WINTER PADDLING 

Drysuit:  for winter paddling it is worth investing in a drysuit. Nowadays you can buy one at a reasonable price in the internet. Be aware that a kayaking drysuit must have a double waist tunnel to accommodate the spraydeck.

One piece under fleece for drysuits: a one piece under fleece is probably the most handy underwear to have. Alternatively, a thermal underwear (top and leggings) will do the job. For extreme cold, it would be wise to consider some extra thermal layers to wear.

Water shoes/boots: Be aware that a drysuit usually comes with cordura socks, so your shoes should be of the right size to accommodate them, especially if you are also wearing thermal socks. 

Helmet: what can we say? No helmet, no trip! Choose a good one, looking more at the quality than to the style. 

Skull cap: very useful to keep your head warm during very cold weather. Also, ideal if you do get wet easily, like playboaters do. 

Buoyancy aid: very important piece of equipment. Also in this case look at quality more than to the style. Belt harness is a must to have and having a nice big pocket at the front will give you the chance to store some useful gear. 

Paddle mitts: very handy in very cold weather (usually December, January and February). Probably the nylon made are the best because are lightweight, they don't get soaked with water (i.e. fleece mitts get soaked and heavy) and are cheap to buy. Neoprene gloves are not very good because they impair the paddle grip and I wouldn't recommend them, so leave them to the scubadivers.

SUMMER PADDLING 

Semi Dry Cag:  for summer paddling a semi dry cag would be ideal. Semi dry cags have a  comfortable neck seal, usually made of neoprene and nowadays they are made so well that if your head goes under the water, it is unlikely to experience water entrance. Alternatively you can buy a dry cag, but dry cags have a latex seal and this is not very comfortable during the hot season. Furthermore, latex seals are more subject to rupture.  

Thermal underwear: a thermal T-shirt with a light round neck fleece will do the job, but it really depend on you and on the weather. 

Water shoes/boots: choose a comfortable pair of shoes/boots. They must be comfortable, let you go in the boat without restrictions and the sole should be made with a rubber that delivers a good grip when walking along the river bank.  

Helmet: what can we say? No helmet, no trip! Choose a good one, looking more at the quality than to the style. 

Buoyancy aid: very important piece of equipment. Also in this case look at quality more than to the style. Belt harness is a must to have and having a nice big pocket at the front will give you the chance to store some useful gear. 

Neoprene shorts: these are ideal during the summer time, especially if you have a small boat. You can buy the ½ leg or ¾ leg length; it is really up to you. Alternatively, you could  go for a neoprene long John, which offer more protections in case of swim.

BOAT ESSENTIALS 

Kayak: there are many kayaks out there and choosing one depends on what you want to do. The club has different types of kayaks available in the store, so pick one up according to what you are going to do that day and always ask advice from an experience paddler.  

Air bags: Here, we are speaking about basic safety so if you don't have them, buy them quickly and fit then in your boat. Usually you need two air bags to fit in the back of your kayak. The club boats should always have them fitted and if this is not the case, ask the person in charge of the session. 

Paddle: there are so many in the market that you could really get a headache when buying one . Choose one according to your height and type of paddling you are going to do. Also in this case, ask advice from an experience paddler. 

Spraydeck: if you don't have one, you can go home! A neoprene one is recommended. 

Throwline: every paddler should have one and should know how to use it. To learn more about its use, you can attend one the club river safety clinics or a BCU White Water Safety & Rescue course. Be aware that if you have a rope, you should also have a river knife. Don't buy karabiners, slings, pulleys etc; this is specialist equipment, usually for advanced river running, and there's no point to buy it if you don't know how to use it.