How to Outfit a Kayak
The two areas of greatest concern when outfitting a kayak are comfort and safety. Your kayak should fit your body like a glove. The better the fit, the greater control. Any unnecessary space between your body and the kayak will require extra work to control it. Try out a few kayaks to see what fits and then have a paddling expert cut the padding to fit your body.
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Things You'll Need
- Kayak
- Personal flotation device (PFD)
- Helmet
- Padding (hip, thigh, seat)
- Back bands
- Thigh braces
- Clothing
- Spray skirt
- Bilge pump
- Float bags
- Tie-downs
- VHF radio (hand-held marine radio)
- Compass
- GPS
- Camping gear
- Rescue gear
Instructions
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Outfitting Your Kayak
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Will you be whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking or paddling around on still water? You will need to outfit your kayak differently for each type of experience.
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Visit your local outdoor sports equipment store and spend time sitting in different kayaks to determine the size and amount of padding that works best for your body. A paddling expert can fit you for pads, thigh braces, back bands and a proper spray skirt (to keep your boat from "swamping" or filling with water in the rapids).
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Buy proper safety equipment for the type of kayaking you plan to do. At the very least, you will need a U.S. Coast Guard-approved helmet and a personal flotation device (life vest). You also will need float bags fore and aft.
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Choose the proper clothing for the weather you will be kayaking in: a wetsuit, a dry suit or everyday clothing for tropical weather. Avoid cotton, because if it gets wet, it stays wet. Opt for nylon or polyester, which wick moisture away from the skin and dry quickly.
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If you will be sea kayaking, you will need more equipment. A bilge pump will provide a means to get rid of water should you need it. Also pack tie-downs to keep your other equipment close at hand, a VHF radio, a compass, a GPS to guide you in foggy conditions and rescue gear. Consult a professional for a complete list of rescue gear.
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Remember to pack camping gear if you'll be embarking on a lengthy trip.
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