Budget gear for starting out

[SirCranksalot]

If you are going with a buddy, which many of us would recommend, then I suggest you get a good throw rope for safety and ask your buddy to get one as well.

A regular PFD will help keep you warm and are cheaper to buy. Why bother with an inflatable?

a scoop is a trivial item but, like I said above, you can get a good one from a dollar store.

[Spider1]

just a quick word on floatation vests. If for whatever reason you go with an inflatable be sure to wear it on the outside of your coat. Some people will try wearing it inside the coat but if you take a dunk and it goes off it can be with enough force to crack ribs and compress your chest. Vests on the outside.