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Safe Kayaking Gear List

Compiled by Tom Holtey with John Enomoto and Joseph Hu

THIS IS A LIST OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT THAT ALL SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKERS SHOULD CARRY

1. PFD or "life vest" (coast guard approved)
2. Drinking water.
3. Paddle leash / leg leash or "life line"
4. Bilge pump
5. Knife. See "The PFD Knife, Don't Leave Home Without It "
6. Signal devices: whistle, signal mirror, flare, smoke, dyemarker, See Rescue®, air horn
7. Cell phone &/or radio in waterproof bag
8. EPIRB or PLB
9. Paddle Float and Rescue Stirrup. See "Paddle Float and Rescue-Stirrup Re-Entry for Sit-On-Top Kayakers"
10. Spare paddle
11. Proper clothing, aquatic foot gear & hat. See "Watersports Clothing: A Buyer's Guide For Kayakers"
12. Flash light (waterproof) &/or strobe light for dusk or night. See "Kayak Lights & Kayak Lighting Techniques For Dawn, Dusk & Night Paddling"
13. Tow rope - Rescue Vest or Tow Belt - See "Kayak Towing Methods & Equipment "
14. Helmet for surfing, rock gardens & seacaves
15. Float bags for an extra measure of safety
16. Repair kit: duct tape, spare parts, tools, etc.
17. Sea anchor for extreme wind conditions
18. Sun screen
19. Sting aid to relieve the pain of man-o-war or jellyfish stings
20. First Aid kit in water-proof bag or container. Check regularly

Carry as many of these devices as possible & KNOW HOW TO USE THEM.

PRACTICE with them in a variety of weather conditions so you can use this equipment no matter how bad it gets.

BE SAFE.

FLOAT PLAN: Always go with a buddy, and tell a third party where you are going, what you are going to do and when you will be back.

Plan ahead and
BE PREPARED