A cheaper alternative to an EPIRB are flares. Flares can be bought from most marine shops for about $70. The rules for paddling at night would have to the most ambiguous of all. At present it is only necessary to have an all-round white light when paddling on the Brisbane River. However, at a minimum you should carry a light, …

Primary stability refers to how a kayak feels when you first get in, or that ‘tippy’ feeling. The majority of new kayakers will want good primary stability, but in saying this, you learn very quickly how to control that tippy feeling. Wide, flat-bottomed kayaks are great for enclosed waters or standing up to fish, but the trade-off is speed and secondary stability. …

 Both these fabrics absorb water and take a long time to dry. This may sound fine on a hot day but wind chill can quickly make things very uncomfortable. These materials will also weigh you down should you go in the drink. Lots of new products on the market have been developed specifically for paddling. Most are lightweight, do not hold water and have …