Paddling Equipment

Gear up for your next paddling adventure in Pennsylvania with this checklist of four must haves.

1. Life Jacket

Each person must have a wearable, USCG-approved life jacket. And children 12 years of age and younger must wear a life jacket when on the water.

2. Boat

From canoes to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, the boat you choose is customized to your Pennsylvania paddling experience.

3. Signaling Device and Light

Make sure to have a device such as a whistle and a light on your boat to alert other boaters of your presence.

4. Registration or Permit

When paddling from a PFBC-owned lake, launch or when visiting a Pennsylvania State Park or Forest, paddlers must have a boat registration or launch permit on their boat.

Our Recommendations

Learn more about required Pennsylvania paddling equipment as well as some recommendations
before you head out with our “Know Before You Go Paddling” blog.