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ALL THE GEAR YOU'LL NEED

When you're on the water you want to make sure you're as prepared as you can be. That starts with the gear you are wearing and need to do the sport of your choice. We are going to talk you through the essential pieces of paddling kit you need to know, and understand, before getting on the water.

As a beginner, much of the gear below will be available to rent from centres or clubs, which is a cheaper way to do it until you know which sport you are hooked on. Once you know you can't get enough of paddling, it's time to invest in the right equipment for your sport. Each will have slightly different requirements so it is important to know what you absolutely do need and what you may not. The equipment below are essentials that you will need for almost all paddling sports.

Canoe Wales members get access to some great discounts and special offers. Find out more about discounts on gear here.

Buoyancy Aids

A buoyancy aid or "BA" is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment when starting out paddling. A buoyancy aid is designed to help you stay afloat if you happen to end up in the water. It will keep you afloat until you can get back on your craft, are rescued, find help or get to shore yourself. Often they come as over-your-head style vests or zip /buckle-up style. When worn, they should be secure and tight enough that they cannot be lifted over your head.

Whether you are an adult or child, anyone starting as a beginner - and indeed many who are advanced - should wear a buoyancy aid. You might be confident that you won't fall in but accidents can happen, and it is good to practise what happens if you do fall in. Practise getting back in your boat or onto your board again and understand what to do in an emergency situation.

Important to note: All buoyancy aids sold in the UK need to be CE approved. Always check the label before purchasing or hiring.

Buoyancy aids and life jackets are often thought to be the same thing, but they're actually quite different. A life jacket has a big flotation collar and is designed for exposed waters but it's not suitable for paddling. When paddling, you should always wear a buoyancy aid.

Dry Bags

Keeping your devices and kit dry while you paddle can be tricky, that's why we recommend always carrying a drybag or a waterproof pouch for your phone. Dry bags come in different sizes, from small to extra large, and different colours. They're perfect for packing extra layers, mobile phones, cameras and food!

It is so important to make sure you have a means to call for help and that it is waterproof. Keeping the dry bag close to you and secured will make it easy to access.

Whether you're planning a small trip or a few days on the water, these are essential pieces of gear that you want to carry with you. Dry bags are perfect for all paddling adventurers, whether you're Kayaking, Sea Kayaking, Canoeing or on a SUP, these are essential to have attached to your boat/board.

Helmets

A helmet is essential for some paddling sports, but not all of them. Helmets are a very important piece of equipment if you are planning to try White Water Kayaking or White Water Canoeing. Fast flowing, narrow white-water rivers can have hidden boulders, trees and other debris which, if you were to fall in, could cause an injury to your head. This is why helmets are so important.

When wearing a helmet, it's important that it covers your forehead, doesn't slip or slide on your head, and that the chin strap is done up.

Like buoyancy aids, the helmets you wear need to be CE approved for paddling use.

Footwear

Depending on the sport you are doing you may want to wear some protective footwear while in the water. This can be river sandals, river trainers, neoprene socks, neoprene shoes or wetsuit boots.

Your footwear choices may vary from season to season but it's not just about keeping your feet warm and protected while you're paddling. Bear in mind that you'll often need to carry your boat or board to the water and into the shallows before you get on. Footwear will make it a lot more comfortable to get your boat or board in and out of the water and also give you some grip in the shallows.

And if you're in a rescue situation and have to swim to shore, having something on your feet can make it a lot easier to get back to where you need to be.

Wetsuits and Drysuits

Paddling in the UK can often be chilly - we don't have those gorgeous tropical waters. The best thing to combat the cold and extend your time in the water is to wear a wetsuits or drysuit.

A wetsuit is suitable for all paddling activities and is recommended. Paired with other equipment, wearing a wetsuit will keep you warm if you are to get wet and/or fall into the water.

Drysuits are typically worn in paddling sports such as White Water Kayaking and Sea Kayaking. Some choose to wear a drysuit as they will be kept bone dry under the suit and have a nice thermal suit underneath. Drysuits are great if you are planning to paddle in the colder months of the year. This is a more comfortable way to paddle but as a beginner, they can be expensive to invest in.

Single Blade Paddle

Double Blade Paddle

Double blade paddles are used in paddling sports such as Flat Water Kayaking, White Water Kayaking and Sea Kayaking. These paddle sports tend to be solo boats and so having a double blade paddle gives you more control and stability when against the wavy ocean or the fast rapids of the rivers.

It is important to use the right paddle for the correct sport. As a beginner we recommend you try one of the beginner courses around the UK. These courses are fun, will introduce you to the sport and give you the skills you need to get on the water confidently.