There’s nothing like the serenity offered by a peaceful kayaking trip. Especially when you’re cruising through still and calm waters, it can truly feel like a meditative moment. And it becomes especially poignant when you compare it to the everyday hustle and bustle of city life, which is so often filled with commotion and noise of all varieties. If you’re lucky enough to live with close access to a water source that lends itself to kayaking trips, it’s definitely a fantastic way to get your exercise and clear your head.

But before you can access all the benefits of kayaking, you have to make sure that you’re prepared for the trip. Beginning kayakers should never venture out alone. Make sure you go either with a guided tour or with a friend that has experience in with inflatable kayaks. Having this kind of experience will keep you out of serious trouble, but it will also make you aware of the equipment that you’ll need for a successful trip. This can range from something as obvious as a high quality paddle to something more obscure such as a dry bag to keep your food, camera, keys, and wallet safe from water damage.