Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Paddlesports Equipment

    Whether you look to venture out on the water in a canoe, kayak or on a paddleboard, all paddlers need some basic equipment.

    Close-up of the front of a kayak with a life jacket and a cell phone in a dry bag about to launch into a stream.

    Required Equipment for Paddlesports

    Life Jackets on board for all passengers and must be worn for paddlers 12 and under and worn by everyone on paddleboards, canoes and kayaks and all boats less than 16 feet in length from Nov 1- April 30. 
    *On Pittsburgh District United States Army Corps of Engineers lakes (only), everyone in boats less than 16 feet in length and in all canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

    Registration or launch permit for kayak, canoe, paddleboard. Paddlers accessing PFBC launch areas and PA State Park launch areas can get registration or a launch permit online or at an issuing agent. See below for guidance on how to attach your boat registration or launch permit to your vessel.

    Night Lights. Paddlers must carry a white light that is either hand-held or installed and ready to be diplayed in time to avoid collision. All boats must show required lights between the hours of sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility, such as fog and heavy rain. Navigation lights are designed to identify the type of boat and its situation (underway, direction of travel, at anchor, etc.) on the water. Boats underway include drifting boats. Night boaters should carry spare bulbs, fuses, batteries, and a flashlight. 

    Sound-Producing Devices. Operators of unpowered boats (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards) are required to carry a device capable of sounding a prolonged blast for 4-6 seconds that can be heard by another boat operator in time to avoid a collision.

    Placement of Registration and Permit Stickers

    Boat Registration

    Graphic showing the boat registration placement goes on each side of the bow of a rowboat
    Graphic showing the boat registration placement goes on each side of the bow of a kayak
    Graphic showing the boat registration placement goes on each side of the bow of a paddleboard

    Launch Permit

    Graphic showing the launch permit placement goes in the middle of each side on a rowboat
    Graphic showing the launch permit placement goes in the middle of each side on a kayak
    Graphic showing the launch permit placement goes in the middle of each side on a paddleboard

    Inflatable Paddleboards

    When placing a launch permit on inflatable low volume boats, such as a paddleboard or kayak, place the permit midship on both sides where it is most practical to the user and visible to enforcement.  This may be done through the use of placards, with the launch permit decal affixed to each placard, then lashed to the boat midship after inflation.

    Boat registration decals may be placed in the same manner, with the registration decals affixed to placards, and then lashed near the bow of the boat.

    Recommended Equipment 

    • A change of clothes
    • A dry bag
    • A hat
    • Sunglasses
    • Sunscreen

    How to Choose a Kayak

    Of course, you need your vessel and paddle. Select a vessel that is recommended for the type of activity, the type of water and the water conditions. And, remember, conditions can change so much that it is not safe for your paddling activity.

    How to Choose a Kayak

    Join our expert, Devin Winand, as he explains the differences between a sit-on-top kayak and a sit-in (or cockpit) kayak. Depending on the type of water and activity, some are better suited than others. But for flatwater activities, it all comes down to personal preference. No matter which you choose, you'll want to follow the proper safety measures to ensure a successful paddle trip, including wearing a life jacket, checking water conditions and more.