So you've got your boat. But, it takes more than a boat to make a paddler. There are a few other essential items you will need to get started. shop now Paddle: There are paddles designed specifically for use with whitewater boats. Unlike canoe paddles, whitewater paddles have blades at each end. One of the most important determining factors in selecting a paddle is proper length. Talk with our paddling specialists to make sure you get a paddle that is right for you. shop now   Spray Skirt: A skirt makes your kayak watertight while you splash through rapids or Eskimo roll. Most whitewater skirts are made of neoprene. Skirts need to fit both around your waist and the cockpit of the boat, so make sure you get the right size. Our paddling specialists can assist you with choosing the correct skirt for your boat. shop now   PFD: A type III or V Coast Guard approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is required in the United States. This is a vest type jacket, NOT one of those orange horseshoe type jackets. Whatever the law requires, it's just plain smart to wear one. Swimming in whitewater is harder than in normal water; the body is less buoyant in aerated water. Whitewater offers plenty of opportunities for confusion, or unconsciousness, which can make a life jacket the difference between life and death. shop now Helmet: A helmet is considered a firm requirement for whitewater. There are whitewater helmets made specifically for paddling, where low-speed impacts are more likely than high-speed. Protec (tm) is probably the most common. Put it on, strap it on, wear it out. Note, wearing a thin cap under your helmet makes cold-water paddling much more enjoyable. shop now Drytop: A drytop is the top half of a drysuit. It is designed to keep water off your body by enclosing you in a loose-fitting layer of waterproof fabric sealed by rubberized neck and wrist gaskets (kind of like wearing a Zip Lock Baggie). Wear fleece or polypro layers underneath for extra insulation. shop now Wetsuit: Wetsuits provide a first layer of insulation and can be paired with a drytop, paddle jacket, and/or fleece sweater for extra warmth. Wetsuits work by trapping a thick film of water between the suit and your body. Once water fills the suit, it is warmed by your skin and adds a layer of insulation. Wetsuits designed especially for boaters provide freedom of motion, durability, and warmth. shop now Booties: Footwear will protect your feet and keep them warm. Most people prefer booties for kayaking because they are comfortable inside a whitewater boat. These booties also have souls designed for walking on slippery rocks. shop now Gloves: Neoprene gloves or Pogies will keep your digits warm while chillin' on the water. Pogies are akin to mittens that attach to your paddle. A bare hand is contained inside the Pogie, allowing the paddler to feel the contour of the paddle shaft. Gloves cover the entire hand and provide blister protection. shop now Skull Cap: Prevent an ice cream headache. The skull cap pairs with your helmet to make your experience more comfortable. shop now Safety: You can never predict when an accident will happen; it is always a good idea to be prepared. These items are highly recommended for trips both long and short. If something does happen, you will be glad you have these items. shop now Floatation: A gallon of water weighs about 8.3 pounds. If you capsize, you are dealing with a very heavy boat. Flotation displaces some of the water and saves you the energy you will desperately need to get to shore. It will also make emptying your kayak much easier. shop now Videos: We are visual creatures. Instructional videos make great learning tools. Outdoorplay carries videos that will teach you all levels of paddling skills, from rolling and forward strokes, to playboating and river rescue.