Watch the weather report for wind. Anything over 15 miles an hour is just too much. 10 miles an hour can be too much if you're paddling against that and current.

I personally would never be out in the kayak, no matter how far off shore or how well I could swim, without wearing safety equipment.

The most important thing is to be easily seen by power boats. Kayak color helps, orange or yellow, and bright paddles. i have an orange signal flag. Even so, there are foolish power boaters around. I personally think you should know how to re-enter your kayak if you are dumped for whatever reason.

If you're out at dark, a running light is required by law, and it would foolish to be out without one