Knives

Never be on the water without a strong sharp knife.

You need to be able to access it with one hand, it should be secured to the outside of your PFD. Don’t bother with a folding knife in a pocket, if you NEED to cut a rope in a rescue situation you cannot afford to be riffling through your gear trying to find your pocket knife.  River guides and kayakers, or emergency services personnel should always carry one.