checklist – Best Boat Report

So, you purchased a kayak. Congratulations! This investment will bring years of joy and adventure to you and your family. However, one cannot simply buy a kayak and head out on the water. While kayaking is a safe sport enjoyed by all, you should always be prepared for the worst, particularly when it comes to water sports done away from civilization. At worst, easily rectified situations can become catastrophic problems when you don’t have the right gear. At best, you could potentially ruin your vacation and turn your family off from kayaking forever. So, it is important that you have all the items on your kayaking checklist purchased and in place before venturing out. What Safety Gear Do You Need On A Kayak? For a short, recreational, kayaking trip you must have a kayak, one paddle per paddler plus a spare, one PFD per person, a bilge pump, a spray skirt, a dry bag for personal items, a headlamp and extra batteries, a signaling whistle, and visual signaling such as flares. However, these items are not all that you should bring on your kayaking trip. Rather, these are the bare necessities. If you want to ensure that you have the best kayaking trip possible by bringing all the necessary gear, keep reading. We will go over what you need, what is required by the US Coast Guard, and some extras that are good to have for certain situations. National Safe Boating Week 2020: Paddle BoatsWho likes to kayak? ????????♀️With an increase in the popularity of recreational paddle sports, there has also been an increase in accidents. So today's Safe Boating Campaign video focuses on safe practices while paddling! The Coast Guard requires the following for paddlers going out past the jetty tips: -PFD on board (and strongly recommended that it be worn at all times) -sound-producing device Do you have any cool pics out on the water, safely enjoying your paddle craft? Head over to the U.S. Coast Guard Heartland Safe Boating group and show us!Posted by U.S. Coast Guard Heartland on Thursday, May 21, 2020 What Is Required by The US Coast Guard for Kayaking? Some of the gear we mentioned above is actually a requirement when in waters controlled by the US Coast Guard. The list of necessary items for non-motorized kayaks is as follows: A personal flotation device in good condition for each paddlerA sound-producing device such as a whistle or hornAn electric torch of some kindVisual distress signals and ones acceptable for night use when out between sunset and sunrise While this list seems easy enough to follow, it is important that there are some nuances with each rule as well. For instance, the PFD must not only be in good condition and US Coast Guard approved, but it must also be the appropriate size for the wearer. This means that hand-me-down lifejackets don’t always work. You need to make sure that children have a lifejacket that is properly fitted for them. For visual distress signals, an orange flag works fine for the day. However, if you plan on any night paddling, you will need something like flares in order to cover the night requirement. Kayaking Checklist Now that we discussed what you need to have on your kayak by law, let’s look at a comprehensive list of all the things you will need for your kayaking adventure. Don’t worry, we will explain why the most expensive or less common items are needed, as well. For the perfect kayaking trip, you will need: Kayak1 paddle per person plus a spare1 PFD per personBilge pumpSprayskirtDry bagHeadlampFlashlightExtra batteriesSignaling WhistleOrange FlagEmergency Flares or Strobes (when going out at night)Paddle floatPaddling knife (attached to each PFD)Towline (in dry bag or waterproof case)Compass WatchExtra dry bagsPaddle LeashLarge SpongeFloat Bags GPS (pre-loaded with correct maps)Two-way-radios That’s a lot of equipment! But don’t worry, most of this equipment is very small. If you pack it all properly, you will barely notice it’s even taking up space. When a situation calls for any of these items, you’ll be very happy you went ahead and invested in having the best gear for your kayak. Clothing to Wear While Kayaking While we have equipment well-covered, a trip can also be ruined easily if you don’t have the proper attire on depending on the duration of your voyage. An important consideration to make when purchasing clothes for your kayaking trip is that you should base your clothing on the temperature of the water, not the temperature of the air. Even if it is starting to warm up in the spring, the water may be frigid. You don’t want to risk hypothermia if you take a dunk, so it’s safer to wear warm layers than to not. The clothing you should be looking for dependent upon the climate where you will be kayaking is: Convertible pants or shortsSwimwearRashguard or another long-sleeved shirtNeoprene FootwearSun-shielding hatCaptain retainer leashBandana, Buff, or GaiterPaddling GlovesFleece Jacket or VestSpray jacket, rain jacket, and pantsDrysuit or WetsuitLong UnderwearWool SocksPogiesWool Cap There are many different options for all of the above to suit your individual taste and style, as well as to adapt to your intended client. Your local outdoor adventure store will be able to assist you in finding everything you need, or at least pushing you in the right direction. Personal Items to Bring It is important to also have a checklist for all your personal items, as you do not want to forget something as simple as a toothbrush for long voyages. There’s no reason to be unclean and uncomfortable just because you forgot to make a list ahead of time. We suggest bringing these personal items: SunglassesWater-Resistant SPF 30+ SunscreenLip Balm with SPFInsect repellentFirst Aid KitPlenty of Fresh WaterMatches, lighter, fire starter in a waterproof containerTent or other ShelterHigh-energy FoodEmergency food and waterCellphone in a dry bagCredit CardA little cashBoating and fishing permits and licenses if you need them where you are goingTrip itinerary, and one left with a friend on dry land What You Need for a Longer Kayaking Trip If you are planning on going touring for multiple days, there are definitely some essentials not yet mentioned that you will need to add to your list. You will want to make sure you are prepared for whatever life throws at you, as well as multiple methods of documenting the amazing things that you will see on your trip. The things you should add are: Toilet PaperHand Sanitizer and SoapMenstrual ProductsWater Treatment Powdered ElectrolytesCameraBinocularsGuidebookNotebook and PencilFishing Gear In Case of Repairs Finally, it is also good to pack things that can help you repair a busted canoe, paddle, or other necessity. A good repair kit to put together will contain the following items: MultitoolSealant (preferably one that works in water)Static Deck LineBungee CordsReplacement Rudder PartsCopper Bailing WireDuct Tape The Ultimate Kayaking Pack Now that you have seen the many different things that you may need to bring with you while Kayaking, we have put together our top picks for many of the items on these lists to get you started. This list will allow you to quickly create a go-bag for ultimate kayaking adventures. The Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack is water-resistant, colorful, and made of recyclable materials. This is the perfect bag to stash your kayaking kit. The NRS Basic Touring Safety Kit kills four birds with one stone. This kit has a bilge pump, safety whistle, boat sponge, and paddle float all in one. The HEETA Waterproof Pouch doubles up as a fanny pack when you’re on the go. They also allow you to see your phone screen and even operate your smartphone while it stays nice and dry in the bag. The Hurkins Orbit Waterproof Headlamp won’t feel heavy on the front of your head, as it is a halo shape. It is waterproof and doesn’t take up much space. It also illuminates a wide-angle, giving you tons of visibility. Also, it looks pretty cool.This Yak Attack Orange Safety Flag is a kayaking standard. It can even be illuminated at night for extra glow-in-the-dark safety. A Marine Safety Kit will ensure you’re not cited for out-of-date flares, as this electronic flare won’t go bad. It also includes a multi-tool, first-aid-kit, and another whistle. The NRS Neko River Knife is a standard river knife that isn’t too long to be put in the pockets of most technical vests.A Harmony Float Bag will make turning your kayak back over in the case of a capsize much easier by displacing hundreds of pounds of water for you. The Day Tripper Set from Sun Bum will have the sunscreen and SPF lip balm you need to keep from getting burnt in the sun. It even has some aloe in case you forgot to double-up. This Long-Sleeved Rash Guard from Billabong comes in a variety of colors and offers UPF 50+ sun protection.This Convertible Cap from Coolibar offers extra neck protection when you need it, and an extra-long bill to keep your face out of the sun. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection, so the top of your head is safe from sun damage, too.Nuun Electrolyte Tablets are easy to use and give you the hydration you need during a hard day of paddling. Even better - the waterproof tubes can be reused for other kayaking needs. Bestseller No. 1 GearLight S1 LED Safety Lights [4 Pack] for Boat, Kayak, Bike, Dog Collar, Stroller, Runners and Night Running - Clip On, Strobe, Warning, Flashing, Blinking, Reflective Light Accessories Super Bright + Long Lasting: Can be easily seen from hundreds of feet away. Ideal for use as navigational, signal, or safety lights. Come preinstalled with batteries that last up to 100 hours of continuous use. (Extra Batteries Included)Lightweight + Versatile: About the size of a car key and weighing less than 1 oz., these lights can be attached to pet collars, backpacks, helmets, and jogging or walking gear. Use the included fasteners to securely strap the lights onto boating bows and sterns, drones, bicycles, arms, wrists, and ankles. Perfect for use as a bike rear, back, and tail light.3 Lighting Modes + Easy-to-Use: Preinstalled with batteries for immediate use! These lights clip on easily and stay on securely. With one simple push of a button, you have instant illumination with 3 useful lighting modes [Steady, Flash, and Strobe].Weather Resistant: Perfect for use in rain or snow, daytime or nighttime, and summer or winter. Count on them to keep you visible and safe during any outdoor activity in any weather.Excellent 4-Pack Value + Extra Bonuses: Includes 2x Red + 2x Green GearLight S1 Safety Lights with batteries preinstalled. You also get 4x extra CR2032 batteries (2 sets), 4x straps, and a mini screwdriver for easy battery replacement. $13.99 Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 2 Botepon Marine Boat Bow Lights, Red and Green Led Navigation Lights, Kayak Accessories, Marine Safety Lights Battery Operated for Boat Pontoon Kayak Yacht Motorboat Vessel Dinghy Catamaran 【ONE YEAR WARRANTY】Buy with confidence, our product provide 1 YEAR WARRANTY from date of purchase.【APPLICATION】Best idea for boat or kayak navigation lights, emergency lights, backup lights. These Lights can make your boat or kayak legal and safety at night, perfect for those who want fishing or go out by boat or kayak at night.【SUPER BRIGHT】With 2 Bright LED design the safety light can make an effective visibility of over 0.6 mile, which ensures your safety of boating or kayaking at night.【EASY To INSTALL】This LED safety light comes with flexible silicon body and double hook that supports you to attach it to the boat rail of kayak rope.【THREE MODES AND LONG LIFE】One-Touch switch design. This warning light will bring you more fun by the three modes of flash, slow flash and steady lighting. Steady lighting modes sustainable use for 35 hours, flashing modes for 160 hours. What's more, since the CR2032 battery is easy to buy from the store, you can change the batteries yourself when you run out of them. $11.99 Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 3 MOOCY Safety Tow Flag with Webbing for Kayak Boat Bicycle Travel Tow Warning Truck Loads (Red with Reflective Band) ✔【DURABLE MATERIAL】Made of tear-resistant, water-resistant oxford fabric material that won't fray in the wind✔【LIGHTWEIGHT】Kayak flags are very lightweight, foldable and provide high visibility from any angle✔【HIGH VISIBLE】The eye-catching red color is easy to notice and perfect warning flag to keep you safe✔【EASY TO USE】Easy to install and remove. There are webbing straps to make it easier to carry✔【VERSATILITY IN USE】Excellent safety equipment for towing kayaks, canoes, and boats. This kayak visibility flag helps you stay out of harm’s way $8.99 Buy on Amazon What Are You Required To Have On A Kayak? (Checklist)