Beginners Guide to Kayaking Gear

Kayaking is an excellent sport for anyone that is in moderately good shape, and loves the water. The right gear is essential for a successful kayaking trip. This article will focus on the essential kayaking gear for beginners for lake and reservoir kayaking, as it varies from ocean kayaking.

1. Kayak

Of course, the first item on your kayaking list has to be a kayak. I recommend a Kayak like the Perception Sport Rhythm 11 kayak from www.dickssportinggoods.com as it is lightweight, has a storage compartment, and is can be maneuvered easily due to its design. As an experienced kayaker, I tend to stay away from any kayak design that is not long and narrow because they are harder to control and do not reach-desired speeds.

2. Paddle

I recommend the Pelican 89-in Poseidon kayak paddle as it features a great curved shape for cutting through the water, durable design, and two-piece detachable design for storage. If you plan to get serious with the sport you can purchase a more advanced and expensive paddle, which would work better in rougher waters. However, as a beginner, you will want to start with calm lakes and reservoirs until you get the hang of things.

3. Sunblock

Bring sunblock with SPF 50+ when kayaking or else you will face severe sunburns. Remember to look for brands that are water resistant and long lasting, once on the water it is tough to reapply the sunscreen. I like to use the Banana Boat Sport Sunblock, as it is SPF 50 and is sweat and water resistant, which works perfectly for kayaking.

4. Life vest

Any sort of adult river/lake life vest will work for kayaking. The life vest is important because you may get tired after paddling all day and accidently tip your boat. Getting back into the kayak from the water is very difficult without tipping it again, which could leave you in the water for some time. The life vest also makes you warmer in the heat; therefore remember to bring cool clothing. I recommend using the Body Glove Flite Men's Neo vest, it is comfortable and works well in all water conditions, which is great if you take the sport to the ocean or whitewater.

5. Drinking water

Always bring extra drinking water will out kayaking; you will need it, as kayaking can get intense. Most kayaks include a water bottle holder, which works perfectly for keeping your bottle in place.

6. Waterproof bag

If you plan to bring your wallet, camera, or anything else of value you will want to bring a waterproof bag in which to store it in. There are a variety of sizes available on the market, try to pick the smallest possible as there is typically little extra room in the kayak. For example, the Pacific Outdoor Pneumo waterproof bag is made for kayakers as it is designed to fit nicely in the kayak and floats when in water.

Tips*

• Do not purchase a spray skirt for the kayak if you are lake or reservoir kayaking. Skirts are for whitewater and ocean kayaking where the kayaker needs to keep water out of the boat. Some experts say to always use a spray skirt in all but calm conditions, but I have never found the need unless I am ocean kayaking.

Sources:

Personal experience as a kayaker for 4-years

www.dickssportinggoods.com (Many product on this list were picked from Dicks Sporting Goods. I recommended them from Dicks because that is where I purchased all my kayaking gear as it was reasonably priced and worked very well.)

http://www.masseysoutfitters.com/shop/product.asp?pf_id=PAJIAAAOFHPIJMGI&src=ca&&CAWELAID=251696963