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In addition to the boat and a paddle, other basic essentials include a life jacket, whistle, manual bilge pump and spray skirt.

The cockpit allows the paddler to wear a spray skirt, a waterproof cover that keeps the interior of the boat dry, and a snug fit makes it easier to brace your knees against the sides of the boat for stability.

In practice: With one hand, pull the strap at the front of your spray skirt to release the fabric holding you in place.

Shawn McEachern, 59, has known the family for 40 years since buying his first kayak paddle and spray skirt from Shank’s Mare.

And I try — once — before abandoning hope, pulling my spray skirt and emerging into the sunlight in even bigger trouble.