Kayak touring can be a rewarding activity if you have adequate paddling and navigational skills for the trip you are doing, if you are using sound equipment that is suitable for the paddling conditions you anticipate, and if you use common sense and take certain precautions. It is an activity that demands sound judgment and caution. This is always the case, no matter how experienced you are.

The following information outlines basic equipment needs and precautions for paddling. It is meant solely as an outline of reminders for experienced paddlers and does not purport to be a teaching or learning tool.

Equipment Checklist

Before you launch, always make sure you have the following:

• kayak in good condition
• plenty of secure buoyancy (inflated float bags or dry bags filled with gear) in bow and stern
• sturdy paddle
• paddle leash or tether
• spray skirt that fits you and your kayak
• lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) and whistle
• paddling clothing suitable for the weather conditions and the water temperature
• sea sock
• bilge pump
• accessible signaling device such as flares
• self-rescue aids such as a paddle float
• accessible spare paddle (minimum of 1 per group)
• compass
• maps and charts in waterproof chart case
• water bottle

In any but the most benign conditions, also consider:

• flashlight or headlamp (even if you are only planning a daytime trip)
• sun hat and sunscreen
• rain gear and extra clothing in a waterproof bag
• tow line - 25 feet or longer
• knife or multi-purpose tool
• waterproof matches or lighter
• first aid kit
• tide and current tables, if appropriate
• VHF marine radio or weather radio

Basic Precautions

The greatest danger to sea kayakers paddling in cold water is HYPOTHERMIA. Cold water kills! Learn about hypothermia. Dress appropriately. Consider a wetsuit or drysuit with adequate insulating garments when paddling in cold water. Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.

Thoroughly familiarize yourself with your boat. Make sure you can pop off the spray skirt and wet exit the kayak. This is especially important with new gear or equipment you are unfamiliar with. Remember, if you are using unfamiliar equipment, it may handle in a different manner than the equipment you are accustomed to.

Always wear your PFD and use your sprayskirt. Weather and water conditions can change quickly. If your sprayskirt is stashed in the kayak and your PFD is lashed to the deck, it will likely be too difficult to put them on when you need them.

Avoid paddling alone

Make a habit of carrying safety equipment. It will be easier to carry if you store it in one waterproof bag.

Leave a float plan. Let someone know where you're putting in, where you plan to take out, and when you plan to return. Leave a full description of your car.

Get a weather forecast each day you are out. Continually check the weather during your trip.

Use the proper equipment. Be sure you are using equipment for the purpose for which it was designed.

Know the principles of navigation and seamanship.

In warm weather or in the tropics, be aware of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Carry plenty of potable water and keep a quart bottle within easy reach. Carry buffered salt tablets.

Special notes for novices

Start gradually in moderate weather, close to shore, with an experienced companion. Experiment with strong winds only when they are blowing toward shore.

Develop your paddling skills, including turning and bracing.

Learn and practice a self-rescue method appropriate for you and your boat, including deep-water re-entry.

Practice a group rescue so you can help others.

Read all you can on the subjects of sea kayaking, weather, oceanography and cold water survival.

PRECAUTIONARY NOTES

Make sure you are familiar with how to deal with the following situations that can occur in open water. Consult local experts or available literature for additional information on these important subjects.

WEATHER

Wind

Avoid paddling on windy days, especially when whitecaps are visible, until you thoroughly appreciate the effect of winds on the water and kayak handling.

Wind can:

1) upset a kayak and make it difficult to re-enter

2) blow your kayak away from you after an upset

3) create unmanageable waves

4) prevent you from holding a course

5) slow you down or stop you

6) make it difficult to turn

Fog

Fog can result in sudden and total disorientation. You will need a compass, but you may gain some orientation from sounds of beach surf, bells, fog horns, etc., as well as from steady wave and wind direction.

CURRENTS

You will encounter two principal types of current on the sea: reversing tidal current and continuous ocean current.

Strong current can aggravate conditions caused by adverse weather, particularly when current and wind are opposing. The sheer force of their flow can also cause difficult eddy and wave conditions even on calm days.

Precautions:

1. Read your chart to help identify danger points.

2. Use any available information to estimate favorable current, and time your passage or crossing for that period.

3. Paddle in current under controlled conditions to familiarize yourself with its effect.

4. Exercise caution when the current and wind direction oppose each other.

TOPOGRAPHY

Topography affects wind and water conditions in shallows, beach surf, headlands, cliffs and river mouths.

Shallows: Waves become steeper and break heavily on shallows. Avoid those areas when waves are large or strong currents are forced to flow over them.

Surf: Waves become steeper and break on beaches and shoals. Avoid landing in surf with a loaded kayak. Avoid surf on rocky beaches.

Headlands: Conditions are frequently more difficult off headlands with increased wind (funneling), accelerated current, and re-bound waves. Seas become chaotic.

Cliffs: Cliffs limit landing sites and can cause chaotic rebounding wave conditions.

River mouths: Difficult wave conditions occur when a river outflow runs against the waves.

PEOPLE HAZARDS

Watch for powerboats, ships, tugboats with barges, sailboats, all other watercraft and float planes. Make yourself visible and never assume you have been seen or have the right of way. Cross shipping lanes only at right angles and do so quickly. Never underestimate the speed of large ships.

LAKE PADDLING

With the exception of the tides, large lakes pose most of the difficulties and dangers of the sea. Waves, however, are steeper and more likely to break than on the sea.

RIVER PADDLING

Sea kayaks are often used on slow-moving rivers that are relatively free of obstructions and significant hydraulics. The main current is always going downstream, but eddies along the shore and behind obstacles create a situation where a localized current is going upstream. Crossing the eddyline between the main current and the localized current in an eddy can result in an upset if a paddler is not prepared for the immediate change in current direction.

Summary

The basis of safe sea kayaking is sound judgment, self-responsibility and technical competence. Join a club, take a class, read books and/or consult local experts to learn all you need to know about the sport.

Have a great time paddling!