Paddling kit is a source of endless discussion, tinkering at the best of times. When preparing for some form of assessment it can border on the obsessional. As part of my preparation for assessment with the BCU 4* Leaders award, I spent a long time thinking through the kit I was going to carry and in particular where I was going to store the kit so that as incidents occurred I could deal with them quickly and efficiently, in particular trying to organise kit so I could avoid opening front and rear hatches when on the water.
I ended up creating an A5 laminated checklist of the kit, showing where it is stored, which served two purposes:
- Served as a packing list to avoid forgetting essential items
- Is carried on trips so if anything happens to me other group members know what kit I carry and where
The photograph at the top of this article shows all the kit laid out for packing and my A5 kit list can be downloaded here should it be of interest. A couple of points regarding the kit:
- My VHF and a day night flare are in the day hatch in calmer conditions but are moved to either deck or buoyancy aid if rougher conditions are likely.
- The ‘coverall’ stored in my ‘quick warm kit’ is a hooded cag top that fits over the top of all other kit, including PFD and spray deck.
- The idea of the 3 mini kits (ouch pouch, quick repair kit and quick warm kit) which are instantly to hand to deal with first aid, repairs and rewarming a paddler long enough to get to shore and deal more effectively with an incident.
I should state that this list is NOT the definitive list, it simply reflects what I currently carry and is something I have no doubt I will tweak and improve over time and with further experience. I would welcome questions and suggestions.
Useful Links:
4* Sea Leaders Kit List – downloadable .pdf version of A5 kit list
Thanks for posting this. It looks solid. I always throw something sweet into my first aid kit as well. During one tour, I was using the shop’s kit and ended up with a diabetic who needed sugar, and the shop’s kit didn’t have anything. I fixed that problem after we got back. Plus, during assessments it always seems like someone ends up playing a diabetic. Don’t know why.
Why a knife in the pocket and not lashed to the outside of your vest?
This one has to be a cultural language difference: What’s a Flash Bang?
I always carry a rescue stirrup. Why did you choose not to carry one?
Hi Bryan.
Knife – the pocket is just where it lives now a days – I’ve worn it on the front of the PFD in the past but it has migrated to the front pocket and stayed there.
Flash Band – this is something plumbers or roofers in the UK use to seal broken pipes, guttering etc. Thick, self adhesive tape – I carry strips in the quick repair and main repair kit. Slap it on, even when wet, rub it vigorously to activate the adhesive and it sticks really well. Horrible to clean off but awesome stuff. http://reviews.diy.com/2191-en_gb/10517612/reviews.htm
Stirrup – The floating line and karabiner I carry in the PFD is multi-use. The karabiner is fixed at one end. Tie an overhand knot in the other and you can clip it into a stirrup/sling. I also use it for towing rafted boats as part of the quick release set-up. I did carry a sling but this recent addition has now replaced it.
You guys have all the neat sticky stuff over there. That flash band stuff looks pretty cool.
Duncan,
The “photograph at the top of this article” doesn’t appear to be there.
I don’t know whether it went when you did your site upgrades, but I can’t see it!
Thanks,
Fixed! Thanks for the heads up