If the water is tidal and you are going with the tide head for deep water as the tide will be running quicker there so less effort. If against head for shallower water.

They won't let you on the water with out personel Bouyancy but if they don't supply one you need a BA not a life jacket( pedantic maybe) but it will save you lots of pounds if you do need to buy one and you will be able to paddle easier. Kayak BA's are also cut different than standard BA's to aid paddeling.

Good to see jamie is still about even if his knees are still dodgy :0(