The essential pieces of gear.
By Mariann Sćther and Tyler Curtis (www.norwaydaze.com)
If you are new to the sport of whitewater kayaking, here is a bit of information to get you started:
GEAR - The Essential pieces of gear
Helmet:
You helmet is perhaps the most important piece of your gear, and you should make sure you chose one that meets necessary safety requirements. It needs to have a snug fit and it is essential that it covers areas like your forehead and temples. There are a lot of different helmets out there, but this is not the piece of equipment to save a few bucks on!
PFD (Personal Flotation Device):
You can either go with a so-called "playboating" lifejacket, or a "rescue" lifejacket. The first one has less floatation and is normally cut in a more comforable shape, in order to give you better mobility for freestyle moves. The second version has a lot more flotation, is normally supplied with a big pocket where you can put some pieces of rescue gear or granola-bars, and it will also have certain safety features like a rescue-belt and sometimes even a built in harness. You should make sure that the shoulderstraps are solidly attached to the lifejacket, as in most situations people get rescued using these straps.
It is always recommended to purchase a rescue lifejacket before a playboating one, as they seem to offer more value for your money, and more safety on the water. Also, when you have purchased your lifejacket you should get a whistle to use for getting someone's attention on the water (one that you can attach to your rescue vest) along with a river knife to cut ropes if you have to. It should be easily accessible in your lifejacket.
Shoes:
Next to a helmet your footwear can be the most important piece of gear. Always, always, always, have proper footwear on the river. Even if you are only park and playboating! You never know when you may need to walk, run, or climb to get out of the river or to get help. Leave your Birkenstocks and flipflops at home or in the vehicle. There are many companies producing great footwear at great prices. Do yourself a favor and buy a pair!
Paddle:
A paddle may be your most personal piece of gear. Your choices range from bent shaft to straight shaft, regular shaft to small shaft, plastic to carbon fiber, with or without twist (feather) and of course length. WOW! Try a few out. I wouldn't go spend your life savings on your first paddle. As you learn more you will start to appreciate your choices and what the products offer.
Throwbag:
It comes in many shapes, sizes, and functions. Some can be worn around your waist, while others are just carried by hand. A good length of rope, at 30m, should be sufficient. Spectra or something that can withstand some loading (weight) is a good idea. This is something that you should have and carry with you everytime you go on the river. Make it a habit to take it out of your kayak and with you when you scout rapids, and don't forget to practice!
Kayak:
Buying a kayak is like buying a vehicle. You can purchase new or used and the choices are limitless. Taking the test drive is always a good idea. Many manufacturers, stores, kayak schools, and clubs have demo opportunities. Pool clinics are also a good place to try out your potential new toy.
Your first descision is what type of kayak you want - a playboat, riverrunner, or creekboat. Where you paddle most may dictate what you are interested in. Never hesitate to ask questions. There are many boater forums online to answer all your questions, or ask your local dealer, kayak school or club.
Drytop:
It is always important to dress for the water temperature and not the air temperature. Long days on the water being wet will always bring the fun value down. For this reason a drytop will become your best friend and a highly valued piece of gear.
When choosing a drytop you have a few options. Always go with a full drytop and not a splash top or semi-dry top. Make sure your drytop has material to protect the rubber gasket. Some drytops have velcro around the neck which always comes undone or caught on something. Having it rub your face is also annoying! A zipper is also a terrible idea. Instead, look for one with a stretchy neoprene.
Once you have purchased your drytop, make sure to take care of it. Hang it to dry and don't leave it in the sun. You should treat the rubber gaskets every month at least.
Drypants:
If you plan to paddle in cooler temperatures or take part in long river adventures, dry pants are a very useful piece of gear.
There are numerous companies making them and many are equally good, with some being more stylish than others. Try them on in the store before buying them. Make sure to sit down, bend over, and walk around in them. You may feel stupid but nothing is worse than drypants that don't fit.
Drysuit:
The ultimate piece of gear. This is an item that need only be purchased if you are serious about kayaking! It is expensive and if you don't use it.. it will only annoy those who cannot afford one! Again. make sure it fits and that you take extra good care of it.
Some come with gortex booties as a part of the suit and some come with rubber ankle gaskets. I DO NOT recommend the attached rubber booties, as they will have a hole in them in only a day. Make sure to lubricate the zipper as often as possilbe.
If you buy one it will make any cold water or miserable weather day feel perfect.
Layering:
Rule number one in gearing up for the water is NEVER wear cotton! Our suggestion is to always wear the extra piece of gear that you are about to put back in the gear bag. You can always take gear off if you are over heating.
Prepare the best you can by selecting the good stuff. Bulky fleece may feel uncomfortable, so if it does, think about some light weight fleece and items such as poly-pro, Lifa, Lycra, etc. You can always add layers together.
By Mariann Sćther and Tyler Curtis (www.norwaydaze.com)
If you are new to the sport of whitewater kayaking, here is a bit of information to get you started:
GEAR - The Essential pieces of gear
Helmet:
You helmet is perhaps the most important piece of your gear, and you should make sure you chose one that meets necessary safety requirements. It needs to have a snug fit and it is essential that it covers areas like your forehead and temples. There are a lot of different helmets out there, but this is not the piece of equipment to save a few bucks on!
 |
 |
PFD (Personal Flotation Device):
You can either go with a so-called "playboating" lifejacket, or a "rescue" lifejacket. The first one has less floatation and is normally cut in a more comforable shape, in order to give you better mobility for freestyle moves. The second version has a lot more flotation, is normally supplied with a big pocket where you can put some pieces of rescue gear or granola-bars, and it will also have certain safety features like a rescue-belt and sometimes even a built in harness. You should make sure that the shoulderstraps are solidly attached to the lifejacket, as in most situations people get rescued using these straps.
It is always recommended to purchase a rescue lifejacket before a playboating one, as they seem to offer more value for your money, and more safety on the water. Also, when you have purchased your lifejacket you should get a whistle to use for getting someone's attention on the water (one that you can attach to your rescue vest) along with a river knife to cut ropes if you have to. It should be easily accessible in your lifejacket.
 |
 |
Shoes:
Next to a helmet your footwear can be the most important piece of gear. Always, always, always, have proper footwear on the river. Even if you are only park and playboating! You never know when you may need to walk, run, or climb to get out of the river or to get help. Leave your Birkenstocks and flipflops at home or in the vehicle. There are many companies producing great footwear at great prices. Do yourself a favor and buy a pair!
 |
 |
Paddle:
A paddle may be your most personal piece of gear. Your choices range from bent shaft to straight shaft, regular shaft to small shaft, plastic to carbon fiber, with or without twist (feather) and of course length. WOW! Try a few out. I wouldn't go spend your life savings on your first paddle. As you learn more you will start to appreciate your choices and what the products offer.
Throwbag:
It comes in many shapes, sizes, and functions. Some can be worn around your waist, while others are just carried by hand. A good length of rope, at 30m, should be sufficient. Spectra or something that can withstand some loading (weight) is a good idea. This is something that you should have and carry with you everytime you go on the river. Make it a habit to take it out of your kayak and with you when you scout rapids, and don't forget to practice!
 |
 |
Kayak:
Buying a kayak is like buying a vehicle. You can purchase new or used and the choices are limitless. Taking the test drive is always a good idea. Many manufacturers, stores, kayak schools, and clubs have demo opportunities. Pool clinics are also a good place to try out your potential new toy.
Your first descision is what type of kayak you want - a playboat, riverrunner, or creekboat. Where you paddle most may dictate what you are interested in. Never hesitate to ask questions. There are many boater forums online to answer all your questions, or ask your local dealer, kayak school or club.
Drytop:
It is always important to dress for the water temperature and not the air temperature. Long days on the water being wet will always bring the fun value down. For this reason a drytop will become your best friend and a highly valued piece of gear.
When choosing a drytop you have a few options. Always go with a full drytop and not a splash top or semi-dry top. Make sure your drytop has material to protect the rubber gasket. Some drytops have velcro around the neck which always comes undone or caught on something. Having it rub your face is also annoying! A zipper is also a terrible idea. Instead, look for one with a stretchy neoprene.
Once you have purchased your drytop, make sure to take care of it. Hang it to dry and don't leave it in the sun. You should treat the rubber gaskets every month at least.
Drypants:
If you plan to paddle in cooler temperatures or take part in long river adventures, dry pants are a very useful piece of gear.
There are numerous companies making them and many are equally good, with some being more stylish than others. Try them on in the store before buying them. Make sure to sit down, bend over, and walk around in them. You may feel stupid but nothing is worse than drypants that don't fit.
Drysuit:
The ultimate piece of gear. This is an item that need only be purchased if you are serious about kayaking! It is expensive and if you don't use it.. it will only annoy those who cannot afford one! Again. make sure it fits and that you take extra good care of it.
Some come with gortex booties as a part of the suit and some come with rubber ankle gaskets. I DO NOT recommend the attached rubber booties, as they will have a hole in them in only a day. Make sure to lubricate the zipper as often as possilbe.
If you buy one it will make any cold water or miserable weather day feel perfect.
Layering:
Rule number one in gearing up for the water is NEVER wear cotton! Our suggestion is to always wear the extra piece of gear that you are about to put back in the gear bag. You can always take gear off if you are over heating.
Prepare the best you can by selecting the good stuff. Bulky fleece may feel uncomfortable, so if it does, think about some light weight fleece and items such as poly-pro, Lifa, Lycra, etc. You can always add layers together.
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Getting started
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