2.3 Kit list

There’s more information on equipment later in this handout, but here’s a basic kit list for weekend trips:

  • Sea kayak - we’ll allocate club boats. Please check that your boat is in good repair and has a working skeg. If you let us know ahead of time, we’ll be more than happy to help you fix it!!

  • Paddles - find a set that’s a good length for you.

  • Towline: We have several club towlines to lend out (if you’d like one, the Peak 15m is a good option). If possible, you should have a knife in you buoyancy aid in case the line gets tangled (e.g. the Palm one).

  • Spraydeck: Neoprene, the club has them

  • Helmet: from club

  • Buoyancy aid: from club. You may find a pocket useful.

  • Wallet, phone + charger, keys etc.

  • Guidebook, maps - we’ll hand these out ahead of the trips, roughly one per car (if you’d like your own, we’ll be using the SW Sea Kayaking and Welsh Sea Kayaking guides from Pesda Press).

  • Paper and pen/pencil - you’ll find it helpful to make notes of forecasts, tides and the trip plans that you come up with. Thin tipped permanent marker (OHP pen) for marking up maps.

  • Wind+waterproof outer shell: top and bottom: The club has cagoules and a pair of walker’s waterproof trousers will suffice for bottoms to keep the wind off

  • Warm layers: Plenty of warm layers to wear on the water and to carry as spare layers in the boat. Avoid cotton. We tend to wear close fitting tops (e.g. rash vest) and bottoms (leggings), with fleecy warm layers if it’s colder. Take a complete change of clothes in the boat, unless you’re wearing a drysuit.

  • Towel: for changing, drying if you get wet

  • Good paddling shoes: Trainers can work if they fit in the boat. Neoprene boots are great - Lomo sells cheap and durable ones.

  • Water bottle + thermos flask.

  • Sunglasses and sunblock

  • Warm hat + sunhat

  • Drybags: At least one for lunch+snacks and one for spare clothing. Also dry bags for phones / car keys / inhalers if you need these on the water. Fairly inexpensive from Decathlon or (better) Lomo. 10 liters is a good size.

  • Food: Lunches, snacks and anything special you want to eat at other times

  • Linen & towels: (Linen not supplied for Dorset trip