Group Safety

As storage space in your kayak is limited, you’ll want to divide all the necessary safety equipment among your paddling group.

First Aid Kit

Don’t forget to keep your first aid kit dry inside your dry bag. A good kit should be easily accessible within your kayak and adaptable for the size of the group. Make sure you have plenty of waterproof matches and a roll of duct tape in your kit.

Throw line

The basic tool of rescues, it is a bag that stores rope so that it remains kink free. This allows the bag to be thrown to the causality easily. The rope needs to float on water and be manageable in cold hands.

It must use the clean line principal so that if the rope has to follow the swimmer, it won’t snag causing complications.

Tow line

Tow line have two parts, a webbing belt with a quick release mechanism and a cow’s tail with a karabiner.

They are useful on placid water however you should consider the risk in white water or surf. In these circumstances you may want to look at webbing sling and karabiner combination.

Rescue knife

An easily accessible sharp knife that can be used single handed is essential in emergency situations. From cutting ropes to freeing spray decks.

The blade should have a flat point to reduce risk of puncturing people.

Splits (Paddle)

Every group should carry a minimum of one spare break-a-part paddle set. With a larger group, or on a particularly remote or long decent, you may want to bring along a few break-apart paddles to prevent a white-knuckle hand paddle or a long hike out.