What to Pack for Paddling: Safety Essentials + Extras

Going on your first paddling trip can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the sport and/or flying solo.

I did an extensive amount of research before buying my first paddleboard, however, I was still ways away from being prepared to go out on the water safely.

After a few trips revealing mistakes and must-needed items that were left behind, I was able to come up with a list of all the things you should bring on your first paddle that will make the trip safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

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Paddleboard, Kayak, or Canoe

It’s important to take the time to compare all your options before choosing your first or next watercraft. For this article, we will be briefly comparing paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes.

SUP boarding involves standing on a board and using a more extended, single-bladed paddle to move.

Kayaking and canoeing require paddlers to sit in fixed positions. Kayakers sit in a lower seat with their legs outstretched and require double-bladed paddles. While canoers sit on an elevated seat and use single-bladed paddles.

The table below is a quick comparison of a few factors that you should consider before purchasing either a paddleboard, kayak or canoe.

	Paddleboards	Kayaks	Canoes
Stability	– Getting onto the board and standing up requires significant personal balance and practice on the board. – If you lack balance, you are at higher risk of falling off or onto the board, which may cause injury. – It is very difficult to flip a paddleboard, you are more likely to fall off of it.	– Climbing back on and getting into a kayak might take a little practice to perfect. – Kayaks are less stable than canoes and paddleboards by comparison. – When it comes to a capsized kayak, you’ll first need to flip the kayak back over before crawling back into it.	– Easier to climb into than a paddleboard or kayak. – Sides of a canoe can be used to brace yourself as you climb in. – Wider hull allows for greater stability on calm waters, allowing the paddler to move about the boat without fear of tipping.
Fitness	– Significant shoulder and core strength is necessary to paddle. – Paddleboarding is a full-body workout that aims to tone the entire body.	– Requires majority upper body strength, specifically, shoulders, back, arms, chest, and abdominals.	– Like kayaking, canoeing requires significant upper body strength. – Takes way more effort to paddle, often requiring two or more people.
Price *Depends on quality and size	– Prices range from $300 CAD to $2500	– Prices range from $200 CAD to $3000 CAD	– Prices range from $400 CAD to $3000
Transporting	– Most inflatable paddleboards usually come in large backpacks that are easy to carry on hikes, and transport in small vehicles. – Hard paddleboards must be strapped to your vehicle similar to surfboards.	– Inflatable kayaks come in easy-to-carry bags that can be transported easily from your vehicle to the water. – Hard-shell kayaks must be safely strapped to or inside your vehicle for transport.	– Canoes are bigger and heavier requiring strength to transport. – Canoes are commonly used in portaging. – Canoes must be safely strapped to your vehicle for transport. Dependent on the canoe size.
Comfort	– Standing up on the board for long periods can lead to feet, legs, and back pain. – Sitting cross-legged, or kneeling can also cause significant bodily pain if done for the majority of the paddle. – If the board is tethered to an anchor, you can lie down on the board and relax.	– Since you’re seated with a backrest, paddling a kayak is less taxing than other options. – Sitting in a fixed position for a while can feel confining.	– Offers more comfort because of the freedom of movement around the canoe. – More seating available.
Storage	– Minimal storage at the front and rear ends of paddleboards. Items should be clipped or bungee corded to the paddleboard.	– Increased onboard storage and it’s much easier to keep gear dry. – Accessing gear while on the water can also be easier in a kayak if packed carefully.	– Wide deck available for onboard storage. – Ease of moving around the canoe to access gear and items. – Ability to store larger coolers or camping equipment.
Facing Weather Conditions	– Should not use paddleboards in windy conditions, and bodies of water with moderate to rapid waves.	– Due to the position of a kayak in the water it keeps a lower profile against wind and increases in rapid waves.	– If the wind picks up and turns the water rough, the canoe’s high primary stability makes them more prone to capsizing.

I personally love my SUP board, I find it a relaxing way to tour lakes or travel around bays. I like to anchor my board to a buoy or exposed tree branch, so I can lie down, journal, do yoga, meditate and cloudwatch.

According to Transport Canada, paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are defined as pleasure crafts and are mandated to carry certain safety equipment.

This equipment includes a sound signalling device, a life jacket/PFD, a buoyant heaving line, and a waterproof flashlight while paddling.

(See Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide: Safety Tips & Requirements for Pleasure Craft. Page 16 for more info)

Sound Signalling Device

A sound-signalling device, like a whistle, is meant to aid in periods of reduced visibility, such as fog and heavy rain. It is also used whenever a paddler needs to signal their position.

Life Jacket/Personal Floatation Device (PFDs)

There are two main types of flotation devices:

• Lifejackets will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water.
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are more comfortable to wear than lifejackets, but they may not turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.

To comply with Transport Canada, all pleasure crafts must be equipped with enough Canadian-approved lifejackets or PFDs for everyone on board.

Before going out, make sure each lifejacket and PFD are in good condition, have enough buoyancy, and are readily accessible on your craft.

Buoyant Heaving Line at least 15m (49’3)

Hollow-braided polypropylene rope with an attached buoy will make the best heaving line. You can use this rope to tether SUP boards, kayaks, and canoes together, and also attach it to an empty dry bag to act as another buoy.

Waterproof Flashlight

Flashlights are required in lowlight conditions. Such as before sunrise, and after sunset. If in distress, you can a flashlight to signal for help. Make sure to check your flashlight’s batteries before every outing on the water.

Transport Canada does not consider activities like paddling around a waterfront or dock and surfing around a beach as operating a regulated vessel which would require the above mandatory equipment.

Even though safety equipment isn’t mandated in the above situations, consider bringing it nonetheless.

Here are some other pieces of safety equipment you should also carry with you:

Leash

Having a leash only applies to SUP board and is usually included in the initial purchase of your board. Attach your leash to the back hook of your board and wrap the velcro strap around one of your ankles.

This may seem unnecessary but it will make finding your board easier if you ever fall off.

First Aid Kit

Try to always carry a first aid kit when venturing out, you may need to treat scrapes, and scars from rocky areas, or from falling on, off, or onto your watercraft.

Having a small waterproof kit with some bandaids, gauze, and some salve can be very helpful when there’s a sudden injury on the water.

Patch Kit

In case of emergency deflation, a patch kit comes in really handy! With every board should come an associated patch kit with a few patches and glue.

Although you can’t just slap a patch on and continue on the water, is better to get the patch on sooner than later. The repair work is completed within 24 hours to allow for the glue to dry.

Review Transport Canada’s Safety Requirements every year for updates. Also, check your local region’s safety requirements for manned watercraft.

Paddle Canada has additional requirements when paddleboarding. As well, Parks Canada provides information for stand-up paddleboard safety.

Dry Bags

At first, I didn’t think having dry bags was necessary. I thought if I just kept my backpack dry on the front of my board then the problem was solved.

I didn’t take into account how deep the SUP board actually sits in the water. Came home with a few wet bags before I wised up and got some dry bags.

There is a higher chance of your gear getting wet on a SUP board than on a kayak or canoe. So if you’re going to SUP then you should invest in a few dry bags for your gear and personal items.

I bought a pack of different-sized dry bags from REI last year which have served me well. The different-sized bags allow me to pack and sort all my gear, food/water, and photo equipment easily and within reach.

The best part about them is that they are easy to carry and hook easily onto a SUP board.

Food

As discussed before bringing food on your paddling trip is important! Paddling burns tons of calories and if you’re not properly nourished, coupled with sun exposure and dehydration you can guarantee yourself a fainting spell or bit of nausea.

If you’re going for a short paddle trip that’s less than 2 hours I suggest bringing a couple of snacks like a granola bar and fruit.

• Check out this list of Plant Based Snack Bars for some quick ideas.
• If you’re looking for something more wholesome, this article of Vegan Hiking Snacks for Energy will help.

If you’re going for a half-day paddle make sure you eat before you leave, bringing a few snacks and a small meal for your trip.

And if you’re going for a full to multi-day trip you must plan your day(s) meals and snacks in advance and pack accordingly.

Don’t skip on the goods and bring your favourite items!

Try to avoid bringing foods with significant packaging for ease of handling on the water, like fast food, takeout boxes, and prepackaged foods.

My go-to snacks are always a pack of nuts like cashews or almonds and a container of any type of melon! For longer trips, I usually make a vegan ‘chicken’ wrap or salad sandwich for a meal or two.

Water

Dehydration from paddling the water occurs more often than not. You will be exercising for a longer period of time, and in some cases, in direct exposure to the sun.

Be sure to bring enough water to keep you hydrated for your entire paddle. Also, remember to drink the water you brought, which is even more important!

Don’t leave your water bottle or hydration bladder on the shore, stay hydrated.

Sun Protection

During the summer months, it’s very important to wear sun protection to protect your body from UV radiation. Long-term sun exposure can lead to sunburn, aging and even skin cancer. Exposure can also lead to dehydration, and heat stroke.

For this article, sun protection refers to sunscreens, hats, and sunglasses among others.

I’m a big proponent of sunscreen and swear by its daily use. Avoid a lot of unnecessary problems by wearing and then reapplying (always reapply!) sunscreen with at least 20 SPF throughout your trip.

Wearing a hat will protect your scalp from direct sun exposure and also provide shade for your face. Avoid wearing thin headscarves or bandanas, they may look aesthetic but they will make your head sweat and not protect your face and head from the sun.

Wearing sunglasses also will help protect your eyes and give you better vision during the sunniest days. Try to wear sunglasses with the highest level of protection against UVA and UVB rays or with a rating around UV 400.

Quick Drying or Regular Towels

It’s good to bring some quick-drying or regular towels to help dry your feet and body during and after your paddle. I always bring a small towel on my board and a couple of larger towels in my car.

You will get wet a bit here and there, so it’s handy to have a small towel nearby to wipe your hands, face or feet when need be. Also, it’ll be handy to have a large towel to sit on as well.

Having some larger towels nearby is helpful to dry off your body and board after your paddle. Always try to leave your board, kayak, or canoe out in the sun to dry out as much as you can before packing it away.

This prevents your watercraft from retaining any possible invasive species or contaminants from the water.

Drying is the easiest form of decontamination!

Used Sandals or Water Shoes

I always bring my pair of old Birks on my board so I can put them on while I paddle or when I’m crossing a beach filled with rocks. I store my sandals in one of my dry bags so they don’t get wet on board.

You can also invest in a pair of water shoes to spare your feet from rocks and shells.

It may feel more comfortable to paddle in water shoes so your toes don’t cramp up (which happens more than you think).

Extra Layer of Clothing

The weather can change quite quickly out on the water, and you need to be prepared when the wind shifts direction.

Always bring an extra layer of clothing depending on the weather just in case.

Dress as if you’re going swimming and consider the temperature of the water if you’d fall in.

Remember the majority of bodies of water around the Lower Mainland do not always reach suitable swimming temperatures even during the summer.

Sudden immersion into cold water can shock your system and induce immediate involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, vertigo and panic. Be prepared for cold waters and know it’ll always feel colder on the water.

Always remember to read the weather before paddling, and take all your safety equipment + extras. Looking to improve your skills before you go? Avoid these 13 beginner paddleboarding mistakes on the water.

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