Don't assume this to be an acceptable part of your safety kit...
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Paddle Clever |
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Paddle Safe |
Apart from your kayak, paddle and PFD there are many other items you could and most often should bring with you on your trip as part of your paddling kit for your own personal safety and the safety of those in your group - the list can be endless when it comes to these safety accessories but here are a few of the more common ones -
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Palm paddle float: €40
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The Paddle float is a great accessory for both sit-in and sit-on paddlers - the float can be quickly attached to a blade via a buckled securing strap and inflated by mouth and the paddle can then be used as an outrigger to aid a self rescue - it is also used as an aid in learning how to roll.
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NRS paddle float: €55
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With more volume and a dual air chamber design the NRS paddle float is engineered for your safety - The easy to use Twist valves provide the paddler with a back up chamber if necessary and a webbing grab loop adds extra security in those choppy conditions...
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NRS Foam paddle float: €33
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The NRS foam paddle float secures easily by sliding the blade into the fabric pocket on the back. A webbing buckle on the front then secures the paddle to the float. This is a nice option for those who have room to store this style of float as it gives the paddler the great advantage of not having to spend time inflating the float whilst in the water.
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Kayak Bilge pump: €22/€26
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The sea kayak bilge pump removes about 30 litres of water per minute without the need for a hose. Easily stored on your deck for quick access this is an essential piece of kit for anyone paddling an enclosed cockpit kayak or canoe - can also be of use to SOT paddlers who may need to remove water from their double skin hulls.
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Peak 5m Towline: €65
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The waist mounted tow line is a handy safety item to bring on a paddling trip having many uses - the wearer can perform a tow assist for an injured or tiring paddler or tow an empty kayak back to shore whilst assisting a paddler rescue - a valuable safety kit tool.
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HF Compact Throw line: €40
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A throw line can be an invaluable rescue aid for paddlers - the Compact Classic is HF's best seller in it's range featuring very fast deployment and high accuracy and it's minimalist design helps to keep the weight down on this popular throw bag - a must in any river kayakers kit bag.
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Predator Uno Helmet: €80
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Kayaking helmets are an essential piece of kit for the moving water paddler -The Predator Uno is a strongly constructed low profile shell design helmet - it's detachable fit pads ensure a comfortable snug fit and it's one size fits all makes this a very user friendly helmet for river paddlers.
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Predator Full cut helmet: €80
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For those looking for a helmet that offers good head and ear protection the Predator Full cut helmet is a good option - similar to the Uno it comes with custom fit pads and also a rear adjustable cradle so as to ensure a snug fit - it is also a one size fits all helmet.
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Gul Evo 1 Helmet: €40
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The Gul Evo Helmet has been designed for most watersports - a well pricepointed kayaking helmet with a strong and lightweight bright outer that includes ventilation holes and fully adjustable inner - it has a chinstrap to ensure the wearer a comfortable and personalised fit.
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NRS Havoc helmet: €48
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The NRS Havoc Helmet is your one-size-fits-most solution to whitewater safety. The ratchet DialFit system lets you easily adjust the helmet to quickly accommodate almost any head size and the Plush fit pads ensure great comfort - EVA Foam liners for impact protection all in a durable ABS plastic shell make for a well price pointed entry level helmet for the budding kayaker...
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Railblaza Visibility Kit: €115
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The Railblaza visibility kit is a must have for those who are paddling in low light conditions - it is becoming a popular must have accessory for SOT kayak anglers as well as for those who are paddling in heavy seas and need to be seen.
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Peak River knife: €22
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A knife is an essential item to have as part of your paddling kit being of invaluable use in a variety of kayaking situations to aid you - Peaks river knife ticks all the boxes when it comes to a practical and safe choice for this valuable accessory.
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NRS Green Knife: €43
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The compact and convenient NRS Green Knife folds up to fit in your life jacket and stays put with a spring clip. It has an easy reversible option for both left and right handed use and it's well edged and compact serrated blade is ideal for most uses on a kayak - A great small knife to keep with you on the water....
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NRS Voss Knife: €43
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Just flick your wrist and NRS's Voss Knife quickly transforms from its easy-to-carry folded position into a rescue-ready lock-blade knife. NRS designed the Voss so as to combine the convenience of a practical folding knife with the functionality of a full size rigid blade and the result speaks for itself - a very nice looking and practical knife for any paddler..
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NRS Pilot Knife: €49
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Both rescue professionals and recreational boaters love the features the NRS Pilot Knife has to offer - the sheath provides convenient access and release of the knife when you need it most and it's unique look attracts lots of attention - The contoured grip gives maximum control of the blade which is only sharpened on one edge for added safety in tight situations - The NRS Pilot knife has become a firm favourite among kayak anglers providing a very user friendly blade for all their fishing needs...
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Paddle leash; €16
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A paddle leash is a must have item for any paddler
- it's easy to drop your paddle into the water or in the event of a capsize you may be separated from your paddle - the paddle leash keeps it safely secured to your kayak. A back up split paddle is also a must in case your paddle breaks. |
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Peak Cowstail: €20
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The Peak Cowstail is an elasticated fast deploying attachment for use with PFD harness systems. It allows users to clip themselves into rescue systems.
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Peak Harness: €25
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A quick release harness accessory can be used in a variety of situations - Peak's harness is constructed from quality materials to give you a harness you can rely on in demanding conditions and rescue situations.
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Peak Karabiner: €17
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No one ventures on to the water without some form of this popular item of hardware - helpful in a variety of ways - keeping your paddle safe - assisted tows etc. Peak's Karabiner ticks all the boxes for a strong and durable quick release shackle.
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Waterproof first aid kit: €35
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You may only occasionally need it but when you do you will be very happy you have it in your paddling kit - Made from tough waterproof material Lifestyle's first aid kit contains enough equipment for injuries typically sustained from water sports, ideal for canoeing, kayaking and rafting expeditions.
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Light and Dry Pro first aid kit: €20
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Lifestyle's comprehensive Light and Dry first aid kit for those who need to minimise the weight they carry - Packed with essential items in a fully waterproof Loc-Top bag.
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Safety flag: €28
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A safety flag on your kayak is a great way to increase your visibility on the water - this flag easily fits on the stern of the kayak using a starport mount - becoming a very popular accessory used by kayak anglers and those who may be paddling in heavy seas.
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Sea Rover compass: €40
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A compass is a must have accessory for the paddler who is venturing into open water - if navigation electronics fail it can help you find your way back to shore - The Sea Rover is a practical compass for paddlers featuring a large easy to read dial base that easily attaches to the deck lines or sits on top of a deck bag - an invaluable item to have with you in misty or foggy conditions.
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Wilderness Systems rudder: €269
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RTM kayaks rudder: €215/€115
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Rudders can help a paddler to gain control and efficiency in wind or current and so can be an invaluable tool in helping you to conserve energy - The rudder blade has a foil-shape for efficiency and less drag in the water and is normally retracted via an up haul system - All Rudder kits include necessary parts, hardware, as well as full installation instructions - If you need a price on a rudder kit for any particular make and model of kayak please give us a call...
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Bringing a means of Communication with you on the water is important and you can view details of our VHF radios and Overboard mobile phone dry cases at the following links -
Cobra VHF Radios
Mobile phone dry cases
Cobra VHF Radios
Mobile phone dry cases
trip planning guidelines
- NOTE: The following are suggested guidelines only - it is your own responsibility to ensure your personal safety when partaking in watersports.
- Seek appropriate training.
- Always check weather and tides/currents.
- Ensure you will have enough daylight to complete your trip.
- Have a checklist of paddling equipment/safety kit you need to bring on your trip.
- Paddle safely in the company of others.
- Never paddle whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs or in the company of others who are
- Wear the appropriate paddling clothing for your trip.
- Bring spare dry clothing.
- Bring an effective means of communication with you on the water.
- Bring food provisions.
- Ensure someone on land knows where you are paddling and when you expect to be back and stay in communication with this base agent throughout your trip.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen on hot days.
- Always be prepared to postpone your trip if you arrive to your launch point and the weather and water conditions are not what you expected.
- Always be prepared to postpone your trip if you have forgotten an essential safety item.
If you are at all unsure as to whether you should go paddling because the weather looks changeable or you have forgotten a safety item or maybe you simply just don't feel on form then trust your instincts and leave your kayak on the roofrack and go for a nice walk instead !
Safe paddling...