Paddle

The first suggestion a new kayaker hears is that she should have her own paddle and PFD. Any kayak you rent is probably going to be good enough but the paddle makes a huge difference in a day out on the water. A heavy paddle wears me out faster than anything, a light paddle and I can go all day. But which paddle to buy, there's so many choices of brand, length, symmetry, straight or bent shaft, lightness vs. durability. Finally after months of borrowing a paddle I have my very own four piece carbon fiber Lendal paddle. With a reported weight of just over a pound, adjustable feather angle and minimally adjustable length a paddle doesn't get much better. It breaks down into four pieces to easily pack up for traveling. All I need is the fancy little pocketed bag to keep it safe and I'm ready to go anywhere in the world. But for now I'll be happy using it in San Francisco Bay!