East Coast Sea Kayaking Club

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!

You will need to bring (or arrange to have brought for you) at least the following items:

1. Sea kayak
2. Paddle
3. Spray deck
4. Buoyancy aid
5. Kayaking cagoule
6. Wetsuit (or drysuit and thermal undergarments)
7. Footwear - comfortable in the kayak, but suitable for walking on shore too
8. Warm hat / sun hut (as appropriate).
9. Sunglasses with retaining strap 
10. Lunch and drink (for longer meets, especially over lunchtime)
11. Personal medication, if required.
12. ISO approved helmet (kayak specific)

Members can borrow items 1 - 5 from the club, by prior arrangement (see equipment rental). Alternatively there are commercial providers who will rent all these items as well as a wetsuit.

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.

Please note that if you do not have suitable and complete equipment you will not be permitted to paddle with the club group.