What to Bring

Day Tours

Bring gear that works for you. Cotton is comfortable, but very cold when wet. Air temperatures are generally in the 60s and 70s. Water temperatures range from the 50s to low 60s.

Clothing

  • Old sneakers, wetsuit booties, or surf shoes that can get wet.
  • Fleece jacket or wool sweater.
  • Sun hat or visor.
  • Shorts, preferably quick drying. 
  • T-shirt.
  • Windbreaker or light jacket.
  • Change of clothes for after kayaking.

Personal

  • Water bottle and snacks.
  • Sunglasses with strap.
  • Sunscreen, lip balm.
  • Any specialized medications or needs.

The following are optional and unnecessary, but you may want to consider:

  • Binoculars (small)
  • Waterproof camera*

*We strongly discourage bringing electronic devices (i-anything) that are not guaranteed waterproof.

Printable PDF: What to Bring: Day & Half-Day Trips

Loading gear at the Launch

Courses & Multi-Day Trips

Choose equipment that will serve you well. Your choice is part of your adventure. This list should be modified to suit your ability, knowledge, the environment and type of course or trip. 

Clothing

  • Old sneakers, wet suit booties, or surf shoes for boating.
  • Sneakers or extra surf shoes for dry land.
  • 2 pairs of socks.
  • Long underwear or tights (preferably poly, nylon is cold.)
  • Fleece jacket or wool sweater.
  • Rain gear: hat, jacket, and pants.
  • Sun hat or visor, poly or wool ski hat.
  • Zip-T or heavier shirt (preferably poly.)
  • Shorts, preferably quick drying.
  • Bandanna or small towel.
  • Extra change of clothes.

Camping 

  • Summer sleeping bag (down or fiberfill, not cotton): the smaller the stuffed size, the better.
  • Compression stuff-sack.
  • Sleeping pad (3/4 length Therm-a-Rest recommended.)

Personal

  • Water bottle.
  • Sunscreen, lip balm.
  • Sunglasses with strap (possibly floating.)
  • Personal toilet kit, small towel, biodegradable soap.
  • Small flashlight and/or headlamp, extra batteries.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Any specialized medications or needs .

Other Things

  • Farmer John or shorty wetsuit for summer paddling.
  • Paddling jacket.
  • Paddling gloves.
  • Dry bags and boxes.
  • Daypack or waist pack.
  • Binoculars (small.)
  • Waterproof camera.
  • Large mesh bag for carrying gear from boats to campsites.

Printable PDF: What to Bring: Courses & Multi-Day Trips

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you."   Frank Lloyd Wright