Esential gear to bring on a boating trip will vary depending on what kind of boat and activity is on the schedule. One person may never step aboard without a six pack of beer, while another wants full life support. However, some things are important enough to go on every type of excursion.

For personal safety and to avoid cutting the trip short because of accidental injury, everyone should wear actual boating shoes. This specialized footwear is not a tennis shoe, and not a convention non skid shoe. Boating shoes have grip pads, which are carefully designed to make the soles slip proof even on wet, smooth decks. The finishes of boats boat decks are glossy for maintenance reasons, and of course everything will surely be wet.

Another safety precaution is using sun screen and reapplying it every few hours. Just wearing a hat is not enough to shield your face, since you may want to take it off to catch a cool breeze, or it may blow off; the sun’s rays will bounce up off the water and all other reflective surfaces and reach you face even under a top shade. You may be out all through the midday hours, so select a high SPF in sunblocks and tanning creams. If you like natural protection, use diluted vitamin C in a spray bottle, take extra CoQ10, and use natural coconut Levitra Professional oil on exposed skin.

What you wear will be a personal choice, as long as it is suited to the weather and the occasion. Rafting on white water will be chilly, since canyons may block the sun and the water is always cold. Wet suits can really help on mountain waters or anywhere in the fall and winter. Of course, cool clothes or bathing suits will be fine on a cruise or leisurely sail.

Any time you are on the water, the weather is liable to change. Foul weather gear is the traditional waterman’s answer to squalls and thunder storms. You are probably familiar with the bright yellow slickers that deflect rain, wind, and sea spray. New gear can be more fashionable and less bulky, and comes fully lined for use in the cooler months.

Portable safety devices include life vests for every passenger, in appropriate sizes. The newer flotation vests are less bulky, come in other colors than blaze orange, and are more adjustable and flexible than the old ones. You will also want to have a first aid kit, lots of water to prevent dehydration and for emergencies, and extra propane if you plan to cook on board. Sunglasses with certified UV protection are a must, since the sun’s glare is intensified by the water. The drying effects of wind and sun will make a good lip balm very much appreciated.

The list of other things that may be needed is long. Gloves might be a good idea if your hands are not hardened to a paddle or a fishing line. A personal flotation device of your own will undoubtedly fit better than one out of the locker. A strap to keep your glasses securely attached will be great if you lean too far over the side or happen to fall in. A portable, hook-on ladder will allow you to get back in the boat if you decide to jump overboard to cool off. Fishing tackle, a good book, a way to contact shore in emergencies, a radio for music and the weather report, towels, and even good friends can all be on the essential list.

Esential gear to bring on a boating trip is worth thinking about ahead of time. Ask boating acquaintances or check official sites for requirements for safety on the water, for yourself, your family, and your friends.

Author Bio: Taking the boat on Lake Ontario this weekend? Don’t get caught without a boat license. Take time today to sit a boat test. You can take the boat test online and have a pleasure craft operator card.

Category: Recreation and Leisure/Outdoors/Boating
Keywords: recreation,leisure,sport,boat,pleasure craft,operator card,craft operator card,boating laws