Pockets are an important feature of any life jacket. At the least you'll want to have a whistle and flares secured to your life jacket. Make sure you're able to attach these items to the jacket you choose. There are a lot of aspects to a paddle and by no means is it a simple purchase. You need to consider length, materials, weight, feathered or unfeathered, shaft, and blade shape.
Sea kayaking paddles are much different than whitewater paddles.
For sea kayaking you'll need a longer, lighter and narrower paddle. Touring paddles range in lengths between 210 and 240 cm. The taller you are the longer the paddle you should use. The weight of the paddle is important, because you're paddling over a long period of time. A heavier paddle will take more effort to use.