5 Essentials for a Fantastic Paddling Adventure
Picture this: You’re sitting in your kayak, paddle carving through the water. The lake is still, the smell of pine fills your nose. The sun is setting just over the horizon, vibrant colors lighting up the sky.
But let’s hit pause for a minute.
Before you can paddle off into the sunset, you need a few things with you in that kayak. Keep reading to learn the 5 essentials for the best paddling adventure of your life.
1. Kayak and Paddle
Before you load up on awesome paddling gear, you need a kayak and a paddle!
Kayaking paddles have one blade on each end and should be the appropriate length for your height. They can usually be purchased or rented along with the kayak itself.
If you buy a kayak, you will need a vehicle rack on your car to transport it from storage to the water. But if you don’t want the hassle of transporting a hardshell kayak, an inflatable kayak will do the trick. These are especially good for beginners or those going on a more casual paddling adventure.
2. Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Protecting yourself from UV radiation is important, especially when you’re out in the sun all day.
For sunscreen, you want to wear a minimum of 15 SPF and remember to reapply throughout the day. And sunglasses not only help you see when it’s sunny, but they also protect your eyes from UV light!
3. Dry Bags
If you’re an active paddler, you’ll want to purchase a dry bag. And as the name implies, it keeps all your important things dry.
Rather than sealing like a zip lock bag, it rolls down and locks shut with a buckle. So even if it takes a dive into the water, no liquid will get in.
But if you’re a casual paddler and don’t want to spend money on a dry bag, use a zip lock bag! It will still keep your things safe in a pinch.
4. Bilge Pump or Boat Sponge
If you’re a beginner, you may not know what either of these things are. But to keep it simple, they keep water out of your kayak.
A bilge pump is great for getting rid of large amounts of water if you flip your kayak. On the other hand, a boat sponge is good for removing small amounts of water. So if you’re going on a long trip, you will want to bring one if not both along.
5. Life Jacket
Safety first! Even if you’re a skilled swimmer, it’s important to wear a coast guard approved life jacket or at least have one aboard. And life jackets are not only a safety precaution, but they’re often required by state law.
So while it may not be the most stylish accessory, it’s a necessity!
Embark on Your Paddling Adventure
Now that you know the 5 essentials, your paddling adventure will never have been safer or more fun. So whether you’re kayaking for an hour or going on a week-long trip, adventure awaits! Time to go paddle off into the sunset.
If you enjoyed this article, check out more of our helpful tips!
Trevor Anderson wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
HTV Native Ad Solutions and Hearst partners may earn revenue when readers click affiliate links in this article.