Scarborough and District Canoe Club

Equipment

Kayaking: Essential equipment obviously starts with a kayak, paddle and spray deck. The first two are self explanatory. The spray deck seals the paddler into the kayak. Bouyancy aid and helmet are the other two absolute essentials.

Thereafter any further equipment is dependant upon the form of kayaking undertaken. The requirements for sea kayaking are quite different from those for playboating.

In general, in terms of clothing, as a minimum you will need swimming costume, wet suit or dry suit and boots. In the summer a swimming costume, thermal vest and trainers may be sufficient

Open boating: Again canoe and paddle are minimum requirements along with a bouyancy aid. If you don't intend to get wet, confortable layers are suitable.

Remember the most essential requirement is knowledge. Always assume the worst. Take sufficient clothing to always be warm. You can always take clothes off. Drinking water not only hydrates you but also helps maintain regluar body temperature and the ability to undertake exercise. Kayaking and canoeing are, by their nature, strenous forms of exercise. Snacks or packed lunches etc will help keep those fires stoked.