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Kayak Safety Equipment

Kayaking is a dangerous sport and can lead to tragic circumstances if you don’t go prepared.  As the safety cliché goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.  That overused sentiment definitely applies to the most treacherous adventure sports, including kayaking.  Don’t think the weather is going to remain the same throughout your trip.  Sometimes people go out in calm, sunny weather and have to get rescued because the winds got rough and they didn’t make plans for the weather change.
A big tip one can give is to never paddle alone.  It doesn’t matter if you’ve been kayaking for years and have the latest and greatest safety equipment.  This is only going to lead to disaster.  Make sure to wear a life vest (or personal flotation device) at all times, even if you’re sitting on the dock and don’t have any intention of going into the water.  Keep your life vest above water if your boat happens to capsize.  Your life can also serve as an additional layer for when you’re in the water.
Flotation bags must be kept in the bow and stern if your kayak doesn’t have bulkheads.  With these bags in place, your kayak will stay afloat and keep extra water out of the hatch.  Emptying the kayak will be easier because of the flotation bags.
An extra set of paddles is important for when your first set of paddles breaks.  It doesn’t matter if you never use the paddles as long as you have them with you.  You never know when you’re going to need them.