We get this question all the time at delivery: "what should I have brought?". Since our full-day rental already includes the kayak, paddles, life vests, pump and dry bag, your part of the list is short. But it pays to get it right — there's no corner shop out at sea.

The essentials

  • Water: at least 1.5 litres per person. Mistake number one. Paddling in the sun you sweat more than you notice, and thirst arrives late. A solid bottle beats a beach-bar cup.
  • Water-resistant sun cream (SPF 50). Applied before setting off and topped up at every stop. On the water you burn twice: direct sun plus reflection.
  • A cap or hat with a cord and sunglasses with a strap. Without them, the sea keeps both. We see it every week.
  • A rash vest or technical t-shirt. Two hours of bare-chested paddling ends in sunburn; wet cotton ends in chafing. A cheap lycra solves both.
  • Footwear that can get wet: water shoes or old trainers. On pebble coves like the ones in Villajoyosa you'll be very glad you brought them.
  • Something to eat: fruit, nuts, a sandwich. A full day on the water burns more energy than you think.
  • A towel and dry clothes waiting at the beach or in the car.
  • Snorkel mask and tube if your route passes rocky stretches: here are the best snorkel spots you can reach by paddle.
  • A small first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic and seasickness tablets if anyone is prone.

Your phone: yes, but stored properly

Always bring it (it's your safety line if something goes wrong), but inside the dry bag we give you with the equipment, and the bag clipped to the kayak. Trick: put your car keys and some cash in there too. And turn location on — if you tell someone your route, let them follow it.

What to leave at home

  • Valuables: good watches, jewellery, original documents (a photo of your ID on the phone is enough).
  • Rigid cool boxes and big backpacks: bulky, heavy and quick to tip over. A double kayak fits just what you need.
  • Speakers: the sea sounds better, and the other swimmers and the wildlife will thank you.

The 30-second final check

Water, sun cream, corded cap, rash vest, water shoes, food, snorkel gear if needed, phone + keys in the dry bag, dry clothes in the car. All set? Then just book your gear and pick a route — if it's your first time, Cala de Finestrat is the easiest spot to start.

FAQs

Is the dry bag included in the rental? Yes. With the equipment we hand you a dry bag, paddles, life vests and pump. You only bring what's on this list.

Can I take my dog on the kayak? Our inflatable kayaks handle a calm small-to-medium dog well. Message us before booking and we'll check — some beaches don't allow pets.

Do I need to wear the life vest the whole time? Yes — worn, not decorating the kayak's cargo net. It's one of our rules of use and the difference between a scare and a problem.