Safety gear that matters (and what to skip)

Bring every time

• Coast Guard-approved vest per person — fitted, not oversized.
• Kill-switch lanyard on your wrist + a spare in the glovebox.
• Whistle, mirror/signal, and waterproof flashlight.
• 25 ft tow rope, folding paddle, and small anchor with chain.
• Charged phone in a floating dry pouch + VHF or PLB offshore.

Skip until later

Expensive action-camera mounts, matching towables before you can dock cleanly, and aftermarket intake grates for a stock rec ski — skills and maintenance pay off first.

File a float plan: text someone your launch, direction, and return time. It is free and it works.