Sea Kayaking Adventurer’s Checklist

The following sea kayaker’s checklist will help to plan your next sea kayaking adventure. Not all items listed will be needed on every trip. Pack only what you need and leave the rest at home. Remember, you’ve got to paddle what you pack.

Sea Kayak Gear

Kayak (single or double with seat) 
Paddle with drip rings 
Spray skirt (two if paddling a double) 
Front and rear float tubes 
Collapsible spare paddle 
Sponge 
Bailing pump 
Waterproof storage bags 
Waterproof deck bag for storing essentials 
Foot braces

Safety Essentials

Sunglasses 
Sunscreen 
Water bottle or hydration system such as Camelbak, Ultimate Directions or Platypus 
Water purification 
Nylon cord (50 feet) 
Waterproof/windproof matches 
Headlamp (extra bulb and batteries) 
Fire starter 
Pocket knife 
Toilet paper 
Navigation charts 
Compass and GPS 
Emergency blanket 
Whistle 
Signal mirror and flares 
Emergency snacks 
Sun hat 
Repair kit (tape, material to patch hull, pliers, nuts and bolts to fit boat parts) 
Weather radio 
Personal Floatation Device (Coast Guard Approved!) 
Current tide tables 
Waterproof watch

First Aid

Antibiotics 
Antiseptics 
Tylenol 
Benadryl 
Tincture of Benzoin 
Sterile gauze pads 
Roller gauze 
Nonadherent dressing 
One-inch adhesive tape 
Steristrips 
Ace wrap 
Large compress 
Second Skin 
Tweezers 
Bandage scissors 
Irrigation syringe 
Low-reading thermometer 
SAM splint 
Space blanket 
Pencil and emergency report form 
Emergency Phone Numbers and money for a phone call

Clothing:

Paddling jacket 
Synthetic is best or wool / synthetic/cotton blend) 
Wet suit jacket and pants or shorts
Paddling shorts 
T-shirt (cotton / synthetic blend such as those made by Sierra Designs or Patagonia or synthetic such as Tekware by The North Face) 
Fleece, Polartec or wool sweater 
Bathing suit 
Insulated hat 
Fleece or Polartec jacket 
Croakies or Chums for glasses and sunglasses 
Rain suit (jacket and pants) 
Warm gloves for around camp 
Beach towel 
Paddling shoes or wet suit booties 
Camp / hiking shoes or all-terrain sandals 
Socks for around camp

Personal

Quick drying towel 
Toothbrush and toothpaste 
Hair brush 
Personal medications 
Feminine hygiene 
Lip balm 
Compact mirror

Camping Gear

Compact tent with rainfly 
Sleeping bag and pad 
Backpacking stove and fuel (butane is typically the most
Cooking pot 
Cup, plate and eating utensils 
Bag for hanging food

Miscellaneous

Binoculars 
Multi-tool knife 
Fishing gear and license 
Headlamp 
Extra heavy duty garbage bags 
Digital camera in waterproof bag or container 
Sunscreen 
Insect repellent 
Daypack for side trips out of boat 
Crazy Creek chair or kit to convert ThermaRest pad into chai 
Sewing kit 
Bandana 
Snorkel and mask 
Moisturizing lotion