What Guides Should Carry

The most important and frequently used item supplied by a good guide is knowledge of the area.

A guide should carry a great deal of emergency equipment though it is rarely used. Since I began guiding in 1993, I have had to help two novices who capsized. In both cases, they were paddling one person boats as opposed to the larger, more stable, two person boats used by most companies who provide tours. My first aid has consisted of supplying a few band aids or small bandages. The most frequently used emergency device has been my foghorn. I may have been exceptionally fortunate, but I have heard of no fatalities or even serious injuries associated with the sea kayak touring industry in this area. However, should an emergency arise, you are only as safe as the skill and the preparedness of your guide.

The sea is a powerful and sometimes rapidly changing force, so I carry the following:

Bailer Cell phone or UHF radio Charts Deck compass and a small backup Extra clothing First aid kit Flares Geographical Positioning System Guide license and permits if required Hand-held compass Paddle float Personal flotation device (life jacket) Proper clothing for the conditions Pump Rescue knife Repair kit (duct tape, Leatherman tool vice-grip plier, wire, jack-knife Rescue loop or sling Signaling devices (possibly flares, a mirror, strobe light emergency flag) Snacks Sound device (fog horn and/or whistle) Space blanket or hypothermia bag Spare paddle Sunglasses Sunscreen and lip protection Tide information Tow belt or tow line VHF marine radio Water Watch Waterproof flashlight

Individuals paddling without a guide should study the list and carry those items which are important to the conditions which may be encountered.