As a newbie to anything outdoors, I often look at the fun of things after a swift risk assessment. I'd rather be tight on OSH (or OHS) rather than Oh Sh*t Happened.
As I'm new to kayaking any further than 50mtrs off the shore, I find myself picking at safety aspects associated with venturing beyond that. I am making a list of things that I should have or think I should before the enjoyment of the experience of getting out there and catching stuff for the puku.
This is the list off the top of my head (or common sense):
PFD
VHF Radio
First Aid kit
Navigation Device
Navigation Chart
Registered Call Sign
Intent Check Sheet (where, when, how long, what on, who with, who knows, call sign, returning when, vhf channel etc.)
Anyone care to add anything to that list. I've got fishing gear sorted, but for the kayak I've got next to nothing (only pfd).
Also in regards to Navigation.....what's out there for the poor mans budget? Obviously having a hard copy paper backup and a compass is a must, but I'm talking apps and gps on smartphones etc. anything as such? I have a tablet that sits there not doing much.....wouldn't mind utilising it for something

Cheers