The following sea kayaker's checklist will help to plan your next sea kayaking adventure. Not all items listed will be needed on every trip. Pack only what you need and leave the rest at home. Remember, you've got to paddle what you pack.

Sea Kayak Needs

• Kayak (single or double with seat)
• Paddle with drip rings
• Spray skirt (two if paddling a double)
• Front and rear float tubes
• Collapsible spare paddle
• Sponge
• Bailing pump
• Waterproof storage bags
• Waterproof deck bag for storing essentials
• Foot braces

Safety Essentials

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle or hydration system such as Camelbak, Ultimate Directions or Platypus
• Water purification
• Nylon cord (50 feet)
• Waterproof/windproof matches
• Headlamp (extra bulb and batteries)
• Fire starter
• Pocket knife
• Toilet paper
• Navigation charts
• Compass
• Emergency blanket
• Whistle
• Signal mirror and flares
• Emergency snacks
• Sun hat
• Repair kit (tape, material to patch hull, pliers, nuts and bolts to fit boat parts)
• Weather radio
• Personal Floatation Device (Coast Guard Approved!)
• Current tide tables
• Waterproof watch

First Aid

• Antibiotics
• Antiseptics
• Tylenol
• Benadryl
• Tincture of Benzoin
• Sterile gauze pads
• Roller gauze
• Nonadherent dressing
• One-inch adhesive tape
• Steristrips
• Ace wrap
• Large compress
• Moleskin
• Second Skin
• Tweezers
• Bandage scissors
• Irrigation syringe
• Low-reading thermometer
• SAM splint
• Space blanket
• Pencil and emergency report form
• Emergency Phone Numbers and money for a phone call

Clothing

• Paddling jacket
• Long underwear (lightweight tops and bottoms. Synthetic is best or wool / synthetic/cotton blend)
• Wet suit jacket and pants or shorts
• Paddling shorts
• Wet suit gloves or poggies
• T-shirt (cotton / synthetic blend such as those made by Sierra Designs or Patagonia or synthetic such as Tekware by The North Face)
• Fleece, Polartec or wool sweater
• Bathing suit
• Insulated hat
• Fleece or Polartec jacket
• Croakies or Chums for glasses and sunglasses
• Rain suit (jacket and pants)
• Warm gloves for around camp
• Beach towel
• Paddling shoes or wet suit booties
• Camp / hiking shoes or all-terrain sandals
• Socks for around camp

Personal

• Quick drying towel
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hair brush
• Personal medications
• Feminine hygiene
• Lip balm
• Compact mirror

Camping Gear

• Compact tent with rainfly
• Sleeping bag and pad
• Backpacking stove and fuel (butane is typically the most compact and easiest to use)
• Cooking pot
• Cup, plate and eating utensils
• Bag for hanging food

Miscellaneous

• Binoculars
• Multi-tool knife
• Fishing gear and license
• Mini flashlight
• Extra heavy duty garbage bags
• Camera and film in waterproof bag or container
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Daypack for side trips out of boat
• Crazy Creek chair or kit to convert ThermaRest pad into chair
• Bird / sea life guidbooks
• Sewing kit
• Bandana
• Snorkel and mask
• Zip-Lock bags
• Moisturizing lotion