Utilities
Full river trip equipment list
Trip brief
Online trip register (see below for printable pdf version)
Sea Kayak Rental Form
Trip brief
Online trip register (see below for printable pdf version)
Sea Kayak Rental Form
For day trips on the river – some things you need.
Remember, if items are not tied into your boat it will float out or sink when you wet exit.
New paddlers must realize that everything you have in your kayak will be lost when you and your kayak part company. So tie everything in – use karabiners to make it easy to attach/detach.
So what gear should you have before you push off?
them part of your essential equipment
Winter Kayaking
With the cooler months ahead please take a few moments to check your gear and prepare yourself for paddling in changeable conditions.
If you’re new to the sport of kayaking you will find that winter is a great time to go paddling. Many of the rivers will increase in flow hence making them very different and fun to paddle, so don’t hang up your kayak for winter, just dress for the occasion.
What you will need to consider is keeping warm and dry, things like your feet get cold quickly as they are not moving so wear booties or socks. Up to 80% of body heat can be lost through your head, invest a few dollars in a polypro hat, these are thin enough to be worn under your helmet.
For the body make sure you have ample polypro both top and bottoms, several layers on the top will assist. Probably the most important is to keep as much water as possible out of the top half, a good dry-top is the best option. There are heaps available to cater for all levels and budgets. Keep an eye on the NZ Rivers Website as there are often tops being sold second hand. Q-Kayaks in Ashhurst have a limited stock of smaller & larger drytops, remember if you are a club member you get 20% off.
Snack food and hot drinks are a must when kayaking in cold conditions. Take a small thermos in the back of your kayak this helps
warm you up if you have an OBE, or even stop for a lunch break to get your energy levels up.
Don’t forget to take good warm clothing for when you get off the river!
Trip Brief for River Kayaking.
Sea kayaking rental form needs to be filled out by everyone renting a sea kayak from Manawatu College.
Link to the form is HERE.
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Remember, if items are not tied into your boat it will float out or sink when you wet exit.
New paddlers must realize that everything you have in your kayak will be lost when you and your kayak part company. So tie everything in – use karabiners to make it easy to attach/detach.
So what gear should you have before you push off?
- kayak, well-fitted with comfortable seat, footrests adjusted to suit your body, air bags fitted and blown up (kayaks can be hired for Club trips)
- Helmet, paddle, PFD (Personnal Floatation Devise) & a good fitting spray deck (can be hired for Club trips)
- River shoes or booties.
- Dry bag for food, first aid & rescue gear, spare polypros, valuables etc attached to your kayak
- Polypros or fleece underneath wet suit or dry top. Hot heads are great under your helmet. In winter, a dry top or paddle jacket is essential to keep out water and wind, even better a drysuit if you can afford.
- If you don’t have a Hot Head – get a balaclava
- Food and drink – a flask is a good idea to warm you up, choccy bars, but make sure they are fastened inside your kayak.
them part of your essential equipment
- PLB ( Personal Locater Beckon)
- Split paddle (can be hired for Club trips)
- Detachable Tow line on your PFD with paddlebiner for rescuing boats
- Throw bag – 20m of floating line(can be hired for Club trips)
- first aid kit – basic but your life may depend on it
- Duct Tape
- Sun Block
- Torch, compass
- Rope, prusik cord, pulley, extra carabiners (river rescue)
- Spare polyprops
- Survival kit including fire lighting gear & space blanket
- Rescue knife
Winter Kayaking
With the cooler months ahead please take a few moments to check your gear and prepare yourself for paddling in changeable conditions.
If you’re new to the sport of kayaking you will find that winter is a great time to go paddling. Many of the rivers will increase in flow hence making them very different and fun to paddle, so don’t hang up your kayak for winter, just dress for the occasion.
What you will need to consider is keeping warm and dry, things like your feet get cold quickly as they are not moving so wear booties or socks. Up to 80% of body heat can be lost through your head, invest a few dollars in a polypro hat, these are thin enough to be worn under your helmet.
For the body make sure you have ample polypro both top and bottoms, several layers on the top will assist. Probably the most important is to keep as much water as possible out of the top half, a good dry-top is the best option. There are heaps available to cater for all levels and budgets. Keep an eye on the NZ Rivers Website as there are often tops being sold second hand. Q-Kayaks in Ashhurst have a limited stock of smaller & larger drytops, remember if you are a club member you get 20% off.
Snack food and hot drinks are a must when kayaking in cold conditions. Take a small thermos in the back of your kayak this helps
warm you up if you have an OBE, or even stop for a lunch break to get your energy levels up.
Don’t forget to take good warm clothing for when you get off the river!
Trip Brief for River Kayaking.
- Check your gear and make sure you are wearing it correctly. Get a buddy and check each other.
- If you are a new paddler never put yourself at the front or end of the group. Follow an experienced paddler.
- If in doubt pull out! If you can’t wet exit tell someone and practise before we start the trip.
- Paddle signals, Always point to the positive. Straight up = go or come to me. Pointing sideways = follow the direction.
- Avoid trees they are like sieves.
- If you come out of your boat in a rapid try to position yourself so you are facing down stream with your feet up. When safe you can then swim to the edge. Do not try to stand in fast flowing water. Worry about your self first, after that, if you can hold your paddle and/or boat then do so. Don’t worry if you can’t, others will get them.
- Keep away from the upstream side of the raft, the current may pull you under it.
- If you see someone swimming and you can’t help, get yourself to a safe place and wait.
- Let someone know if you are feeling uncomfortable. We can’t help if we don’t know. Perhaps rafting two kayaks might be better than another swim etc. Swimming can be very tiring.
- Look after the environment. Leave it as you found it or better.
- If you see a fisherman, move out of their way. Respect everyone on the river, lake or sea.
- Encourage & support your fellow paddlers.
- Trip reports and or photos to the editor please.
- Trip leaders, please fill in the online TRIP REGISTER at the beginning of each trip or use a printout of the trip register pdf.
Sea kayaking rental form needs to be filled out by everyone renting a sea kayak from Manawatu College.
Link to the form is HERE.
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