By Arina Smith
Historical evidence shows that kayaks have been in use for the last 2,000 years. They were originally made by Eskimos for fishing and transportation.
Today, kayaks serve a more recreational purpose. Kayaking is a great way to spend a relaxing day or challenge your friends to a race upstream. But if you forget any important items at home and run into trouble, your exciting trip can quickly become a nightmare.
Whether you’re a world-class adventurer or just a local outdoor explorer, these are the kayak essentials you can’t leave home without.
Kayaking Gear for Brief Recreational Outings:
When you are going kayaking near your home for a few hours, you won’t need to bring too many supplies with you.
Make sure you have one paddle for everyone, a dry bag to put your clothing and electronics in, a signaling whistle for if you get stucks somewhere, and a life jacket for each person that will be on the boat.
In addition, you should make sure you pack sunscreen. The water will reflect the sun and you will burn more quickly than normal.
Kayaking Supplies for Extended Trips:
If you are using your kayak for a long trip, you need to pack items to repair your boat in case it is damaged. This includes some sort of sealant, a bilge pump, duct tape, and bungee cords.
If you aren’t familiar with your route, you should bring along a GPS and compass just in case just in case the GPS doesn’t work. You should also have some sort of emergency flares and a two-way radio in case you need to get assistance.
More Kayak Essentials:
When you are kayaking a long distance, you may want to consider bringing toilet paper with you as well as hand sanitizer.
You could also bring a water treatment option and fishing gear so that you can eat and drink as much as you want.
If you’re into bird watching and enjoying nature, you should bring along a pair of binoculars and a camera. Make sure you keep these items in your dry bag.
Finally, you may want to bring a notepad and pen to take notes about your journey or record any turns you make while navigating the river.
A Kayak Trailer:
When you are headed out to the water, tying your kayak onto the top of your car can be very frustrating and take a long time. Plus, you have to drive extremely carefully so that you don’t knock a kayak off. Consider purchasing a trailer.
TheMarineBattery has all the information you need about buying a kayak trailer. Whether you’re just bringing one boat to the water, or looking to transport a whole fleet, they have the information you need to make the best decision.
More Helpful Articles:
Now that you know all about the kayak essentials you need to pack for your next trip, you’re ready to head out to the water.
For more helpful articles to improve your lifestyle, check out our blog today.
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