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Map and waterproof equipment secured to a kayak
DofE · canoe & kayak expeditions

Pack well.
Paddle prepared.

A practical guide to the equipment GoSport provides and the personal clothing, food and kit participants bring on canoe and kayak expeditions.

Plan your DofE programmeView the kit guide
Expedition AAPGoSport’s licensed DofE section
Bronze · Silver · GoldCanoe and kayak programmes
Your group. Your programme.Training, preparation and support
Specialist and group equipment

What GoSport provides.

  • Craft, paddles and the specialist paddling equipment for the agreed expedition.
  • Buoyancy aids, with helmets and spraydecks where appropriate.
  • Waterproof storage, map cases and group navigation equipment.
  • Expedition tents, stoves, fuel and shared cooking equipment.
  • Group safety, first aid and emergency equipment.

The exact equipment allocation depends on the craft and expedition. Confirm it in your joining information before buying or borrowing kit.

A meal cooking on an expedition camping stove

Pack your personal kit in groups.

Sleep — keep it dry

Sleeping bag in a waterproof bag, sleeping mat, warm nightwear and dry sleeping socks. Keep wet kit out of this bag.

Prepare for camp

Dry camp clothes

Dry layers, underwear, spare socks, warm hat and separate camp footwear.

Help with preparation

Food & eating kit

Plan breakfasts, lunches, evening meals, snacks and an emergency ration. Bring your mug, bowl or plate and spoon or spork.

Food & kit questions
Use the full list as your packing checklist

Paddling clothes and easy-access essentials.

  • Quick-drying paddling layers, a warm mid-layer and a waterproof paddling jacket or cag.
  • Secure paddling footwear with a proper sole, plus a spare paddling layer.
  • Headtorch and batteries, personal wash kit, small towel, notebook and pencil.
  • Sun protection, water bottles and personal medication, clearly labelled.
  • Keep personal items dry, label everything and separate wet and dry kit.

Use the full GoSport list for the complete packing guidance, including items to leave at home and any destination-specific additions. Water-carrying capacity and the expedition phone arrangements are confirmed in joining information.

Download the GoSport kit list (PDF)
Give every item a place

Pack so you can find it.

Separate dry sleeping kit, paddling clothes and the essentials you need during the day. Practise packing the waterproof storage before departure so each participant knows where things belong.

Check the GoSport list and joining information before buying kit. Ask about anything you can borrow or share.

Download the kit list (PDF)
View over a loaded kayak on a canal journey
Your next step

Let’s shape your expedition.

Tell us the award level, group numbers, paddling experience and preferred dates. We’ll discuss training, suitable locations, equipment and a tailored quotation.

Start your DofE enquiryEmail the team

Your enquiry starts a conversation. Dates, route, programme and final arrangements are agreed with GoSport and your DofE leader.