Safety Gear
(Things you always want with you and hope you never need)
Some types of safety equipment are required to be carried by law. These include a “sound producing device” (whistles or horns); a Personal Flotation Device for each person aboard; distress signals; and lights for nighttime paddling.
Ask our expert staff and they will advise you on equipment that is a must and its proper use.
Some items are dictated more by the type of boat you are paddling – for example, a sit on top will not need a bilge pump, but a sit in kayak should have one.
Where you are paddling? Take a compass and chart for open water paddling, and a first aid kit if away from aid for a length of time.
Will you be paddling alone or in a group? You may want a tow line if you are in a group, or a paddle float for self-rescue if you’re paddling alone.
The mandatory distress signals can be augmented with a signal mirror and/or a marine VHF radio.
When on a longer trip, you may want to carry a spare paddle and/or a paddle leash.
ACK carries a range of safety gear such as:
- bilge pumps
- paddle floats
- whistles
- tow ropes
- throw ropes
- lights
- compasses
- rescue devices
- paddle leashes