WHAT TO WEAR/BRING
We often get asked what should I wear or bring for a days paddling. The following is how we recommend you approach your day on the water. You’ll probably work out from the information below that a lot of this is based on actual experiences.
Clothing
Approach this as you would going for a walk in the outdoors. Wear clothing appropriate for the time of year and predicted weather. Shorts and T shirts might be fine on a hot summers day but for other times of the year you'll need something warmer.
General outdoor clothing items work fine and layers are great as they allow you to add or take things off as you need to. If paddling in the winter time we strongly recommend you have something like a thermal base layer, fleece tops and a windproof/waterproof shell. Even in the warmer months we recommend bringing a cagoule as these can help stop you getting cold if you get wet, particularly if there is any wind which will cool you down quickly.
Jeans are not really suitable for paddling as they will not dry quickly and become heavy when wet. Cotton T shirts also do not dry easily/quickly.
Always bring a change of clothes and a towel. We suggest you take these with you (particularly for children) but even if you leave them in the car you will have warm/dry clothes to change into and travel home in (and dry seats).
A hat to keep your head warm in colder months or protect you from the sun in warmer months is good.
Make sure you have footwear that will stay on your feet with a reasonable sole to offer some protection from glass or sharp stone etc should you stand in the water. Flip flops might seem a great idea for summer paddling but if you drop a boat on your toes (and people have) you will wish you’d worn something else!
When you are paddling a kayak you will get water dripping off the paddle into your lap so splashproof/waterproof trousers will help keep you dry!
Other Items
Sufficient food/lunch/snacks for the trip you have chosen.
Hot/Cold drinks depending on the time of year and plenty of water to stop you dehydrating when it is hot.
If you wear glasses bring a strap to make sure they stay on. Field tests have revealed they generally do not float very well!
Suncream if it's sunny. Water reflects the sun so please ensure you bring suncream if it’s hot, particularly for children.
Antiseptic hand gel/wipes are recommended when you stop to eat/drink
We strongly recommend you do not bring valuable item such as expensive mobile phones and cameras (unless these are waterproof). We will supply you with a dry bag or barrel to keep all your gear in. Although these are “waterproof” we cannot guarantee that the contents will remain 100% dry (lids may be put on incorrectly or bags not done up tightly enough) hence we recommend that you do not bring valuable items with you or you put items such as smart phones in your own sealed bags/containers and place these inside the dry bags/containers that we supply. We do not accept any responsibility for any items you take on the water that may get wet or damaged.
If you need any other advice on what to bring please ask!