Kayak Accessories -- Outfit
Your Kayak Right And Have More Fun On The Water
Okay, so you've found the boat
of your dreams. Now it's time to outfit that dreamboat (sorry)
with the appropriate gear. As with the kayaks themselves, kayaking
accessories come in a dizzying array of brands, styles, and price
ranges. The following is a short overview of what you'll need to
get started.
Whitewater Kayaking
If you're a whitewater
kayaker out for an afternoon run down your favorite river, the
list is relatively short:
Paddle.
Next year boat, this is the second most important piece of
equipment you'll be purchasing. There are a number of factors to
consider when choosing a paddle: blade length and shape, feathered
or non-feathered, wood or aluminum shaft, etc. Find a good
outfitter in your area and try several on for size.
PFD. Personal
flotation device, life vest, whatever you want call it, this is
one piece of equipment you never want to hit the water without.
Just make sure your PFD has been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Spray skirt. This is
that ring of neoprene that seals you to your cockpit and keep your
boat from swamping when you perform enders and flawless Eskimo
rolls. Most are custom fitted to your boat; make sure it fits you
as well, especially over the clothing he'll be paddling in.
Helmet. A must for
whitewater kayaking. Buy the best one you can afford.
Flotation. A swamped
kayak will sink like a rock. Make sure you have a good set of
flotation bags fore and aft.
Appropriate clothing. This
can be a tricky one. The day may be warm and sunny, but that water
beneath your kayak could be fresh snow melt that's only a few
degrees above freezing. If you're going near whitewater, make sure
your dressed for immersion.
Sea Kayaking
On the other
hand, if you're a sea or flatwater kayaker embarking on a
multi-day trip, you'll need all of the above (except for the
helmet, which is optional in sea kayaking) plus a whole lot more.
Here's some additional gear you'll be shopping for:
Paddle. Same as
whitewater kayaking, only you'll need a spare to lash to the deck.
Make it a two piece aluminum model that you can reach in an
emergency.
Bilge pump. Every sea
kayak should be equipped with a means of pumping the water out in
case of a capsize or emergency egress. There are hand-held models,
in addition to foot operated pumps that are mounted to the forward
bulkhead inside the cockpit. Many kayakers prefer these foot
pumps, as they allow the paddler to keep his or her hands free to
perform other tasks.
Float Bags. If your kayak is not equipped
with watertight bow and stern compartments, you'll need a good set
of float bags. The idea is to fill every available interior space
with either your gear, or extra flotation in the form of float
bags. Then, when you're forced into the inevitable wet exit (and
you will be, sooner or later), your boat will stay on top of the
water. And you'll spend much less time bailing out a swamped
kayak.
Tie Downs. Your touring kayak will need a
set of shock cord tie downs to keep essential gear at easy reach.
Tie downs secure your spare paddle (or paddles), air horns,
flares, and even charts and maps (wrapped in a waterproof case, of
course).
Clothing. Wetsuit,
dry suit, or everyday clothing, this can be a complicated
question, and much of it depends on the environment in which
you'll be paddling. If hypothermia is a concern, the dry suit is
probably your best bet, although they can be constricting and
uncomfortable to wear. If you'll be traveling in warmer waters,
then a good wetsuit may be all you need. And if you're planning a
trip to a tropical or other warm-weather destination, you can
probably get by with everyday clothing. Just avoid cotton and
other fabrics that get wet and stay wet; nylon or polyester wick
water away from the body and make great outer layers. And if
you're a novice or plan on playing in rough water, always dress
for immersion.
VHF radio. A hand held
marine VHF radio can be considered a necessity for sea kayaking.
Up-to-the-minute weather information is available on the
continuous broadcast weather channels, which can keep you and your
companions out of dangerous situations. Also, Channel 16 is
reserved for marine distress calls and is monitored by the Coast
Guard. Buy a waterproof cover, and don't forget an extra set of
batteries.
Compass. Getting lost
on open water is no fun. A good Marine compass is a must for
navigating unfamiliar waters. They come in handheld and deck
mounted models.
GPS.. Not a necessity,
a global positioning unit can still come in very handy over
stretches of unfamiliar water. Just don't forget the extra
batteries.
Rudder. Depending on your kayak and
your paddling skills, you may or may not need a rudder. If your
boat has a tendency to "weathercock," or turn into
strong cross-winds, a rudder can be an invaluable accessory.
Camping gear. Camping
is a broad subject and beyond the scope of this article. Some
essentials include a good tent, sleeping bag with pad, a ground
sheet, of foldable frameless backpack, gas stove and cooking
utensils, pots and pans, a can opener, fire starters, waterproof
matches, insect repellent, a flashlight, and about a hundred more
things we don't have the room to mention here.
Rescue gear. Another
subject deserving of an article of its own. Make sure you've got a
good first-aid kit, an air horn, a sharp knife, lengths of spare
rope and bungee cords, emergency food bars, aerial flares, and a
good survival bag. Same as whitewater kayaking, only you'll need a
spare to lash to the deck. Make it a two piece aluminum model that
you can reach in an emergency.
This is just a
brief--and admittedly incomplete--overview of the subject. We'll
be exploring many of these topics in more detail in the near
future. A good rule of thumb when buying kayaking accessories is
try and buy the best quality equipment you can afford--especially
when it's your safety of the line.
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