Canoeing and kayaking can take you to some beautiful places and gives you the chance to explore the more remote places around the country or even the world but you need to be wearing the correct kit to allow you to enjoy the trips/sessions both comfortably and safely.
Having the right equipment and clothing is vital to a safe journey down the river and it can be split into seasons as well as trip type below is are details of what we wear/carry although recommended this list is not exhaustive.
Summer Paddling
Although the air can be warm its good practice to assume the water is colder than expected. its recommended to have:
Buoyancy aid & helmet (BA is mandatory with all club sessions and helmet is recommended for all flat water trips and mandatory for moving water)
Windproof top (either a cag or light weight waterproof jacket)
Shorts or old trousers (NOT jeans, Neoprene shorts are ideal)
Base layers (consisting of layers of natural material to keep you warm)
Wetsuit (Optional but a cut without arms aids moment as opposed to the surfing type, Remember a wetsuit only really works once its wet)
Sturdy footwear (for walking around on the bank as well as protecting your feet if you swim)
Winter paddling
Buoyancy aid & helmet
Dry cag (long sleeve dry cag to keep you dry and warm)
Dry Trousers
or Full Dry suit (If you decide t you can use this instead of the two piece cag and trousers)
Base layers under your waterproof outer (Long sleeve and short thermals are available in most outdoor shops)
Spray deck
Sturdy footwear (for walking around on the bank as well as protecting your feet if you swim)
Other General Kit
Dry bag (to keep your car keys, phone, lunch etc in)
Lunch or snacks + a Drink
First aid kit
spare paddles (Splits)
Group Shelter
Spare clothes
Throw-line &Rescue equipment (only the stuff you know how to use)
Paddling gloves, skull cap hat (if it is really cold)
The club has a selection of cags and other kit that has been kindly donated. we also have a range of Buoyancy aids, helmets and spray decks for you to use.
A great downloadable document can be found here or in the downloads section