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12 SAFETY ESSENTIALS FOR SEA KAYAKERS


There are a number of items that should come along every time you paddle, especially when heading into more demanding conditions. They can easily be carried on every excursion, and their inclusion in your kit should become part of your normal pre-trip packing routine:


1. Coast Guard–approved PFD (should include a whistle)


2. Waterproof paddling jacket 3. Spare paddle 4. Bilge pump


5. Paddle float (or other reliable means of self-rescue)


6. Towline


7. Additional warm clothing sealed in a drybag and an overnight emergency bag (containing warm waterproof clothing, tarp/shelter, space blanket, headlamp, knife, fire starter and food like energy bars, etc.)


8. Drinking water and snacks


9. Chart and compass where applicable (fog can roll in quickly and make even the most familiar landscape extremely difficult to navigate)


10. Marine radio and/or cell phone where applicable


11. Signalling devices (flares, mirror, strobe, smoke canister)


12. First aid kit


—Adapted from Sea Kayaking Rough Waters, by Alex Matthews, published by The Heliconia Press, www.helipress.com.


PHOTO: PAUL VILLECOURT


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