The basic essential equipment needed for recreational kayaking, both touring and whitewater.
There are two kinds of kayaking, whitewater and touring. Whitewater is done in fast moving water such as rivers. Touring is done on flatter water such as lakes and oceans. The main difference in equipment between the two types of kayaking is in the kayak itself. Touring kayaks are made for longer trips, sometimes days long, and therefore tend to be bigger with greater hull capacity. Whitewater kayaks are generally smaller and more compact due to the maneuvers done while floating fast moving water.
The touring kayak is often called by the name sea kayak but this name does not mean that its use is limited to the ocean. Many use the kayak on lakes only. The whitewater kayak is also known as a slalom kayak. The water need not be fast moving however, the kayak is nimble and good for any moving water from gentle to foaming white.
Besides the kayak there are five other extremely important items: the paddle, spray skirt, flotation, personal flotation device and appropriate garb. The paddle has twin blades which negates the crossover move performed by canoeists. The blade is feathered which means the blades are offset between a 70 and 90 degree angle. This allows the paddle to cut through wind gusts instead of acting as a mini sail, throwing the kayaker off course. Paddles are made of either laminated hardwood or plastic blades with a hollow aluminum shaft. Length is of personal preference and depends on size of the kayak, personal strengths and water conditions.
The spray skirt is designed to keep you in the kayak and the water out. The skirt is made of two parts, the tunnel which fits snugly around the waist and the skirt which snaps over the rim of the boat's cockpit. Water-resistant nylon is used for touring while neoprene is used for whitewater boats. Skirts are designed to fit both the person and the kayak so one size does not fit all.
Flotation is built into the touring kayak, as bulkheads, which are fore and aft of the cockpit. These bulkheads are also where supplies carried during longer trips. Whitewater kayaks depend on air bags since they don't normally carry gear. Dual airbags in newer kayaks are located on either side of the vertical brace. They can be inflated through the blow tubes by either lung power or, if you prefer, a small hand pump.
Personal flotation devices are approved by the United States Coast Guard. A Type III flotation device is best for kayaking as it is sleeveless, made of nylon-sheathed foam slats and zips up the front with a waist tie for further security. For a kayak, one that ends at belly-button level or has extended flares that fold up, works best. A personal flotation device is required in waters patrolled by the US Coast Guard and highly recommended in any water.
As for clothing there are a variety of options. It is important to keep warm and dry, especially when kayaking in cold, frigid water. Dry suits are loose-fitting, insulated head-to-food and rubberized. Whereas it will keep you comfortable for extended periods it has one dangerous downside. If the dry suit tears in the water it can fill with enough water to overcome the personal flotation device. An alternative is the wetsuit that uses water, trapped between the neoprene material and skin, to create a second layer of insulation. Wetsuits can be full body, from neck to wrist to ankle, or more simple vests and shorts.
For warm water nothing fancier than water wicking clothing is needed. Layers such as a long-sleeved polypropylene jersey against the skin followed by a rain shell or windbreaker are adequate. Water-wicking shorts or any short not made of cotton rounds out the outfit. For hands wear paddling gloves unless doing a lot of heavy duty paddling then invest in "pogies". These strap around the paddle shaft which makes them harder to lose and they are usually warmer. For feet if kayaking in warm water river sandals will do fine. In colder water neoprene booties are best but make sure they have thick soles to protect against rocky shores.
No matter touring or whitewater, basic equipment is a must. Standard, good quality used materials will work for first time or infrequent kayakers but more experienced or longer term kayakers will want to spend more and buy higher grade equipment. Always keep in mind safety and make sure to have a good time.
