Kayaking is a sport that can be performed on just about any body of water. However, whitewater kayaking is slightly different to sea kayaking and recreational kayaking is a separate entity altogether. Although there are dozens of whitewater kayak types, playboat and creek boat are the two basics. Playboats are designed to be nimble and a skilled kayaker can easily navigate the numerous obstacles that appear when kayaking down a river. Creek boats are longer than playboats and are far more stable. The extra speed and stability one can generate in a creek boat makes them an excellent choice when it comes to taking on rapids. Recreational kayaks have a sealed hull and are made from polyethylene for strength and affordability. Nonetheless, your choice of kayak really depends on your skill level as much as anything else.
Paddles
Whitewater kayaking usually requires a shorter paddle than sea kayaking. The usual whitewater kayak paddle is approximately 6 feet (183 cm) long though this can jump to almost 7 feet (213 cm). Other paddles are 8 feet (244 cm) long. The wider your kayak is, the longer your paddle should be. Avoid paddles which are made of plastic and have metal shafts as these are cheap and heavy. There are also fiberglass and carbon paddles with the latter offering a stronger stroke.
Clothes
You should always dress like it’s winter when kayaking. There is always the possibility that you will be thrown overboard so you should have warm clothes on to fight the inevitable cold you will feel should you get wet. Of course, overdressing can also be uncomfortable but when you’re too hot, you can always go in the water to cool down. When you get cold, it’s very hard to function and combat. Wetsuits are a good idea, especially for beginners who are unused to the sensation of falling in the water. Don’t wear cotton while kayaking as it soaks up the water, making you feel extremely cold by sapping away heat.
PFD
This acronym stands for Personal Floatation Device. It goes without saying that you need a life jacket or preserver when you’re in the water, no matter how good a swimmer you are. Always try out a PFD before purchase, making sure that it fits correctly.
Skirt
Although you don’t really need this if you’re on a cruise in a serene lake, a spray skirt is handy if you want to keep the water out of the kayak. These come in neoprene and nylon and are essential in rough waters.
Helmets
Those who enjoy sea kayaking may not need a helmet but whitewater kayakers must have one. Beginner kayakers should probably also have one, even on calm waters. Most helmets are made from plastic or fiberglass. As there are no regulations relating to helmets, you need to be careful when choosing one.
Miscellaneous
Although it is not something you would immediately think of, a rope bag is a great way of feeling secure. If someone falls in the water, you can use the rope to pull them to safety. The bag is a convenient storage device. You should also bring a knife in case someone gets tangled in a rope or gets stuck underneath a kayak.
When you are dealing with water and nature, it is always best to be safe rather than sorry. You win no prizes for bravery but gain plenty of peace of mind when you pack properly for kayaking.