Disclosure: I am compensated for purchases made through some links on this site. Click for details.
Whether you’re going on a short paddle or an overnight adventure, certain safety equipment is essential when you canoe or kayak.
This canoe and kayak safety equipment checklist covers the items you’ll need for calm water paddling adventures. If you’re planning a whitewater adventure you’ll need additional safety equipment gear like a kayak helmet.
It’s important to remember that certain paddling gear is required by state and federal law enforcement agencies like the US Coast Guard. At the bare minimum, carry the safety equipment required by law. You don’t want a ticket while you’re out enjoying the outdoors. Yes, you can get a ticket. I commonly see canoes and kayaks stopped for spot checks.
Canoeing and kayaking are relatively safe when you’re educated in water safety and have the right safety equipment. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.
If you want to learn more about the differences between canoes and kayaks check out the article Canoe vs Kayak.
Canoe & Kayak Safety Equipment Checklist for Shorter Outings

- Personal flotation device (PFD)
- Safety whistle attached to PFD
- Navigational light (in case you’re out after dusk)
- Headlamp with extra batteries (in case you’re out after dusk)
- First-aid-kit
- Dry bag with water, food, sunscreen, first-aid kit, personal items, etc.
- Spare paddle
- Bilge pump
- Throw bag and/or throwable flotation device
- Towline
Additional Gear for Longer Canoe & Kayak Outings and Overnights
- Maps, permits, licenses, and any other needed paperwork (keep in a dry bag or another waterproof container)
- Phone in a waterproof case
- Compass that floats
- GPS
- Weather radio
- Emergency flares or strobe
- River knife
- Extra clothes for a change of clothing or for layering. Dress for the water while paddling and change as needed for overnighters.
- Tent and camping gear
- Dry bags for protecting gear, clothes, and tent
Other Paddling Safety-Related Equipment to Consider

The following safety and safety-related equipment should be considered. these items go one step further to keep you healthy and protected on your canoe or kayak adventure.
- Water-resistant sunscreen and lip balm
- Spray skirt
- Two-way radios for communicating with others in your group
- Large sponge
- Paddle leash
- Paddle float
- Paddling gloves
- Water shoes or neoprene footwear
- Float bags
- Repair kit
- Polarized sunglasses like the ones I wear from Bajio with eyewear retainer if you don’t want to lose them
- Hat to block the sun
- Nose plugs for kayaking
- Insect repellent
- Food
- Water in a reservoir or bottles
- Matches or other firestarters
- Cash and possibly a credit card
Supplies to Keep in Your Repair Kit

When building your repair kit, consider your adventure. If you’re on an overnight adventure or in cooler temperatures, you’ll pack differently if you’re on a day paddling trip on a warm day. Make sure your repair items are in a dry bag or waterproof container.
Items you might include in your repair kit:
- Multi-tool
- Alcohol swabs for cleaning damaged areas
- 5-minute epoxy
- Small fiberglass repair kit if your boat is fiberglass
- Static deck line
- Bungee cords
- Duct tape (I prefer gaffer tape. It’s stronger and thicker.)
- Patches or sealant for tents, sleeping pads, wetsuits, drysuits, etc
- Cable ties in assorted sizes
What else can you think of for your repair kit?
Conclusion
Canoeing and kayaking come with inherent risks. It’s part of what makes paddling fun!
Some dangers are unavoidable. It’s just the nature of things. Bringing along the necessary safety equipment will help avoid crises and make your paddling adventure far more enjoyable.
Err on the side of caution but don’t take too much gear. You don’t want to exceed the maximum capacity of your canoe or kayak or compromise its stability.
Happy and safe adventures!
Related Content:
- Fishing Float Tube Safety Guide
- Design Features To Look For In An Inflatable Kayak
- Fishing Kayaks: Sit-On-Top Kayaks vs Sit-Ins

Hey Steve Hood, great checklist! One question: do you think a GPS device should also be considered essential for longer trips? Sometimes, those river bends all start to look the same!
Loved the breakdown on the repair kits, never thought to include duct tape. Gonna add that to my gear. Cheers!
Duct tape is a lifesaver! Used it last summer when my hull got a surprise crack.
Super important to remember that weather can change super fast out on the water. Always pack extra gear just in case!
Not sure I agree with everything in the repair kit section. I think epoxy is better than super glue for certain repairs. It’s been way more reliable in my experience.
Great, now I have to actually be prepared? There goes my plan to just float downstream with a paddle and a dream.
Nice article, but can you do all this without spending a ton? Gear gets pricey.
Check out end-of-season sales at outdoor stores. Snagged some great deals on safety gear last fall!
You mentioned biodegradable soap in the supplies list, which is awesome for minimizing impact. Just wanted to add that it’s also important to use it 200 feet away from water sources to protect aquatic life!
So, no mention of waterproof speakers? How am I supposed to enjoy nature without my tunes? Just kidding, safety first…then the playlist.
Fascinating how far we’ve come. From hollowed-out logs to high-tech gear and gadgets. What will they think of next, self-paddling kayaks?