Regardless whether or not you are an experienced or novice when it comes to paddling a kayak you will need to plan your kayak travels with the up most care and attention.

It does not matter if your kayak travel is a short recreational trip along your local river or a full on expedition you will need to ensure you take the right kayak accessories with you for both the expected and unexpected events which may occur.

Checking and re checking your kayak accessories is crucial before you get into the water. The last thing you want is to be miles from home and when you reach for your kayak paddles or your pump to pump up your inflatable kayak only to find you have forgotten to bring them.

There are certain kayak accessories you need to take whether you are paddling at sea or along a river and these would essentially be safety orientated such as a life jacket, paddle leash, spare clothes, mobile phone and so on. Other items such as a crash helmet you may only feel you will need if you are paddling in white water and will not necessarily need in the open sea.

In many ways the choice is a personal one with no legislation stating you must wear a crash helmet or have taken kayak lessons. There are really no restrictions when it comes to the sport and pastime of kayaking and that is probably why it is so exciting.

Before you go on your kayak travels you should also tell someone where you are going and explain to them exactly where you intend to launch and also go through the route you intend to take. Let them know what time you plan to return home.

Unless you are a very experienced paddler you should never paddle on your own. Paddling with a partner or as part of a group is always the better option as if you do get into a spot of trouble you will have help on hand.

Measuring the length of a river can prove tricky. Try and get an accurate as possible route from carefully studying aerial maps. Examine your route thoroughly looking for weed and algae build up on the rivers. If you are looking for beach heads on an aerial map make sure they are not mud banks which typically will be darker in colour and you will be able to make out vein like cracks running at right angles to the shoreline.

Better still is local knowledge when planning any kayak journeys. You will find the best place to ask is at your local kayak dealers. More often than not you will find your local kayak dealers knowledge will be invaluable as no doubt they would have paddled the area you intend to.

It is always good to have the right kayak for the journey. Most kayaks can paddle on various types of water but paddling an inflatable kayak at sea will prove hard work as an inflatable kayak is better suited to flowing rivers, calm coast lines and certain white water. Wave skis and sit on top kayaks on the other hand are better suited to the sea as predominantly they are surfing kayaks and play boats.