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Gear

In addition to the basics (a kayak with sealed bulkheads or flotation bags, a personal flotation device and a paddle), here is a list of the gear you are required to take with you on the various levels of HASK paddling trips. Of course you will want to bring plenty of fluids and food/snacks.

These items represent what we believe are real needs for your safety and the safety of those paddling with you. Keep in mind that the trip leader has the right to ask you not to participate if you don’t have the required gear.

If you have questions or are uncertain about anything, contact the trip leader for the trip you are planning to attend.

These requirements and recommendations are for paddling on a HASK trip where trip leaders and others on the trip will have extra paddles, signaling devices, tow systems, etc. You should consider bringing additional gear when paddling on your own or with other groups.

The USCG Vessel Safety Checklist of required and recommended paddling gear is additional to the HASK Gear Recommendations. It also contains information you should have available regarding your boat in case of loss or emergency. We recommend that you enter your boat information into your Member Profile under Additional Member Data so that it can readily be found by you or trip leaders.

“I've learned so much since joining this

group. I'm a much improved paddler, and

now enjoy the sport even more” – Kathryn S

Gear List (Participant) - Last revised 2018 Note there is a more comprehensive Trip Leader Gear List

Trip Level	Required	Additional Recommended
Level 1	PFD, ample hydration (*), snacks, whistle, clothing for air and water temp (NO COTTON IN COOL WEATHER), rain jacket, hat, sunscreen	Personal first aid kit (basic store-bought kit plus your favorite meds), Emergency Information Card in PFD pocket,
Level 2	All of the above plus personal first aid kit (basic store-bought kit plus your favorite meds). (The Trip Leader may require a spray skirt if conditions warrant.)	Spray skirt, bilge pump, paddle float, sling, spare paddle, towing system, charged cell phone in dry bag, hypothermia dry bag (**), kayak-specific repair kit and spare parts, toilet kit, Emergency Information Card in PFD pocket
Level 3	All of the above plus spray skirt, charged cell phone in dry bag, bilge pump, paddle float, spare paddle, kayak-specific repair kit and spare parts, hypothermia dry bag (**)	Towing system, sling, knife, VHF Radio Card, VHF Radio flares, GPS, toilet kit, ditch bag(***), Emergency Information Card in PFD pocket
Level 4	All of the above plus towing system, knife, VHF Radio Card, VHF Radio flares, GPS, ditch bag(***)	Sling and toilet kit, Emergency Information Card in PFD pocket
	() Ample hydration means at least two quarts of water for a day trip or at least one gallon of water per person per day of an overnight trip () Hypothermia dry bag: hat, warm top and pants, underwear, socks, gloves, space blanket, fire starters, matches or lighter All clothing should be synthetic or wool (NO COTTON IN COOL WEATHER) (**) Ditch bag: two 16 ounce waters, fire starter kit, rescue mirror, knife, radio batteries, high energy snacks, LED flashlight or headlamp, car keys and wallet, 50 feet of cord up to 5/32" If a trip must be abandoned (ditched) on land, each paddler should take along the hypothermia dry bag, the toilet kit, the first aid kit, and the ditch bag.