Gear and Packing Tips
While paddling is a wonderful and often peaceful pass time, hobby, or passion it is important to always be prepared. While we do not need to fear the water we do need to respect it. Below we have written out some tips for you!
Coast Guard Safe Boating Equipment Requirements
Everyone who operates a boat is responsible for:
Operating it in a safe and competent manner
Ensuring it is in a seaworthy and reliable condition
Equipping it with approved safety equipment that is in good condition and easily accessible
Minimum required equipment:
While not everything seems like you’d need it in every scenario these items are what you must carry with you when enjoying the water to be fully prepared. This is applicable to canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and rowing shells not over 6 meters (18.8 ft) in length.
An approved PFD (personal floatation device) or life jacket
One buoyant heaving line of not less than 15 m in length (aka throw bag) one manual propelling device (aka paddle) OR an anchor with not less than 15 m of cable, rope, or chain
One bailer or manual water pump fitted with or accompanied by sufficient hose to enable a person using the pump to pump water from the bilge of the vessel over the side of the vessel
A sound signaling device or a sound signaling appliance (aka whistle)
Navigation lights that meet the applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset and before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility (for a canoe, a single light is sufficient, e.g. waterproof flashlight, lantern, or torch)
Side notes:
The trip leader will provide the minimum required equipment for club boats for club events.
Participants bringing their own boats are responsible to ensure their boat is properly equipped.
All participants are responsible to bring their own additional equipment - see below.
Additionally, members bringing their own PFD should make sure it is in good condition and fit and has a sound signaling device.
What to Wear!
Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet/dirty and fabrics that will dry quickly. Also, wear layers that can be easily added/removed on the water and that is not going to be restrictive while in a boat or bulky under your PFD.
Hat or something to keep the sun off your head when it’s warm, or a warm hat for cooler weather paddles.
Sunglasses
Footwear that you don’t mind getting wet. Sturdy sandals, swim shoes or neoprene booties are great choices. Flip-flops aren't great because they often float away while getting in and out of boats. Also, you want something that will be comfortable if there are any portages.
Sunscreen and bug spray depending on weather and location.
PFD
What to Pack!
Short Day Trips - 1 to 4 hours:
Need to have:
A backpack or bag for gear.
Food for the full day. Pack more than you think you will need in waterproof packaging. Think of a full meal and easy-to-eat snacks that won't melt or spoil in the heat.
Water for the entire day, a minimum of 1 L.
A change of clothes in case of capsizing.
Extra layers for weather changes. Fleece sweater, paddling gloves, toque, rain gear.
Insect repellant and sunblock.
Nice to have:
A dry sack to hold gear.
Personal first aid kit, such as blister care, pain medication, and allergy medication.
Towel
Small survival kit with items such as knife, water filter, fire-making tools, multitool.
Baby wipes/cleaning towelettes.
Biodegradable toilet paper.
Longer Day Trips - 4 to 12 hours:
Need to have:
A backpack or bag for gear.
Food for the full day. Pack more than you think you will need in waterproof packaging. Think 2 full meals and easy-to-eat snacks that won't melt or spoil in the heat.
Water for the entire day, a minimum of 2 L.
A change of clothes in case of capsizing.
Extra layers for weather changes. Fleece sweater, paddling gloves, toque, rain gear.
Insect repellant and sunblock.
Nice to have:
A dry sack to hold gear.
Personal first aid kit, such as blister care, pain medication, and allergy medication.
Towel / Bathing suit.
Small survival kit with items such as knife, water filter, fire-making tools, multitool.
Backpacking mini stove, cooking utensils.
Headlamp
GPS / Waterproof map
Overnight / Camping Trips
Need to have:
A backpack or bag for gear with waterproof areas for clothing and food.
Food for the full trip. Pack more than you think you will need in waterproof packaging that won't melt or spoil in the heat.
Water for consumption, cooking, and cleaning, generally 4L per day or a method of replenishing water.
Mess kit, including a knife, fork, spoon, mug, plate, bowl, can opener, cleaning cloth, soap, etc.
Suitable clothing for the number of days including layers for weather changes such as fleece sweater, paddling gloves, toque, rain gear, and extra footwear.
Insect repellant and sunblock.
Personal toiletry kit including toothbrush and toothpaste.
Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
Sleeping pad and sleeping bag.
Shelter such as a bivy bag, tarp, or backpacking tent.
Personal first aid kit, such as blister care, pain medication, allergy medication, antacids, after-sun lotion, antibiotic cream, anti-nausea medication, cold and flu medication.
Towel / Bathing suit.
Survival kit with items such as knife, water filter or purification device, fire-making tools and tinder (at least 2 methods), multitool, compass, bear bell.
Rope or cordage.
Plastic bags for waste / soiled clothing.
Nice to have:
Backpacking mini stove, cooking utensils.
Solar charging device.
GPS / Waterproof map.
Bear spray.
Small shovel, saw, or axe.
Signal tape, twine, carabiners.
Is there anything we didn’t mention you found helpful on your own adventures? Let us know!