Get the kit

Once you’ve got the bug, you’ll want to pick up some of your own equipment so you can get onto the water more often.

Before you rush into picking up boats and paddles, it’s worth thinking about your clothing and personal equipment.

Buoyancy aid

A buoyancy aid helps you stay afloat until you can rescue yourself or get some help. They come as either over-the-head vests, or zip-up or buckle-up jackets. All buoyancy aids sold in Britain need to be CE approved, so check the label. When they’re buckled up, a buoyancy aid should be secure enough that it won’t lift over your head.

You might also hear people talk about BAs, which stands for Buoyancy Aids, or PFDs or Personal Flotation Devices. They’re all the same thing. A life-jacket is different, with a big flotation collar, and is designed for exposed waters. Life jackets aren’t generally suitable for paddling.

Helmet

A helmet’s an essential for some types of paddling like whitewater and polo, while it’s very rare for sprint or marathon paddlers to wear one. What’s important is that the helmet covers your forehead properly and doesn’t slip or slide about on your head, even if you undo the chinstrap. Helmets also need to have a CE approval mark to show they’re safe for paddlesport use.

The rest

Other kit’s more of a personal choice, and depends on where you’re paddling and what sort of conditions you’re going out in. You can get more advice from any of the specialist paddlesport shops in Wales.

Depending on the type of paddling you’re doing, you might want to think about:

• Spraydeck (kayak only)
• Waterproof top/dry top
• Wetsuit shoes
• Neoprene shorts/tights/wetsuit
• Thermal underlayers
• Paddling gloves