Preparing a day- touring kayak

This instructable will give you step by step information on preping a day- touring kayak for a trip. I have been paddling for almost 5 years now, and just upgraded my Victory Blast to an Equinox 124.(the shorter version of a Future Beach Patriot) I bought it at Costco for $330 dollars.

Step 1 Packing survival equipment

When kayaking anywhere, it is always good to pack basic survival equipment in case of an emergency. For this, you should pack an L.E.D. flashlight, a basic first-aid kit, a knife, a multi-use tool, and hand sanitizer (for washing your hand before you eat anything). All of these supplies should be stowed in a small water-tight container. The container should be stored within close reach of the paddler at all times. I always keep this secured under the front bungees.

Comments

[mjmcdowell]

Go to your local motor cycle dealership and purchase a net used to secure small objects on the luggage rack of a bike, thread your Yaks bungy cord thru the edges and re-attach the bungy cord and Vola!, a net on top of your boat that can hold stuff REALLY securly. MJMcDowell

[SpeakingArrow]

I found a little net at Walmart in the sporting goods section for a motorcycle I think. It was just the right size and this is a great idea. It was cheep but I don't remember the price. Both Kayaks now support the net and hold my extra stuff.

[rock climber]

Great idea.  Thanks!

[willih2o]

Pretty good , but no mention of PFD lifevest, weather or clothing .
Unfortunately this where many "sunshine only" kayakers miss the point.

For additional kayaking info
http://bit.ly/detroitkayak 

[zigzagchris]

sunshine kayakers haha
i went kayaking last week in ct in 30 degree temperature. Fun to kayak through the ice even if tho i was still a little worried it might capsize me.

[rock climber]

Thankyou so much for mentioning that.  I have no idea why I did not put a page up about all of that kind of stuff.  I will add another page for that as soon as possible.

[mjmcdowell]

I'ts ok, I wear the proper clothing considering the weather and put on my PFD by rote, it's automatic, your not mentioning this gear is probably because you just... do it automaticaly every time, I do see people who don't have a dry bag, knife water, etc., oh well...... I also drag a 15 ' length of yellow floating ski rope with a big knot in the end to help me get back to the boat should I fall in, and a long fiberglass  mast w/orange flag (like the ATV folks use) so as to be better seen by other watercraft if they are on the same waters you use, we are so low to the surface even with a bright colored boat this gets the visability up higher and it moves. Attach any way you want behind your seat, mine is in a large suction cup (like the ones used on the old roof  racks) the mast fits tight and works well if your boat is smooth. If not use industrial velcro to mount the suction cup semi-permantly to the deck (this is how I had to do it.) I go solo out in the bush and on the waters, I know I supose I should not.......... but this is the way I have been doing it for over 35 yrs. :) MJMcDowell