Additional Gear for Kayaking

- Spray Skirt. Wearing a spray skirt keeps water out of your kayak, but be sure you know how to attach it and practice detaching it quickly. Made of coated nylon or neoprene, spray skirts have specific sizes for both kayakers and their boats.

- Pump. A hand pump helps get water out of recreational and touring kayaks.

- Paddle Leash. By attaching your paddle to your touring boat, you can keep better track of it when you drop it, or when you stop to take photos or pass out cookies.

- Paddle Float. An inflatable or foam device that assists in solo re-entry into a touring kayak from deep water.

- Helmet. For those venturing into whitewater or into surf.

Information on this page is provided through our partnership with American Canoe Association (ACA) by staff writer Becky Molina.

For comprehensive guides on paddling, please visit our ACA brochures page, or visit the ACA website.