10 Essential Safety Items for Sea Kayaking
Safety should never be compromised on the water. Here are the 10 essential items every sea kayaker should carry, from PFDs to communication devices.
Sea kayaking offers incredible freedom and adventure, but the open water demands respect and preparation. These 10 essential items should be with you on every paddle.
1. Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Not just required by law, but critical for survival. Choose a kayak-specific Level 50 PFD with:
- High back cut for seat comfort
- Reflective strips for visibility
- Pockets for essential gear
- Proper fit for your body size: adjust straps so that it fits snuggly
2. Paddle Float
Self-rescue is a critical skill. A paddle float allows you to re-enter your kayak after a capsize when paddling solo. If you don't know how to do a self rescue I would strongly encourage you to join a club such as the Victorian Sea Kayak Club (https://www.vskc.org.au/) or The New South Wales Sea Kayaking club (https://www.nswseakayaker.asn.au/). There is one in every state. The volunteers in these clubs will teach you all that you need to know about self rescues as well as proper paddling technique etc.
3. Bilge Pump
Water will get in your cockpit. A quality hand bilge pump removes it quickly. Keep it secured but easily accessible. Hand pumps are a good first step, but ultimately you will probably want to have a hands free pump as well (usually an electric bilge pump). You should have two methods to remove water.
4. Spare Paddle
A spare paddle (2-piece for easy storage) could save your trip or your life especially if you are paddling solo. A paddle leash is a good idea to reduce the likelihood of losing your paddle at sea.
5. Navigation & Communication
- Whistle: Attached to your PFD
- Marine Radio (VHF): Channel 16 for emergencies
- Waterproof Phone Case: For backup communication
- Personal locator beacon (PLB): attached to your PFD, essential if you are paddling alone
- Lights: This is essential for any paddling outside of daylight hours (check your local requirements for specifics)
- Compass: I've been out in Port Phillip Bay when we couldn't see the shoreline because of bad weather
6. Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Dress for the water temperature, not the air:
- Wetsuit or Drysuit: Based on water temp and remember that a dry suit is not a warm suit unless you have appropriate thermals underneath. Do NOT wear any cotton clothing as this offers no warmth once its wet.
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