Kayaking Gear & Equipment - Kayaking Clothing

• You cannot go Kayaking without a Spray Skirt, also called a Spray Cover or Spray Deck. Usually made of neoprene or waterproof material, this is a shaped skirt that fits around the kayaker’s waist and tightly seals the Cockpit area when it is pulled over the Cockpit rim. The Spray Skirt is used to prevent you from getting soaked by keeping water away from the Cockpit.


• Weather says a lot on the type of clothing that you need to wear on a particular trip. Make sure to check the forecasts before heading out. Also, weather varies at different times of the day so you might want to throw in some extra articles to equip yourself on almost any condition.


• Check the material/s the clothes are made of. Cotton will not keep you warm when you get wet. Synthetic fibers such as neoprene can provide the insulation you need to keep warm even when you get wet. Moreover, do not wear clothes which get heavy when you get drenched. Wetsuits, board shorts, waterproof jackets, and thermal base layers are some examples of clothes that you can wear for Kayaking.


• Your apparel should fit snugly on your body. From jackets to shorts to helmets and footwear, make sure that you are comfortable wearing them.


• When it comes to footwear the goal is to wear something that will keep your feet safe, warm, and comfortable. Sandals with straps and wetsuit bootees are excellent choices. It also depends on where you will be paddling. If you are into Whitewater Kayaking, you may want to wear shoes with better traction and can protect your feet from sharp rocks and cold water. You can also wear neoprene or waterproof socks for added protection.


• Your Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is the most important purchase you can make as far as safety is concerned. It can mean the difference between life and death, so it’s important to buy a personal flotation device that is reliable, durable, and fits you properly.