Helmet. A good helmet is a "no brainer" must-have for whitewater paddling. You might consider climbing on a Harley without a helmet, but don't go near Class II water or above without one.  Read more....

Flotation. A swamped kayak will sink like a stone. Make sure you have a good set of flotation bags fore and aft.  Read more....

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 you're dressed for immersion. Read more...

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.  Read more....

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.

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. Read more...

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).