Kayak personal flotation device > Info > Kayaking Equipment Checklist

Kayaking Equipment Checklist

There are a lot of items and equipment that you need to remember to bring with you when you go kayaking, so it's a very good idea to have a kayaking equipment checklist handy. This means you'll be able to keep a stock of items needed before the trip (minimizing the hassle of shopping) and means you won't be on the water realizing you've forgotten something.

It's a good idea to build and expand your own checklist. There are a lot of online checklists, however, which can work as a pretty good starting point for you to work from. Here is a basic sample of a checklist for you to use.

Your Kayak
2 Paddles (one standard, one spare)
2 Sprayskirts (one standard, one spare)
60' or longer throwline
20' rope
Throw bags
Drinking water
Food and energy bars (like cliff bars)
Signal devices
Flashlight (or headlamp)
Waterproof case (with maps, batteries, matches, and similar)
Waterproof bags for other gear
Pocket knife
First aid kit
All required permits and licenses (as well as personal ID)
Canoe repair glue or fluid
Duct tape

Anything beyond this that you need for camping can be included in the same kayaking equipment checklist, based on the sort of kayaking that you know you're likely to be doing. That means that lip balm, toilet paper, bath towels, deodorant, and so on, should be used for any trip that's going to go overnight or longer.

Remember, this kayaking equipment checklist is just a start, and you'll want to expand upon it yourself as you get more of a feel of what you like to have available to you on every trip.