LPOSKA - Lake Pend Oreille Sea Kayakers Association

Clothing

There are various risks involved with paddling. Most kayaker deaths can be attributed to hypothermia. Proper clothing can mitigate, but not remove this danger. One should dress for possible immersion - especially important if the water is cold, less so on a warm summer day in a warm lake. Nevertheless, wild weather can stir up the water and bring cold water from the depths. When cold water immersion is possible, a dry suit or wet suit can be the way to go. Cotton, under such circumstances, is worse than useless. The ability to get back in the kayak quickly is crucial and should be a practiced skill. This is too extensive a topic to cover here - there is much information available in books, magazines, and on the Internet.

Most of us are well aware of the dangers of sun exposure, but can neglect protection in cool weather. Appropriate sun block application and the use of appropriate clothing are important. On a long trip, bringing the sun block along for subsequent reapplication is an obvious choice.

Equipment Lists

We include here two lists

• a minimal check list of required equipment
• one person's enhanced check list

The first list is safety oriented while the second includes further safety items plus those dictated by common sense or convenience. As a specific illustration of an item on the second list, you'll see 'kayak seats'. Some kayak seats are removable and, after a wet trip, may be removed to dry. My wife and I once drove to Lake Cowichan from Nanaimo, BC for a day trip. I had forgotten the kayak seats, removed to dry from the preceding trip. We made do, but that item then showed up on my list. You will eventually want your own check list and will learn to check it everytime you gather your gear for a day trip. If you take extended trips you will augment the day trip list to create a third list, especially if camping is involved.

A Minimal Check List of Required Equipment

It seems easier to find a definitive list from Canada's Office of Boating Safety. It may encompass any US Coast Guard requirements. Here's the (verbatim) list:

Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and rowing shells less than 6 m (19’8”) in length

Personal protection equipment
1. One (1) Canadian-approved personal flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board
2. One (1) buoyant heaving line no less than 15 m (49’3”) in length

Boat safety equipment
3. One (1) manual propelling device (for more detailed description, refer to the manual propelling device definition)     OR An anchor with no less than 15 m (49’3”) of cable, rope or chain in any combination
4. One (1) bailer       OR One (1) manual water pump fitted with or accompanied by sufficient hose to enable a person using the pump to discharge water from the bilge of the vessel over the side of the vessel

Navigation equipment
5. A sound-signalling device or a sound-signalling appliance
6. Navigation lights that meet the applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset and before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility
Note: Radar reflectors are required under certain conditions.
Pleasure craft propelled by oars and pleasure craft 8 m (26’3”) or less in length within sight of navigational marks do not require a compass.

One Person's Enhanced Check List

This list starts with the items above (interpreted for kayakers) and then adds further items
1. An approved pfd that fits
2. An approved throw bag or tow line
3. An extra paddle (half a kayak paddle will do for day trips without extensive open water)
4. A decent hand pump rigged so it floats (they usually come with float collars)
5. A whistle secured in a pfd pocket (air-blast horn is an option)
6. An appropriate light if out in the darker hours
7. A decent compass and chart
8. The kayak with seats installed
9. A paddle float
10. A reentry stirrup (e.g. appropriate length of rope configured as stirrup)
11. Spray skirt
12. Primary kayak paddle (spare is item 3 above)
13. First aid kit
14. Drinking water, food
15. Dry bag with spare clothing suitable for the season
16. Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, pogies - as appropriate to the season/weather
17. Deck bag for camera etc.
18. Sponge
19. Repair kit (hull, rudder repair etc.)
20. Waterproof VHF radio (in Canada a certification test is necessary)

Note: If the kayak is a tandem some list modification is in order (e.g. two spray skirts)