Kayak day checklist
Water changes the risk of everything, so the list starts with what keeps you afloat and found, and only then gets to what keeps you comfortable.
18 items
Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.
The items
- Route planned, including tides or current if relevant
- Told someone your route and expected return time
- Kayak or canoe and a paddle
- Buoyancy aidWorn from the moment you launch, not stowed for if things go wrong.
- Spray deck, if the kayak takes one
- Helmet, on moving water
- Spare paddle or a paddle floatFor a longer or more exposed trip, where losing your only paddle is a real problem.
- Tow lineFor helping someone else back rather than leaving them to paddle a damaged boat alone.
- Whistle attached to the buoyancy aid
- Wetsuit or drysuit, depending on water temperature
- Footwear that stays on in water
- Dry bag for phone, keys and spare layersKayaks flip and spray decks leak — assume everything gets wet unless it's sealed.
- Spare warm layer, kept dry until needed
- Water and snacks
- Sun cream and a hat
- Repair tape for a small hull crack or puncture
- First aid kit
- Phone in a waterproof case
Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.
Questions people ask
- Is a buoyancy aid really necessary on calm water?
- Yes, always worn, not just carried. Capsizing happens on flat water too, and a buoyancy aid stowed in the hull does nothing for you once you're already in it.
- Should someone know my route in advance?
- Yes, with a rough return time. It's the single thing that turns a capsize with a cold wait into a search that starts within the hour rather than the next day.
- What actually needs to go in a dry bag?
- Phone, keys, spare layers and anything electrical. Kayaks flip, spray decks leak, and a soaked phone is the difference between calling for help and not being able to.