Safety Gear

Bring the following safety items with you on every paddling trip, no matter what its length or expected difficulty. Check and restock all items carefully prior to each departure, and store them in a safe, dry area at all times during your trip:

The First-Aid Kit

The essentials

Every first-aid kit should include a comprehensive, easy-to-read first-aid book or reference manual. This manual should address the injuries and illnesses that you're mot likely to encounter in the wilderness.

Basic supplies

The specific items packed in a paddling first aid kit should reflect:

• The type of trip being planned—ocean voyage or local lake trip?
• The location of the trip—far from civilization or just outside of town?
• The number of paddlers in the paddling group—2 or 20?
• The duration of the trip—a weekend jaunt or a month-long expedition?

Basic first aid supplies typically include things like aspirin, Band-Aids, tweezers, antiseptic, antacid tablets, burn ointment, ace bandages and athletic tape. More advanced kits usually include additional supplies like ice packs, emergency blankets, smelling salts, snake bite kits, splints and so on.

Experience

No matter how well-stocked your first aid kit is, it's of little use if you and your paddling companions don't know how to use the items stored inside. Enroll in a wilderness first aid course before you begin taking backcountry trips, and remember to update your skills from time to time to make sure you haven't forgotten any important procedures.

Store your paddling first aid kit in a clearly marked, waterproof bag (or box), in an easy-to-access spot in your boat (like underneath your seat). Medical emergencies demand quick responses, and you don't want to have to dig through gear to find your first-aid supplies.

Communication Equipment

Communication equipment includes any gear used to make contact with other paddlers or vessels. It typically involves radios and signaling devices.

Radios

The main reason that paddlers carry radios is to stay informed about the weather. Paddlers are often out in the wilderness for days (or even weeks) at a time, and weather patterns can change quickly. It is important to have a way to keep up with approaching conditions.

There are a number of compact, durable weatherproof radio receivers on the market designed specifically to pick up around-the-clock weather updates.

Other types of paddling radios include two-way VHF transceivers, which can be used to pick up weather reports and talk to other marine vessels, and EPIRB'S (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) which—once activated—send out emergency signals to monitoring agencies like the US Coast Guard. These radios are more expensive than basic receivers, and neither is necessary for most beginning and intermediate paddling journeys.

All paddling radios, even those advertised as "water tight," should be stored in some sort of waterproof bag or box during paddling. They should be placed somewhere in the boat where they can be easily reached, in case you need weather information while you're still on the water.

Signaling devices

Signaling devices are items used to attract the attention of individuals who are too far away for voice communication. Like first-aid supplies, the signaling equipment you carry on a paddling trip should reflect the specifics of your trip. For example, a loud voice, a brightly-colored PFD and a few pre-determined hand signals will take care of most short, inland trips. But you may need a larger collection of signaling devices for longer voyages, bigger bodies of water and more adverse paddling conditions.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because there's always a risk of you getting separated from your boat, carry your signaling devices on your person whenever you're on the water.

Basic Signaling Options

Hand signals can be used any time paddlers are within sight of one another. A basic system of three or four messages ("need assistance", "gather up", "emergency") will take care of most communication needs.

Whistles are also useful when paddlers are nearby but not near enough for voice communication. They're inexpensive, easy to carry and use, and they're effective both day and night. Many paddlers consider whistles standard paddling equipment.

Flashlights can be used to attract the attention of other paddlers and other vessels, especially in low-light situations. They can also be used to send specific messages (Morse code).

Signal mirrors are best for situations when assistance is needed from farther away. They are easy to carry and easy to use, but are effective only during the day when the weather is clear.

Emergency flags are designed to draw the attention of nearby paddlers and/or vessels. They are compact and easy to use, but they are effective only during daylight hours when conditions and visibility are good.

Signal flares are among the most effective and most commonly used "long-distance" signaling devices. Easy to use and carry, they can be used to attract attention from a wide area. They're effective both night and day, even in adverse weather.

Strobe lights are compact, waterproof lights that can be extremely effective attention-getters. They work best on clear nights. But in a pinch they can be used just about anytime to catch someone's eye. Make sure you pack extra batteries!

Dye markers are designed primarily to draw the attention of searchers in the air. They're effective only during daylight hours, and they can be difficult to see from the water's surface. Dye trails are also extremely vulnerable to rough water conditions.

The Repair Kit

A well-stocked repair kit can turn even major breakdowns into minor inconveniences. Most experienced paddlers will tell you that creating the "perfect" kit is impossible. But the following supplies will address most of the common problems you're likely to run into:

Duct tape(or Stick Rite tape)—the ultimate paddling repair material. Waterproof and tough, it can be used to fix everything from broken paddles to blistered heels.

Sewing kit—with a good supply of needles and tough thread, for camp and clothing repairs.

Nylon patches—preferably adhesive-backed, for general repairs and quick fixes.

Lighter/matches—to seal frayed nylon edges, rope ends, etc.

Basic tools—screwdriver, pliers, knife or a good quality multi-use camp tool.

Wire/cord—strong, pliable baling wire and tough, water resistant line.

Extra hardware—buckles, straps, clevis pins and D-rings that match the ones in your equipment. Replacement seat bolts, thwart bolts, and other cane parts can also be useful.

Patch materials—all-purpose, emergency Ding Stiks bond well to most hull materials and are easy to use for short term fixes. For long-term repairs, REI sells a number of complete patching kits designed for different hull materials.

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