Good question. That is a topic that most us boaters are still stumbling over so lets go over the basics.

If you are going to paddle in Atlantic Canada you will need the following essentials:

• Instruction
• Boat
• Dry Top
• Skirt
• Fleece or Hydro skin top
• Helmet
• PFD
• Dry Pants or Neoprene Pants
• Neoprene Socks or Booties
• Paddling Mitts
• Paddle

BOAT

Boat selection can be extremely difficult. Here a few hints to select the boat that is right for you.

What type of whitewater kayaking interests you? Is it playboating, River Running, Surfing or Creeking.

Boats come in all shapes and sizes and there are two schools of thought on whether you should get into a new model or an older model. The best thing is to find a boat that is forgiving. Forgiving meaning that the boat doesn’t have hard edges that make it difficult to cross eddy lines or get flipped over in holes. The best advice is to try a couple of different boats and talk to other paddlers before purchasing one.

DRY TOP

Because most of our season is when the water is cold I strongly recommend purchasing a dry top to keep you warm and make your paddling experience enjoyable. Most beginners normally start out with a neoprene suit but it tends to limit movement and becomes obsolete once a paddler starts moving to a more advanced phase.

I recommend starting out with a dry top because it will save you a few dollars in the end and you will not feel constricted while learning.

SKIRT

Find a skirt that has a good seal on your boat. Most manufacturers have a recommended size for your boat. A good seal will prevent implosions and unnecessary swims. The skit should also fit snug around your waist to prevent water from going into your boat.

There are also skirt/dry top combinations available on the market which may cost a bit more money but they are a little more comfortable and give you a little more body movement.

FLEECE or HYDROSKIN TOP

Never wear cotton in cold water. Cotton actually takes heat from your body and can lead you to hyperthermia on a cold wet day. Fleece is commonly used under dry top and dry pants in the winter. Also on the market are different versions of HYDROSKIN which is a light layer that keeps your body heat on your skin.

HELMET

Essential to keeping your noggin intact. Hockey Helmets are not for rivers they are for playing hockey not paddling. Purchase a helmet designed for paddling.

PFD

Do not let me see you without one. It’s the law and it will save your life. There are different types available. River Running vests, PlayBoating vests and new to the market Creek and survival vest http://www.hydroscapes.net The best protection on the water is your PFD.

DRY PANTS OR NEOPRENE PANTS

Keep your lower body warm especially if you have an unexpected swim in the winter time. Same rules apply Neoprene is a short term purchase go for the dry pants.

PADDLING MITTS

Paddling mitts are only thing that will keep your hands warm all winter long. I’ve paddled in minus 15 Celsius weather and still had warm hands. NRS have a product they call toaster mitts the best $50.00 dollars you will ever spend.

PADDLE

There are paddles with all shapes and sizes both left and right twist with different offsets and bent shafts and straight shafts. Make sure you buy a whitewater paddle they are the only type of paddle that will last on a river. Most common offset is 30 degrees but if you plan on playboating the less the better even 0 is good.

I hope this helps you in the gear selection process. Make sure to buy whatever is most comfortable for you. Talk to other paddlers whether its on our boaterboard or someone you know. Educate yourself before buying.