Whitewater kayaking requires a certain amount of specialized gear. This equipment, though secondary to the kayak itself, is necessary for safe and comfortable paddling. Always go through your equipment list and perform a safety check before you get in your boat. The last thing you want is to realize you forgot something when you're already on the river.
Paddle
There is no paddling without a paddle. Keep your paddle next to you as you get in your kayak so you can grab it before you launch.
Helmet
Your helmet should be on your head and buckled under your chin before you get in your boat. A helmet is key for protecting your head from rocks in case you flip over.
Clothing
Your clothing may include a noncotton top and bottom base layer, wetsuit, booties, skull cap, gloves, extra noncotton layer and paddling jacket. Dress for the water temperature not the ambient temperature.
Personal Flotation Device
A personal flotation device (PFD) is paddler jargon for life jacket. Always wear a PFD when kayaking. Have it buckled on before you get in your boat.
Sprayskirt
The sprayskirt goes around your waist and fits snugly over the cockpit of the kayak. When you put the sprayskirt on the kayak, always check to make sure the pull cord is out in case you flip over and need to do a wet exit.
Drybag
The drybag is what you store your belongings in inside the boat. Make sure it is attached somehow to the inside of the kayak so it doesn't float away if you flip over.
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