Have a First Aid Kit
A small air-tight container for a first aid kit dry box is a must-have. Insert your dry box in a sealable plastic bag and and then put that in two more bags for a couple of reasons. First, it assures you that those supplies will remain dry and second, the extra bags double as waste containers or other purposes during paddling if needed.
Here's a basic dry box first aid kit:
- Aspirin
- Antiseptic Cream
- Band-Aids (variety)
- Bandages or gauze
- Antacids
- Burn Cream for skin
- Sugared Candy
- Energy food bars
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For an extended trip, include:
- Change of warm clothing - fleece
- Thermal emergency blanket
- Type IV PFD for throwable float
- Disposable lighter to make a fire
- Ice pack
Wear Bright colors
When you buy your kayak and any gear, choose bright colors—they double as a visual signal. Consider bright orange, yellow or bright green. Red is not as visible at long distances.
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Keep Flotation Bags on Board
If you're going to spend any money on gear, float bags are worth your first consideration. Float bags are inflatable cone shapes that clip-fit inside the front and back ends of a kayak to keep it afloat if capsized.
I think they're the coolest kayaking safety item you can have. You can get two standard kayak floats for under $100—money well spent.