LowCountry Paddlers (Quick) Guide to Gear
by Scott Szczepaniak,
ACA Open Water Sea Kayak Instructor
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Hello Happy Paddlers! I have drafted this guide to gear to bring along on LowCountry Paddler trips and Show N Go paddles. I am writing at the beginning of November 2006, so there will be an emphasis on cooler water paddling. This is the first draft; I intend to flesh it out in the future.
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The Kayak. You cannot get too far without one!
A recreational kayak is short and wide, and usually has minimum or no inherent floatation. These boats are stable, maneuverable and user friendly. Due to their short waterline lengths, these boats are slow. They are suitable for many protected water trips that the Club sponsors. Depending on conditions, they may not be suitable for semi-protected waters, even the Folly River. I recall one Club paddle on the Folly where the wind picked up, and some recreational kayaks started filling up as the waves washed over open cockpits. These boats are not suited for exposed paddles; certainly not open ocean trips. Most sit on tops might fall within this category.
A light touring kayak is a bit longer: 12 to 14 feet. These boats are a bit faster, and usually have at least full floatation in the stern. These boats are versatile, and depending on conditions and the paddlers skill and experience, may be suitable for semi-protected waters. I always think of one particular Club member with a light-touring kayak. She has experience, taken a number of classes, and always checks in with trip leaders when in doubt of the degree of challenge of any particular trip. I am always delighted to paddle with her.
Touring kayaks, sea kayaks, are generally over 16 feet in length. They have full floatation bow and stern. This floatation is usually provided by watertight walls (bulkheads) and watertight hatch covers. Propelled by a paddler with skill and experience, they are suitable for open ocean trips. They may not be suitable for some Clup trips; the ones in small, winding creeks or on trips with lots of obstructions such as blown down trees.
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You also cannnot get too far without a paddle. I can write a whole article on paddle selection. For now my advice is buy a good one, lighter is usually better, shorter is usually better. What would you do if you lost or broke your paddle? Consider carrying a spare.
Personal Floatation Device, PFD, lifejacket. Wear one, zipped up and properly fitted at all times. Trip leaders should not allow folks not wearing PFDs zipped up to participate on Club sponsored paddles. Show N Go trip leaders should lead by example, and require everyone to properly wear PFDs. (Trip leaders and more experienced paddlers; consider throwing a spare PFD in the car to accommodate the paddler that may have forgotten their PFD.) PFDs that are short in the torso are suitable for the sitting position in canoes and kayaks. Do some research; try a few on for size, fit and comfort. Do not forget the whistle required by Coast Guard and state regulations.
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Sprayskirts. Some new paddlers do not like them due to a bit of a claustrophobia factor. This is always overcome learning a wet exit under the watchful eye of an instructor. Consider them even on protected trips. They keep snakes, mosquitoes, and other critters that some folks find unpleasant; out of the cockpit! They also protect your legs from the sun. I consider sprayskirts mandatory for semi protected and exposed trips. They keep the water in the ocean where it belongs, not sloshing into your cockpit, decreasing your stability.
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Clothing. Synthetics good, cotton usually bad. Base layers can be nylon bathing suits and shorts coupled with a synthetic tee shirt. Fleece as an insulating layer, and finally a wind resistant, water resistant shell to top it off. All this can be purchased at specialty outdoor shops. Thrifty paddlers can shop Walmart, or the thrift shops. There are many stories of the $200 Patagucci (Patagonia) fleece jackets found for $15 at a thrift shop. I just saw a nice Stearns rain jacket, perfectly suitable as a paddling jacket, for $30 at Walmart. Bargain buys perfectly suitable for Club paddles; ocean paddlers would do well to spend the extra money on the specialized sea kayak clothing.
Footwear is important. Sandals are great for a walk on the beach, or after the paddle. In the boat, wear something that offers more protection and heel support. Wetsuit booties are good for cold water. Or pair some neoprene socks up with kayak specific water shoes, or supermarket specials.
Red supermarket special water shoes, kayak water shoes, neoprene socks, wetsuit booties
A warm hat for cooler temperatures, and a synthetic ball cap for all year round. Sunglasses or prescription glasses; preferably on a floating croakie.
Gloves and pogies for the cooler temperatures. The red pogies pictured below are attached to a paddle shaft. You simply slip your hands inside them to make direct contact with the paddle shaft; and your hands stay warm in their microenvironment.
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Always consider a change of clothes in a drybag for an unplanned capsize, or to change into for the ride home.
You can upgrade your change of clothes bag to a full blown hypothermia kit:
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The hypothermia kit reminds me of a sad story. Two paddlers were in a double kayak in Alaska. It was getting colder and colder, and the landing was another 10 miles ahead. They decided to light a camp stove inside of the kayak. Fuels spilled, the boat caught fire, and the paddlers perished. You cant have your kayak and heat it, too!
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Food; pack a good lunch. Include a thermos of sweet hot tea and perhaps a thermos of hot soup or stew. Carry some chocolate and nuts, or other quick energy foods, so that it is easily accessible if you get hungry while paddling; or if a friend starts getting a bit cold. Water; cool temperatures or during the heat of the summer; hydrate or die! Hydration systems worn on your back or in a special PFD pocket are convenient, or simply some small water bottles in your cockpit, dayhatch, or under deck bungies.
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Other safety stuff:
Towbelt
Waterproof flashlight, submersible VHF-FM marine radio, sponge, manual bilge pump
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Kayaking can be about cool gear. But all of the cool gear in the world is useless unless you have the skills to put it to its proper use. Classes for kayaking are always fun. You come away from any level class as a better paddler. We have two world class resources right here in the Charleston area:
Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission www.ccprc.com
Ocean Air / Charleston Kayak School www.seakayaksc.com
Check out their classes and schedules.