The Ultimate Summer Paddle Day Packing Checklist

There is a particular kind of disappointment that comes from getting your kayak or paddleboard all the way to the water, only to realize you left your sunscreen on the kitchen counter. Or worse, your paddle in the garage. A great day on the water usually comes down to what happened before you ever touched the water, so we put together the checklist we wish every paddler had taped inside their vehicle.

The non-negotiables

These are the items that make the difference between a good day and a genuinely uncomfortable one. If you only pack from one list, make it this one.

A properly fitted PFD (life jacket). Not just tucked under a seat, worn. It is the one piece of gear that only works if it is on you.

More water than you think you need. A good rule for a summer paddle is a litre per person per hour on the water, more if it is hot and sunny.

Sun protection: sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses. The glare off the river is stronger than most people expect, even on an overcast day.

A boater's safety kit. This one is mandatory on all kayaks and vessels on the water, and you can be ticketed if you are caught without one. A proper kit includes a bailer, a whistle, 50 feet of rope, and a flashlight.

A dry bag for anything electronic. Phones, keys, and wallets do not forgive a splash the way you do.

Oru Oru Dry Bag (2L) Oru Dry Bag (2L) - Ottawa Valley Air Paddle

Oru Oru Dry Bag (2L) Oru Dry Bag (2L) - Ottawa Valley Air Paddle

A towel. On a hot day, a dip in the river is basically guaranteed, and you will want a proper way to dry off afterward.

Worth knowing

If you are still shopping for a PFD, dry bag, or paddle, our team can help you find the right fit in-store at 67 Madawaska Street, or you can try before you buy at the Demo Centre on McLean Beach.

What to wear

Cotton is comfortable on the porch and miserable on the water. Once it gets wet, it stays wet, and it does not do much for you if the temperature drops or the wind picks up.

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Wear this

Quick-dry synthetic or wool layers, a rash guard or swimsuit as a base, and a thin sun guard hoodie or sleeves to keep the sun off altogether.

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Leave this at home

Cotton t-shirts and jeans, flip-flops that can slip off, and anything you would be upset to lose overboard.

A thin sun guard is one of our favourite pieces of paddling gear. It is light enough to forget you are wearing it, but it blocks the sun completely, so you can skip re-applying sunscreen to your arms and shoulders every hour.

What to put on your feet

Water shoes or neoprene booties are a great option, giving you grip and protection without weighing you down. Some paddlers prefer to go barefoot instead, which works fine for a straightforward paddle, just remember to toss your sandals in the boat in case you stumble on a hidden beach worth stopping at.

Beat the heat

The Ottawa River in July can get warm fast, and a bit of planning goes a long way toward keeping your energy up all day.

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Thermos or cooler

An insulated stainless steel bottle packed with ice, or a small soft-sided cooler stocked with ice in your kayak, keeps drinks cold for hours on the water.

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Cooling towel

A lightweight scarf or cooling towel, soaked in river water and draped around your neck, works wonders to drop your core temperature on a hot afternoon.

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Portable neck fan

A small rechargeable neck fan gives you a steady breeze even when the air is still, especially welcome on a calm, muggy afternoon.

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Frozen water bottle

Freeze a bottle the night before and it will melt slowly through the day, so you get a cold drink for hours instead of a lukewarm one by lunch.

Time it right

Launching early morning or early evening avoids the worst of the midday sun, and the water tends to be calmer then too. If the forecast is calling for a scorcher, shifting your paddle by even an hour or two can make a real difference.

Food and hydration

Paddling burns more energy than people expect, especially on a longer outing. Pack food the same way you would for a hike.

Snacks that survive heat and a bit of jostling: trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit.

A cooler bag or insulated bottle if you are packing a lunch for a beach stop.

Electrolyte tablets or a sports drink for anything longer than an hour or two on hot days.

Build yourself a snackle box

If you have not heard of a snackle box yet, this is your sign to make one. Take a tackle box or a bento-style container with divided compartments, fill every section with your favourite snacks, and just like that you have the most satisfying thing on the water that is not your kayak. The best part is that it is entirely yours to customize, so build it around whatever suits your taste buds.

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The box

A tackle box or bento box with divided compartments works best. It keeps everything organized, separated, and easy to grab one-handed between paddle strokes.

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The snacks

Go salty, sweet, and satisfying: trail mix, jerky, crackers and cheese, dried fruit, dark chocolate, and gummy bears (non-negotiable).

A small ice pack, tucked in to keep everything fresh.

Frozen berries, packed in their own compartment. They double as a snack and a way to cool down, and by the time you reach for them they have thawed to a perfectly refreshing slush.

Wet wipes, for sticky fingers between compartments.

Your water bottle, packed alongside it rather than instead of it.

A dry bag to keep the whole box safe and dry once it is loaded up.

Show us yours

We would love to see how you build your own snackle box. Tag us in your paddle day photos, we are always collecting the best snack combinations for inspiration.

Nice-to-haves

Not essential, but this is what turns a good paddle into a great one.

A waterproof phone case or floating strap, so you can still get the photo.

A small first aid kit, tucked into your dry bag.

A lightweight rope or paddle leash if you are paddleboarding, especially somewhere with any current.

Bug spray for launch points near tree cover, particularly early morning or evening.

A headlamp or small light with extra batteries, just in case you are still out after dusk.

Before you head out

Check the wind forecast, not just the temperature. A calm morning on the Ottawa River can turn choppy by early afternoon, especially on more open stretches. If you are new to reading conditions, our team is always happy to talk through a route before you launch.

Missing something on this list?

Come see us at 67 Madawaska Street in Arnprior, or try a kayak or paddleboard for yourself at the Demo Centre on McLean Beach, open Thursday through Sunday.

Book a demo