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The Spray Deck
Generally made from neoprene or nylon, the spray deck is designed to keep water out of your kayak when you’re in the water. The advantages should be apparent! Your kayak will float better and you’ll be warmer. Beginners often use a nylon deck because a nylon deck seems like it should be easier to remove. Neoprene decks, although tighter than nylon, pop off when required very easily. Neoprene decks are much better at keeping water out than nylon decks and will not usually let you down in the rapids like a nylon deck might.
 
Buoyancy Aid - BA
A good buoyancy aid is essential for each and every kayaker, beginner or experienced. Not designed as a lifejacket but will provide enough additional flotation to help you to shore in an emergency when you’re soggy but conscious. Get one, not a cheap one, a good one - must be made to CE standard.
  
Air Bags
   
Air bags are a handy accessory, they are used to take up all the free space in your kayak. This might not sound so useful but the first time you capsize your boat and you find out how much water weighs you will realise just how useful they are! Prevents your boat from sinking when you capsize, makes it easier to rescue your boat.
Wetsuit
  
A wet suit is very useful for kayakers, the neoprene material holds a thin film of water close to your skin where it is warmed by your natural body heat (almost like being in a warm bath)! Helps to prevent hypothermia for those of us who insist on kayaking in the winter months. Available as a 1-piece full suit, shortie or separate trousers and top. 1-piece is more efficient at heating, separates are more versatile, thin neoprene shorties are perfect for the warmer months.
Helmet
A good helmet is essential for any kayaker, it keeps your head warm and stops your from knocking your brains out on bridges and other obstacles! Some helmets are nothing more than fashion accessories and should be avoided, it is essential that the forehead is covered sufficiently to avoid injury. It’s much more important to be safe than it is to look good!
  
Cag
A good cag is essential for paddling in windy, wet weather, acting as a barrier between the elements and your wet suit. A good cag prevents wind chill and keeps you dry in showery weather. Available with short sleeves for Spring/Summer and long sleeves for Autumn/Winter. Primarily to shield you from the wind and rain, also keeps your insides dry should you capsize. Dry and semi-dry models are available. Dry cags have tighter seals to keep the majority of water out in the severest conditions. Cags can be combined with a spray deck into a 1-piece cag-deck.
  
Wet Shoes/Boots
Training or running shoes are too bulky for comfortable paddling and can trap you in your boat. Wet shoes/boots are designed for the job and have grippy soles to avoid slipping on wet rocks etc. Both are very flexible and made from neoprene or other man-made fabrics to keep your feet warm.
  
Rash Vest
A rash vest is designed exactly like it sounds, to prevent you getting a rash from your wet suit. Neoprene can often grip the skin and cause welts, rashes and irritation. A rash vest is a very fine nylon garment, made with all its seams on the outside and worn underneath a wet suit to prevent the wet suit sticking to your skin. A rash vest certainly makes it much easier to get in and out of your wet suit!
  
Dry Bag/Dry Box
Ok, we’ve got you to the river now where do you put your car keys? Using a dry bag or dry box will keep all those little essentials out of the water until you get back from your trip. Fixes inside your boat with a carabiner clip. Small bags/boxes are used for phones, keys and a choc bar, larger bags can be used for sandwiches and/or spare clothing.
  
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