Found our boats! just need gear

How many people here have actually signed up for and attended a kayak safety class? I may be in the minority, but I learned most of my lessons from mistakes made on the water. Maybe I got lucky, too. I almost lost a paddle a mile out from shore while stringing a 25lb king, my brother and I almost sank our tandem (because we decided it would be easier to leave the hatch off rather than go through the hassle of opening and closing it each time we needed something), and my brother got gaffed in the ass due to improper storage of a sharp item.

Regardless of whether you want to take a class, I would absolutely recommend the following:

Wear a quality PFD (life jacket).
Paddle leashes are an absolute must.
stuff the sides of your kayak's interior with floatation (pool noodles work well)
Wear a wetsuit.
Have a hand pump.
Carry a radio.
Try launching in a harbor where there's no surf and practice self rescue in water deeper than you can stand in.
If possible, go with someone who has experience, especially if there is a surf launch.
Trust your instincts: stay home if the weather takes a turn.

My 20 cents.