks are closed-top and designed with comfort as a top priority. They’re great for novices, experts, and everything in between—and are usually employed on relatively calm water. They can also have various different storage compartments, giving you room for everything you need for a day out on the water. Touring kayaks come in single or double varieties.
- Sea kayaks: Sea kayaks are similar to touring kayaks, but they’re designed specifically for the more testing conditions that paddling in coastal waters provides. For example, they’re more curved, which helps them to crest waves. Sea kayaks also tend to have more storage space than touring kayaks. Plus, they’re longer, faster, and generally provide a more adrenaline-filled experience. Like touring kayaks, sea kayaks typically come as solo or tandem boats.
- Whitewater kayaks: Whitewater kayaking includes anything from cruising down an easy-going river to flying down roaring rapids. Shorter than other types of kayaks and made of hard-wearing plastic, whitewater kayaks are built to navigate tight, rocky areas where the water is flowing fast. Though not for beginners, once you’ve become a bit of a pro on the flat water, you can progress to whitewater kayaking. Whitewater kayaks usually come as one-person boats, but there are two-person varieties out there.
From pedal kayaks to fishing kayaks, there are many more kayak styles to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences. For more information, including some tips on what size kayak you’ll need and what the best models on the market are right now, why not take a look at this ultimate kayak buying guide from Gili?
Paddle
Other than the kayak itself, a paddle is the most important piece of equipment that you’ll need to get kayaking, and whether or not you choose the right one will have a big effect on your performance.
When buying a paddle, you’ll need to consider a range of factors, for example, the length (which will depend on the width of your boat and your height), the materials, the blade size and shape, and the shape of the shaft.
This guide on how to choose a kayak paddle from REI will take you through all of these questions and more, to make sure that you get the right paddle for you. You also might want to consider investing in a paddle leash—a piece of cord that’ll prevent you from losing your paddle.
Buoyancy aid
Buoyancy aids, also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs), are similar to lifejackets, only they allow a little more mobility around the neck and arms, so they’re more suitable for watersports like kayaking.
Even if you’re a strong swimmer and/or you’re in calm water, it’s advisable to wear a buoyancy aid, as you never know when you might get into trouble and need some extra flotation assistance.
Buoyancy aids are available to buy online at places like Decathlon and Wetsuit Outlet, but it’s generally best to buy them in person at your nearest watersports shop so you can try them on beforehand. This is because if it doesn’t fit properly, it could restrict your mobility.
To find out more about buoyancy aids, check out this article from Escape Watersports.
Helmet
Although some situations pose more of a risk than others (for example, whitewater kayaking), just as with a buoyancy aid, it’s a good idea to wear a helmet at all times when kayaking, even when paddling on calm water.
Wearing a helmet can protect you from hazards like rocks, waves, other kayakers, and even yourself, as it’s common for kayakers of all abilities to knock themselves on the head once in a while with their paddle.
You can buy helmets online from places like Wetsuit Outlet, but, again, it’s advisable to visit your local watersports shop so you can get the right fit. For more information about the best kayaking helmets on the market, why not check out this article from Wow Travel?
Some other pieces of equipment
While not absolutely necessary, there are a few other important pieces of equipment that you might want to invest in as you become a regular kayaker:
- Dry bag: While many kayaks have storage compartments, many aren’t completely waterproof. So if you’re going on a kayaking trip or just a day out on the water, a dry bag will help keep all the things you have with you from getting wet.Take a look at this article from Paddling Magazine to find out about the best dry bags out there.
- Spraydeck: Also known as a’sprayskirt’, a spray deck is a flexible waterproof covering for your sit-in kayak. You wear it around your waist, and it folds over the cockpit, preventing your boat from becoming waterlogged in rough weather and keeping you warm and dry when it’s cold.
- Bilge pump: This will help you get water out of your boat if you capsize or if the weather is rough.
- Rope bag: Many kayakers will recommend that you take a rope bag with you on almost every kayaking trip. This will become invaluable if someone needs rescuing or towing. Throw-rope bags are specifically designed for water rescue. You can find out more information about them on the Paddling Life website.
- Paddling knife: Taking a knife with you just in case you need to cut the rope is also a good idea. Though it isn’t advised to take something like a kitchen knife,. Instead, you can buy a specially designed paddling knife that’ll sit safely in a sheath on your buoyancy aid.You can find out more about kayaking knives, including some information about some of the best out there, on the Kayak Help website.
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