Kayaking

Kayaking: frequently asked questions

What safety equipment does Transport Canada require in a kayak?

A sit-inside kayak must carry a lifejacket or PFD for each person, a buoyant heaving line at least 15 m long, a bailer or manual bilge pump, and a sound-signalling device such as a pealess whistle. After sunset, before sunrise or in low visibility you also need a light, and a watertight flashlight is acceptable. On a sealed-hull or sit-on-top kayak where everyone wears a properly sized lifejacket or PFD, only the sound-signalling device is required, plus the flashlight in low light.

Which kayak cart wheels work best?

Solid, no-flat tires won't puncture on gravel or rocky launches, and larger wheels (10" rather than 7.5") roll more easily over sand and roots. Choose a cart rated above the weight of your loaded kayak. A folding frame helps if the cart has to ride inside the hatch.

Is a throw bag worth carrying in a kayak?

Yes. A throw bag with floating rope is the quickest way to reach a swimmer from shore or another boat. If its buoyant rope is at least 15 m long, as on Better Boat's 50 ft and 70 ft bags, it can also meet Transport Canada's heaving-line requirement. Clip it where you can reach it instead of packing it in a hatch.

Sources: tc.canada.ca