There are few things you will want to make sure you have before going out on your kayak. These items can help you be comfortable to helping you get your boat free of all water should you have the need. The first item to mention is a cushion for the inside of your kayak. This makes it a little more bearable if you are out all day. These can be inflatable and adjustable as well, so one size can fit all. A very important item to have just in case you would capsize would be a pump. This pump will shoot out a significant amount of water so you will up right in no time. This would be a definite life savor if it is cold water.
There are several different types of paddles available. There are different blade shapes and cambers. The advanced element ones have different shape camber so they will go easier in the water and is quicker. You can get even slimmer ones if you are planning to be out on the water a lot. This paddle makes it much easier to paddle and you get going much faster in the same amount of time. This same paddle keeps your wrist moving and keeps your circulation good while out on the water. Some of these paddles are just one piece and some actually can come apart for easy storage. The average paddle is around seventy dollars and is plastic. The ones right in the middle are graffite and cost around 125 dollars. There are more pricy ones that are made of carbon fiber and can cost around four hundred dollars. You must also consider that the higher priced ones are much lighter than the other. If you are wiling to invest in this paddle it will last you a long time as well as be a lot easier to operate. This means you will be able to stay out on the water with a better one because you use less energy with them.
They make floatation devices that are specially made for paddle sports. They are made shorter and a little thicker so they can hold your weight up. These can be more comfortable because they have larger arm holes. These can be much more comfortable just for the fact that you are paddling so much and they give you more room. The larger ones tend to poke up on your neck when you do get inside the kayak, so they are very uncomfortable. Just having the right equipment makes all the difference. You must always remember to bring your rope. This will help you keep your equipment tied on as well as when you do dock you have something to use to tie your kayak up. These are the main things you will need so all that is left to do is enjoy.
I am assuming when you say “flotation device” you are talking about life jacket. The term PFD personal floation device is no longer being used by either the American Canoe Association (the governing body of paddle sports) or the coast guard. The term is confusing and the safety committee has decided that it is better to use the term life jacket as it better conveys what it does. It saves life.
The section on paddles is very poorly written and has several errors. There are no plastic kayak paddles. There are plastic blades, but when discussing paddle types one uses the the paddle shaft material, not the blade material. I have never seen a graphite paddle. For a good primer on paddles read the REI article How to Choose Kayak Paddles.