Kayaking is most enjoyable when you love your paddle. You'll need a special life preserver that is shorter than regular boating models. Always wear it when crossing deep water. A hand-operated bilge pump is handy for keeping the cockpit dry without having to flip the boat. A spray skirt keeps water out of the cockpit in rain or waves.
Full skirts fit tightly around the paddler's chest and attach under the cockpit rim.
Mini skirts, suitable for most fishing, cover only the front half of the cockpit. A paddle float and rescue line are emergency items in the event that you capsize. You will need to be shown how to use them. Attach 15 feet of nylon line to the anchor and tie a brass snap to the running end. Roll the line around the anchor and carry it wedged under the deck cord.