What to Buy for a Kayak Tour

A kayak tour needs more than kayaks and paddles. You also need a reliable way to keep maps, phones and spare equipment dry, plus food and drinks that can be served quickly before or after the route. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for registration, safety, refreshments and a basic riverside setup. Check participant numbers before buying perishables, and arrange transport for bulky equipment in advance.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Kayaksqty 20
Paddlesqty 22
Life jacketsqty 24
Spare paddlesqty 2
Throw linesqty 2
Tow linesqty 2
Hand pump sprayersqty 2
Whistlesqty 24
Waterproof route mapsqty 4
Waterproof phone casesqty 4
Dry bagsqty 24
Reflective vestsqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2

Furniture

Party tent
Tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 12
Waste binsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 30
Bowlsqty 25
Platesqty 25
Cutlery setsqty 25

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving plattersqty 4

Equipment

Waterproof walkie-talkiesqty 4
Power banksqty 3

Lighting

Rechargeable lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 2
Hand broomsqty 2
Mop
Tea towelsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Coffee pastries - 30 pieces
- Still mineral water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemonade - 6 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Apples - 25 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 4 loaves
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Tomato soup - 8 liters
- Breadsticks - 4 packs
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 2 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Pack one life jacket and one paddle per participant, plus spare paddles for equipment failures or loss. Inspect every kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid before loading them for transport.
Keep route maps, phones and participant details in waterproof cases or dry bags. Print the route and briefing before the day; mobile coverage and battery power may be unreliable on the water.
Plan roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Use coolers for cold drinks and thermos flasks for coffee or tea at the start or finish.
Bring at least one throw line, tow line and whistle for each safety team or lead kayak, rather than leaving all rescue equipment at the registration desk. Add a first aid kit that can be reached without unpacking the whole vehicle.
Set aside a dry area under the party tent for registration, spare layers and food. Take reusable cups, plates and cutlery, waste bins, serving utensils and rechargeable lamps if the group will still be packing up after daylight fades.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a kayak tour?: Allow 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 more per person for every additional hour. For food, plan at least one filling portion per participant, plus around 10% extra for late changes or larger appetites.
What safety equipment should I bring on a kayak tour?: Bring one life jacket and paddle per participant, together with spare paddles, throw lines, tow lines and whistles. Keep a first aid kit and waterproof communication equipment with the safety team, not only at the start point.
How early should I prepare the kayak tour shopping?: Buy non-perishable supplies and check safety equipment at least 3 to 7 days before the tour. Chill drinks and buy fresh food the day before, then confirm the forecast and participant numbers again on the morning of departure.
What should I keep dry during a kayak trip?: Store route maps, phones, emergency contacts and spare batteries in waterproof phone cases or dry bags. Pack at least 1 dry bag for every safety or coordination role, and keep one complete change of clothing available at the finish.

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