Here's a minimal list of things that you'll need to bring to any club meet in order to paddle with us. You do not necessarily have to own all of it, because the more specialist kit (kayak, paddle etc.) can be borrowed from the club or rented commercially on a per-meet basis. Indeed, we'd recommend that you don't buy the specialist kit until you've been paddling for a while, because you won't know what suits your needs!
Please note that if you do not have suitable and complete equipment you will not be permitted to paddle with the club group.
You will need to bring (or arrange to borrow) at least the following items:
- ISO approved buoyancy aid also known as PFD (a legal requirement in the Republic of Ireland).
- Sea kayak.
- Paddle.
- Spray deck.
- ISO approved helmet (sea kayak specific).
- Kayaking cagoule (paddling jacket).
- Wetsuit (or drysuit and thermal undergarments).
- Footwear - comfortable in the kayak, but suitable for walking on shore too - will get wet.
- Warm hat / sun hut (as appropriate).
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses with retaining strap.
- Lunch, snacks and hot drink (for longer meets, especially over lunchtime).
- Personal medication, if required.
- Phone in waterproof case.
- Dry bag(s) to hold lunch, car keys, spare clothing, wallet etc.
Members can borrow items 2,3 and 4 from the club, by prior arrangement (see equipment rental).
If you're paddling in cold weather, especially in winter, you'll need to bring spare warm clothing, including gloves or pogies. You must ensure that you have sufficient warm clothing with you both for use whilst paddling, but also in the event that you are stopped for lunch or a more extended period. Do not rely on other people to provide you with clothing, lunch or other equipment without making a prior arrangement with them to this effect. There are many other items that it's good to carry too, depending on your level, ability and the type of trip that you're undertaking, however the above is a good starting point.
Club leaders will carry substantially more equipment as detailed on the leader's equipment list, mostly for backup and emergency use. Many people will find some of the equipment on the leader's list useful for themselves, so everyone is encouraged to take a look.