Climbing on loose gravel, clay, small rocks gear advice?

I need advice as to what gear to purchase to ascend and descend steep river banks. Lots of loose gravel, small muddy clay streams, small scrubby trees, some sandstone rock faces. Basically I am just needing some extra help up and down to kayak on the river. Not technically the real cool rock climbing but any advice and help would be awesomely appreciated. Thanks Dorri