Charles River Canoe & Kayak
Kayaking Gear List — www.PaddleBoston.com

Practice! Practice!
  • Carrying this gear is not enough!
  • Learn to use your kayak and gear.
  • Learn about the environments in which you want to paddle.
  • Practice using your boat and gear in realistic conditions.
  • Our classes and trips can get you started and keep you sharp.
  • Questions? We’re here to help!
    • No matter how benign or turbulent the conditions, paddlers must always be prepared with the right gear. Based on the decades of paddling experience our guides possess, Charles River Canoe & Kayak has assembled this recommended kayaking gear list.

    The Paddling Store at Charles River Canoe & Kayak stocks most of the gear below, and we are happy to help you select the right gear or answer any questions. Just drop in or call us at (617) 965-5110, because we're here to help!


    Every Time You Paddle
    for example, a small lake or flatwater river, like the Charles River Lakes District at our Newton Boathouse


    Paddle
    Personal Flotation Device
    Pump
    removes large amounts of water
    from the cockpit after a capsize
    Paddle Float
    helps a capsized paddler perform a self-rescue
    Dry Bags
    helps keep clothes, food, and gear dry
    Sponge
    removes small amounts of water from the cockpit
    Wetsuit or Drysuit
    whenever the water is 60ºF or colder
    Whistle
    Extra Dry, Warm Clothing
    Extra Food & Water
    Sunscreen
    Hat & Sunglasses
    Splash Jacket
    keeps off rain and spray
    Water Shoes/Sandals
    protects your feet, keeps you warm
    Gloves or Pogies
    warmer gloves/pogies in cold water or weather



    When Paddling Protected Ocean
    for example, Essex Marsh or Hingham Harbor, or a larger lake like Squam in New Hampshire

    everything listed above plus:

    Adequate Kayak Flotation
    two bulkheaded hatches or float bags
    Spray Skirt
    helps keep water out of the cockpit
    First-Aid Kit
    Deck-Mounted Marine Compass
    Nautical Chart & Chart Case
    Nav-Aid
    easily find compass directions from your chart
    Tide Chart
    Spare Paddle
    Waterproof Flashlight/Strobe
    Cell Phone & Waterproof Case
    Paddle Leash
    helps prevent loss of your paddle
    Towing System
    Knife
    Rescue Stirrup
    helps with assisted rescues



    When Paddling Open Ocean
    for example, trips to the Outer Boston
    Harbor Islands or Thacher Island

    everything listed above plus:

    Repair Kit
    to fix common boat problems
    Signal Flares
    flares, mirror, smoke signals, etc.
    VHF Radio & Waterproof Case
    contact other boaters or the Coast Guard