What you need before Launching?
Here below is a list of items that you may need before launching:
1. Blige Pump
It is a device that removes any water that builds up inside the kayak. Excess water may splash into the vessel from waves, paddling, or even after a capsize.
So, draining it from time to time is important to prevent you from sinking. With a bilge pump, you don’t have to tip your yak upside down on the shore to dump out the water. You can do it while you’re still in the boat.
2. Spray Skirt
This is a waterproof cover you wear over your waist to cover the cockpit holes in sit-in kayaks. They come in handy in cold weather to keep out the rain and splashes from entering the boat. In warm weather, however, you might want to skip on it as things can get a little stuffy inside the cockpit.
3. Proper Clothing
When kayaking in conditions colder than 60°F, particularly if the water itself is extremely cold, you’ll need to wear a wetsuit. In warm weather conditions, however, you’ll need:
- Swimwear or nonbinding shorts
- A short/long-sleeved rashguard top
- Sun-shielding hat
- Neoprene footwear
- A vest or lightweight fleece jacket depending on the weather conditions
- A rain/spray jacket and pants depending on the weather conditions
4. Personal Items
Ensure you carry the following 10 essentials of kayaking before you embark on a tour. These include:
- Dry bags for items you don’t want to get wet
- Energy snacks
- First aid kit
- Headlamp
- Plenty of water
- Signaling whistle
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm
- Watch to give yourself ample time to get back
Thanks for reading! Happy Kayaking! :)