On kayak tours where the goals are travel, sight seeing, wildlife watching, photography, etc. and there are no plans to have any capsizes, you mostly have to dress for the weather. If capsizing is a possibility, or if long crossings are part of the day's paddling, consider the need to dress for the water temperature (see Cold water Primer for Sea Kayakers), and ask your guides for advice3 on the issue.

CLOTHING - What to wear?
Dress appropriately for the potential weather conditions: sun, rain, splash ……weather changes quickly, don't assume the conditions will remain the same as they were when you launch on your trip. If its sunny, have rain gear handy. If its rainy, it could become sunny and hot, quickly.

Wear layered clothing, preferably:

1. Inner layer - synthetic, quick drying base layer next to your skin (poly-pro, capilene, etc.) top and bottom,
2. Insulating layer - synthetic insulating and quick-drying layer such as fleece, synchilla, etc. wool is a good insulator when its wet, but it holds water and dries slowly.
3. Water proof outer layers top and bottom, such as rain pants/jacket or paddling pants/jacket- coated nylon, gore-tex, or any of the many new breathable
4. Always wear a personal flotation device, PFD. It must be well-adjusted, snug but not tight, and should not interfere with your movements.

WHAT TO BRING?
1. Bring a change of clothes (including a warm hat) in a water proof bag (dry bag), so if you get wet, you can change into dry threads and prevent the discomfort of wet clothing (yech!), if not hypothermia (yoicks!). If you don't have any dry bags or extra clothing, make sure your guides have extra clothing that will fit you. Most touring companies provide you with a dry bag for personal stuff, so ask your guides for a dry bag for personal effects..

2. Sun/rain hat, sun glasses (eye glass retainers are key, millions of dollars of eye glasses go to the bottom of America's waterways every year, don't pollute), water (at least 1 qt./person), sunscreen, personal medications needed during the day, power bar (or snickers) for your mid-afternoon "slump". Make sure its all in a water proof bag - ideally a dry bag. Garbage bags work as dry bags, but not very well. If you have dry bags, learn how to properly close them.

3. Camera, binoculars, extra film, etc. yep all in a dry bag, or be prepared for the effects of sea water on your favorite camera gear.

4. You can get by without dry bags, but if you soak your $800 camera in sea water, you'll wish you bought the dry bag (and used it!). Also, a change of clothes is only handy if its dry.

5. If you have a thermos, consider bringing a hot drink such as tea w/ honey, hot chocolate, herb tea, etc. Coffee drinkers can feed their addiction but since coffee is a diurrhetic, its not the preferred drink to use to remain hydrated, and prevent hypothermia on a cold rainy day.

SAFE BEHAVIOR ON GUIDED TRIPS

1. Follow the guide's instructions.
2. Make sure the kayak is adjusted for your comfort and enjoyment, make sure the foot pegs/pedals and back-bad are properly adjusted.
3. Stay in balance, no standing up in the kayak or wild leaning over the side!
4. Stay with the group, don't paddle off beyond speaking distance.
5. Pay attention to others in your group. If you see someone having a hard time, tell the guides.
6. If you're cold or tired, or stiff or hungry or have to use the facilities, you're not alone. The guides and other paddlers probably have the same needs you have, speak up and ask for a break.
7. If you're hands and feet are cold, put a warm hat on, then get some gloves on.
8. If you paddle in a double kayak, communicate with your partner.
9. Drinking alcohol and paddling don't mix, so don't try to re-invent the wheel.
10. If you have special medical needs or are alone on the guided trip (not with family or friends) make sure the guides know about your condition, and what they should do (who to call) if you become disabled.