Canoe & Kayak Survival Kits go by several names: bailout bags, safety kits, survival bags, etc. And we’re not just talking about a first aid kit and a cell phone here. A well equipped survival kit should include the following items:

• A handheld marine radio (with weather bands)
• A handheld compass
• A GPS unit (optional)
• Waterproof matches
• Fire starter
• An emergency blanket
• A first aid kit (marine variety)
• A small fishing kit (line, hooks, bobbers, plastic worms, etc)
• Several flares
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• An emergency strobe light
• A air blow fog/air horn
• Duct tape (Red Green would be proud)
• 30- foot length of rope
• Emergency food rations — energy bars, food sticks, etc
• 2- Liters’ of water per person
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellant
• Toilet paper (not optional)

We know this sounds like a lot of STUFF to be hauling about but you’d be surprised with how much equipment can be stowed in a good 6×12″ or 8×14″ dry bag. Remember, a good dry bag correctly stored serves the dual purpose of adding a little extra flotation to your kayak or canoe.

You can always add to or subtract from the above list. But just remember: a good kayak survival kit isn’t a luxury… it’s a necessity. Like the old commercial says: don’t leave home without it… or something like that so PADDLE SAFELY!

If you paddle at night, or in heavy fog, you’re going to be a lot less visible to other boats on the water. Unlike larger boats, kayaks aren’t required to show running lights, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. It’s a good idea to always have a waterproof flashlight or better yet a multi-purpose kayak light as part of your night paddling gear. Another great and inexpensive safety idea is to add reflective tape to your kayak, PFD, and paddle. Reflective tape, while not as effective as actual lights, will still make you far more visible in darker conditions to oncoming boats with running lights of their own.

Another way to get attention while kayaking at night is to bring along a whistle. Whistles are small enough attached to your PFD. An even better idea is to include a handheld foghorn. These ‘VERY LOUD’ Horns are especially effective in fog (hence the name) or when motorboat traffic exists.

Kayaking at night requires you to have ‘your head on a swivel’ as you must keep a constant lookout for boat traffic in your area. If you spot a pair of white lights – one above the other – this will normally
indicate a boat that is traveling directly toward you. This is a good time to get use both your lights and/ or noisemaker to let the boat know you’re there.

You can also use red and green port and starboard lights to judge whether or not a boat is headed your way. If you see a red light to the left of the green light, the boat in question is moving away from you. If, on the other hand, the red light is to the right of the green, the boat is coming toward you, and you may need to signal it and/or take avoiding action.

Another danger at night is the fact that motorized boats often make sudden turns, and they can change direction straight toward you in a moment’s notice. If your flashlight fails to get the other boat’s attention, you can fire off a white flare as a last resort. Unlike a red flare, a white flare is not a distress signal, but it will certainly make your presence known. It’s a good idea to stock your kayak with several white and red flares for emergencies.

Paddling at night is all about being noticed, being proactive and minimizing risk… and at night, that’s really the name of the game… so like Nikey says- ‘Just Do It!

NOTE: Frontenac Outfitters stocks great selection of night gear such as; Whistles, air blow Fog horns, flashlights, a PFD waterproof strobe light, and a waterproof kayak multi
purpose light that includes – an SOS signal, 2- way LED Flashlight, Emergency Xenon Strobe, Red Night Vision Light and a Magnetic Suction Cup Base w’ tether.

Now, if you’re a whitewater paddler, you probably don’t have time to do much photography – at least when you’re out on the water. But there are always those breaks between runs, when a good camera can come in handy indeed. And of course if you’re a flat-water paddler, there will often be many opportunities to give that camera shutter a workout.

Kayak Photography Tip #1 – If you’re shooting wildlife, it’s always a good idea to make your approach from upwind and at a distance. Just let your boat drift into the scene, moving closer and closer, and wait for the wildlife to adjust to your presence. Having a longer zoom lens always helps in getting those great close-up shots.

Tip #2 – Dusk and dawn are the best times. The light in the morning and evening has that soft, buttery quality that makes for great photographs. And the wildlife is active in those times as they hunt, forage for food, and go about their business.

Tip #3 – Get as close as you can. Even with a zoom or telephoto lens, it seems like the best photographs are taken up close, within 30 or 40 feet of your subject. Make eye contact if you can, and move slowly and carefully to avoid spooking your subject.

Tip #4 – Don’t scrimp on the film. You’ll probably have to take lots of photos to come out with a handful that you really like, so take along lots of film – or memory cards, if you shoot digital.

Tip #5 – Keep your gear dry. Kayak photography is great, but you won’t like that repair bill if you get water in your expensive digital or 35mm camera. One idea is to keep your gear in zip lock or waterproof bags when not in use, and keep your camera strapped around your neck at all times. We attach a small, easy to use ‘waterproof’ camera to our PFD so it’s always ready at a moments notice.

And there you have it. The best way to learn this fascinating hobby is to just get out into the wilderness and shoot some pictures. If nothing else, you’ll be out in a place that’s beautiful and quiet and balanced in a way no city could ever be. And if you’re real lucky, you might just catch that once-in-a-lifetime shot that makes it on the cover of one of those glossy nature magazines.