Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's important to stay safe while you're out on the water. That's why we created these recommendations for the best safety gear for kayak.
So without further ado, let’s get rolling.
Why Is Safety Gear Important?
Kayaking accidents are often caused by an accident that occurred while people were taking off or landing from a boat.
Since your hands are free while in the water, you need to make sure that they're not hanging onto anything or going anywhere where they might be injured by something else—like a jet ski!
And if you're using an inflatable kayak (which has less structure than hardshells do), it's even more important that you wear a helmet with a chin strap so that if something happens during takeoff or landing, it will hold onto your head in case of impact with another object like trees or rocks.
1.Neon-colored or Reflective Clothing
If you want to stay safe while kayaking, neon or reflective clothing is a good way to do it. Neon colors are bright and will help with visibility in low light conditions.
More so, this can be especially helpful if you're paddling at night or during the day when there's not much natural light around.
Also, reflective material on your clothing gives off an extra glow that makes it easier for others on the water to see you while they're looking both up into the sky and down toward their own feet (which allows them more time than usual).
2.Helmet
A helmet is the most important piece of safety gear you can wear. It protects your head and brain from injury when a boat tips over, or if you fall out of your kayak into the water. Helmets should be comfortable, fit well and be adjustable so they fit snugly around your head.
They should also be tough enough to handle impact with rocks or other objects on land (or in the water).
Helmets should also be well-ventilated to keep sweat away from the skin under stress situations like riding waves or running up mountainsides during mountain biking races!
Furthermore, kayaking helmets made from hard plastics are best because they don't dent easily, however some models made from composites might not withstand bumps as well against damaged areas like bashed faces.
3.Life jacket
A life jacket is a must for anyone who commits to kayaking. It’s the only way you can keep yourself safe in case of a capsized, which is inevitable if your boat tips over and you or another person falls overboard.
Your life jacket will also provide additional buoyancy so that even if you’re thrown from your boat, it might not sink as fast due to its weight and volume of water displacement.
4.Compass
A compass is an essential piece of gear for kayaks, since it can help you navigate and find your way back to your place.
Similarly, it's also a good idea to have one on hand if you're paddling in unfamiliar waters and/or know that there are hazards on the water.
A compass isn't a substitute for a map—it's just another piece of information that will help with navigation (and should be used alongside other maps).
5.Kayak safety flag
A kayak safety flag is a small piece of fabric that you can attach to the side of your boat to alert other boaters to be alert for swimmers. The color and design may vary, but it's usually light blue or white with two lines running down the middle of it (one horizontal and one vertical).
6.Whistle or horn
A whistle or horn is a great way to make sure that someone else knows where you are. If you're in a group, keep the whistle or horn with you at all times and use it if necessary; otherwise, keep it in a waterproof container on your kayak.
If you're alone and need help getting back to shore after an accident or mishap (or just some extra company), remember that whistles can also be used as signaling devices between boats while they are out at sea!
7.First aid kit
A first aid kit is essential for anyone who kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced kayaker, having the right equipment will help you get through any situation safely and quickly.
When building your own first aid kit, make sure that it has the following:
- Emergency phone number (if possible)
- Adhesive bandages in various sizes and thicknesses
(including large ones for heavy bleeding)
- Antibiotic cream/ointment
- Pain reliever such as Tylenol or ibuprofen tablets (no more than 4 days old)
- Hand sanitizer spray bottle with lid (for use on cuts, scrapes, blisters etc.)
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you find the best safety gear for your kayak.
As we’ve mentioned, there are a lot of different options out there, but you should always make sure that what you choose is both legal and appropriate for whatever situation you might face.