Pathway Paddle Kit List

This is a suggested list of what to wear and what to bring to an LSKC Pathway Paddle.

In the car

• Full set of dry clothing: top, bottoms, socks, hat, footwear, jacket
  • All this to change out of before/into after the paddle. An old mat to change on is useful but not essential, though a towel may be

On you

• Thermal underwear top and bottoms – base layers for next to skin – retains warmth but also wicks moisture away from skin
  • Decathlon/ Mountain Warehouse/Go Outdoors are relatively cheap year-round
    sources; Aldi and Lidl will stock same for cycling, running and skiing but it’s seasonal
    and sells out fast
• Fleece layer next if it’s really cold and not using a wetsuit
• Decent cag or waterproof top with wrist seals in cold weather; dry trousers if not
  using wetsuit. Neoprene boots from Lomo or seasonally from Aldi/Lidl; aren’t
  waterproof but better in cold weather
• Neoprene gloved or pogies (paddling mitts.) Thin gloves with Marigolds on top as
  alternative
• Waterproof top if warmer; waterproof trousers if not using wetsuit.
• Footwear can be trainers – waterproof socks a good idea. See above for suppliers.
• More hat(s): fleece/woolly for cold days; baseball cap or wide-brimmed (think fedora
  or bushperson) for sun/rain/unwanted aerial seabird deposits
• Buoyancy aid – small waterproof items can be attached and carried in pockets i.e.
  extra emergency card, waterproof camera, whistle, sweeties/bars. Car keys, phone
  should be double-bagged in a zipped pocket or in waterproof pouch.

On the boat

• Water source (bottle/hose and reservoir)
• • The latter can also be stored in buoyancy aid rear pouch

In the boat

• Drybags – Ideally, anything not waterproof should be stored in drybags. Look for small and medium sizes – have several of these – easier to pack in hatches
  • Home Bargains are another seasonal source. Key tags on each bag are a good idea to help you find the right one! Resealable food bags can be useful for small items/quantities
• Cheap over-cag to retain heat at lunch stop e.g. Decathlon poncho – buy XL
• Spare thermals/fleece/compressible warm jacket/hat/gloves i.e. emergency clothing
• Sunglasses/suncream (reflection from water, like snow, can have a major impact)
• Thermos flask with hot drink
• Lunch – something quick, especially in cold weather as stop may not be long. You may be hungrier than you thought you might be. Same goes for snacks to keep you going en-route e.g. Jelly Babies, energy gels, cereal bars, chocolate, cake. Especially cake
• Sponge to assist emptying out cockpit
• Headtorch/light
• COVID materials – sanitiser and mask, preferably reusable rather than disposable
• Any personal medication, plus paracetamol/ibuprofen for minor aches /pains – seasickness pills if you’re affected by motion sickness
• Toilet kit (bag with trowel, loo roll, wipes and plastic bag to take used roll/wipes home)