Whitewater Kayaking Equipment & Safety Gear

When Britain’s rivers rise in winter, reliable whitewater equipment becomes essential. Whether you’re taking a Whitewater Safety & Rescue (WWSR) course or paddling grade 3 and above, the right kit keeps you warm, dry and prepared. At Go Kayaking we stock tried-and-tested gear from Palm, Peak UK, NRS and more - chosen by UK paddlers for UK conditions.

Scroll down to explore our range of rescue buoyancy aids, throwlines, karabiners, river knives and cold-water clothing to get fully kitted up for the whitewater season.

Core Safety Gear for Whitewater Kayaking

Whitewater safety kit must be dependable and easy to use when the current’s strong. Our staff-recommended essentials include:

• Rescue Buoyancy Aids: clean-profile designs with harness systems for live-bait and anchoring practice.
• Helmets: snug, whitewater-rated impact protection built for UK rivers.
• Throwlines: accurate throw, high-strength rope for swimmer or boat rescue.
• Karabiners & Slings: locking hardware for belays and anchors.
• River Knives: blunt-tip, one-hand operation for safe rope cutting.
• Whistles & Pulleys: compact essentials for communication and haul systems.

Thermal & Protective Clothing

UK whitewater means cold water and long swims - stay warm and dry with:

• Base Layers & Thermals for insulation under dry gear.
• Drysuits & Cags with latex seals to keep you comfortable all day.
• Neoprene Gloves & Boots for grip and protection in freezing conditions.

Need help choosing? Read our Winter Kayaking Gear Guide

Scroll down to explore our range of rescue buoyancy aids, throwlines, karabiners, river knives and cold-water clothing to get fully kitted up for the whitewater season.

Preparing for a Whitewater Safety & Rescue Course

Training builds skills and confidence on the river. Recommended UK providers include: Chris Brain Coaching, TNR Outdoors, Paddle365, and Ty Nant Outdoors.
Most courses require rescue BAs, throwlines, karabiners and knives - everything you’ll find in this collection!

Whitewater Kit Checklist

Ready to go whitewater kayaking? Let's recap. Before you launch, make sure you have:

• Rescue Buoyancy Aid
• Helmet
• Throwline
• Locking Karabiners × 2 + Tape Sling
• River Knife
• Whistle
• Drysuit or Cag + Thermals
• Neoprene Boots & Gloves
• Dry Bag for spares

Scroll down to explore our range of rescue buoyancy aids, throwlines, karabiners, river knives and cold-water clothing to get fully kitted up for the whitewater season.

Expert Advice & Local Support

Every member of our team paddles UK whitewater. If you’d like help selecting gear or fitting a drysuit, visit our stores in Runcorn or Llangollen, call us, or use Live Chat for instant advice.

Free UK delivery on orders over £50 & Click & Collect available.

Whitewater Kayaking Equipment & Safety Gear FAQs

Q: What equipment do I need for a Whitewater Safety & Rescue course?

A: A rescue buoyancy aid, helmet, throwline, locking karabiners, river knife and thermal layers are the core requirements.

Q: Do I need a drysuit for whitewater kayaking in the UK?

A: It’s strongly recommended for cold-water months; alternatively use a semi-dry cag with good base layers.

Q: Can I buy my whitewater kit in-store?

A: Yes! Try on gear and get fitting help at Go Kayaking Runcorn or Go Kayaking Llangollen.