Section 3: Equipment

The essentials -

• boat
• paddle
• sprayskirt
• PFD : personal flotation device (life jacket)

safety gear -

• spare paddle
• bilge pump
• paddle float
• weather radio
• emergency shelter and rations
• first aid kit
• tow system
• helmet for surf conditions

signalling -

• flares : handheld and aerial
• smoke canister
• flag
• mirror
• whistle
• flashlight
• marine VHF radio
• strobe
• EPIRB

navigation -

• compass : hand-held and deck-mounted
• charts
• chart cover
• course protractor
• tide charts and tables
• wristwatch

clothing -

• paddling jacket
• wetsuit
• drysuit
• polyester, nylon, or wool insulating garments if it's cold or the water is cold
• cotton garments for cooling/sun protection if it's hot and the water is warm
• headwear : balaclava, beanie, or neoprene hood, sun hat, rain hat, etc.
• handwear : gloves or pogies
• footwear : booties, neoprene socks, aquasocks, sandals, rubber boots, etc.

camping -

• sleeping bags
• sleeping pads
• tents or bivy sacks
• stoves
• pots and pans
• dry bags for gear stowage
• etc.

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