While kayaks come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, they all have one factor in common; you have to sit in or on them. This makes the kayak seat arguably one of the most critical parts of the kayak. Its design and fit are responsible for the vast majority of your comfort and … Read more
Are you looking for an easy way to get your kayak in and out of water? Kayak landing kits provide an accessible way to launch and land your kayak.
Are you looking for a fitness tracker and smartwatch for kayaking? You may find your answer in Garmin’s line of smartwatches.
Wearing a life jacket while kayaking is critical. It will protect your life, especially if you like to venture into higher-class rapids.
Even if you know how to swim, wearing a personal flotation device is necessary. However, finding a comfortable life jacket isn’t always easy.
When you’re traveling or planning an outdoor activity, you probably want to take your phone, laptop, powerbank, clothes, food, sleeping bag, first aid kit, and other belongings.
Even the most experienced kayakers don’t necessarily enjoy loading their kayak onto their vehicle every time they want to go for a paddle. For many, that leaves us thinking that there must be a better way.
Every avid kayaker should have a kayak cover to protect their kayak. A kayak cover will ensure your kayak has a long life and you can continue using it for many trips.
Yes, you need a kayak cover even if you store your kayak inside the house.
Figuring out what gear to take on a kayak camping trip can be overwhelming. You can spend hours pondering over it and still end up bringing items you have no use for or forgetting stuff you really need to survive and be comfortable in the wilderness.
Whether the kayaker in your life is about to celebrate another lap around the sun or you just feel like surprising them, you’ll benefit from the best kayaking gift ideas.
Carrying multiple rod and reel combinations is a must for kayak anglers once you gain significant experience. To keep everything organized and easy to handle on your kayak, however, you’ll need one or more of the best kayak rod holders.
If your kayaking adventure takes you out on cold water, then a good drysuit is exactly what you need to keep you warm and safe. Sudden immersion in cold water can have serious side effects and no one likes being cold and wet, particularly if the temperature is edging down below zero. Your drysuit solves … Read more
Any long-distance kayaking trip starts with learning how to pack a kayak for a camping trip. In order to do that effectively, you are going to need to choose one of the best tents for kayak camping.
Kayakers don’t need to worry about running aground as much as owners of the best offshore fishing boats under 30 feet. Still, it pays to know about the best portable depth finders for kayaks, especially if you have one of the best fishing kayaks with a trolling motor.
If you don’t quite have enough room for one of the best kayak coolers or cooler bags on your kayak, you could always opt for a floating cooler as an alternative. This style of cooler is great for a fun day on the lake with friends. One of the coolest benefits of the best kayak … Read more
As long as you have crossbars on the top of your vehicle, you can add a seat of the best kayak J hooks. They make it easier to transport one or two kayaks on your roof and they are pretty easy to use.
If your hard-sided cooler seems a little bulky and inconvenient for kayaking, you’re not alone. Many kayakers prefer to use one of the best kayak cooler bags to keep their snacks and beverages cold during a full day of paddling. These soft-sided coolers are much easier to fit in a wide variety of kayaks without … Read more
If you don’t want to worry about towing one of the best floating coolers in 2021 or making enough space on your kayak for the best kayak cooler bags, one of the best kayak cooler seats might be your best option. There are several different designs for these cooler seats on the market, but they … Read more
Do you often go kayaking during the summer? If yes, then you know how uncomfortable it can be paddling under the intense heat of the sun. Many times, you just want to quit paddling and head home due to the heat. With a little research and the right canopy, you can extend your kayaking adventure … Read more
Comfort is king when you are kayaking and that’s why you need a pair of the best kayak shorts. Most of these shorts have one major thing in common: they are not made of cotton. We feel that it is imperative to begin with a disclaimer that cotton should always be avoided when kayaking. It … Read more
Carrying your kayak over any long distance is a lot of work and can put you at additional risk of injury. That is why you see many older and more experienced kayakers relying on the best kayaks for rough terrain.
If you own a kayak with hatch covers hopefully you’ve never made the mistake of not securing a hatch cover all the way before transporting your kayak. I recently did this and was fortunate not to need to replace my old one with one of the best kayak hatch covers.
Kayaking is one of the most fun and versatile water sports out there. Whether you’re a recreational kayaker just cruising on your ‘yak to enjoy a sunny day out on the lake; or a seasoned athlete practicing your kayaking skills on choppy ocean water, wearing kayaking shoes can make the experience that much more enjoyable. … Read more
By law, you’re required to wear a life jacket aka a Personal Floatation Device when you’re kayaking, or at least have it in the boat. This obviously protects you in the event some accident happens while you’re out on the water. However, not all life vests are made equal and you’ll find that life vests … Read more
Let’s face it, your hands take a beating while you’re kayaking out on the water. And whether you’re running rapids on an icy river or crisping your skin on a long summer paddle, you need to protect your hands from getting beaten up. If you don’t work with your hands for a living, and most … Read more
Once restricted to larger vessels, fishfinders and trolling motors are no longer unusual to find on well-equipped kayaks. Of course, these accessories need power to function, and finding the right battery is not as easy as it might sound. For kayakers, weight and size matter as much as battery life, and unlike bass boats, we … Read more
You’re ready to tackle kayak fishing, and you’ve got the right kayak, the perfect rod and reel, and the ideal PFD. And just as the sun is starting to rise from the water, you slip your ‘yak into the water at the launch. Then the paddle begins, and by the time you make it to … Read more
Paper maps are not kayak friendly. The last thing you want to be doing as the weather turns and the wind starts to pick up is be struggling to find and read a map. Given this, GPS watches are the height of convenience. Depending on which model you choose, you can set way points, track … Read more
When you’re out kayaking on a large body of water, like a lake or sea, navigation can be tricky. It’s easy to lose sight of landmarks and get turned around. This is especially true if adverse conditions such as poor light, choppy seas, or fog make you lose sight of the horizon. It’s in precisely … Read more
You’re getting ready for a day on the water. You’ve got your life jacket, your paddle, your sunscreen, and your lunch packed up. But you’ll be on the water for hours—how will you keep your food and drinks cool and refreshing? If you think packing your lunch on a kayak means you have to eat … Read more
At first glance, all kayak paddles may look alike. And it’s true that they have the same basic parts: a shaft and a blade at each end. But those apparently minor differences can have a huge impact on performance. In fact, beyond your choice of a kayak itself, there’s no more important piece of gear. … Read more
Relying on your senses alone will only take you so far as a kayak angler. In our day and age, there’s no reason not to use technology to your benefit to help you find, and increase your odds of catching, fish. There are a lot of must-have kayak fishing accessories that can help you be … Read more
Leaving your kayak cockpit exposed isn’t wise—you would be amazed at what could enter an uncovered cockpit in your absence. You don’t want to end up sitting on insects or a pile of rubbish deposited in the compartment. This calls for a cockpit cover. A cockpit cover has other benefits which we will discuss later … Read more
Kayaking may be fun, but carrying that kayak through the woods until you get down to the lake certainly isn’t! Instead of struggling under the weight of your kayak, you might be considering a kayak cart to help you out. There are tons of these two-wheeled devices though, with even more features that may or … Read more
If you’re relatively new to kayaking, you should know that there are many styles and designs of kayak roof racks out there and choosing the right one for your unique setup will require careful consideration. Fortunately for you, we’ve canvassed the market to bring you a collection of admirable candidates for the best kayak roof … Read more
Getting out onto the water in your fishing kayak can be hard enough, so you should do everything in your power to make sure you find fish once you’re there. One of the best portable kayak fish finders will help you do just that.
Owners of boats and personal watercraft know that cracks and leaks aren’t always easy to repair. Some can require the assistance of an expensive professional and others can compromise the buoyancy of your vessel permanently.
It is never a bad time to give the kayaker in your life a great gift. Like many sports, kayaking requires a lot of safety equipment and accessories that many kayakers take years to acquire all on their own.
Whether you need a kayak rack on top of your vehicle, in your backyard, on a dock at your lake house, or in your garage, building a DIY kayak rack is one of the most affordable ways to go.
The high support stroke is more difficult, but will also prevent capsizing. The high support stroke is similar to the low stroke in that it will help you to maintain your stability and prevent capsizing while you are on the water. However, it requires a different technique and is likely a bit harder than the … Read more
The support/brace strokes can help you avoid capsizing. Another type of kayaking stroke that is often overlooked are the support/brace strokes. These strokes exist to help you gain some more control over your kayak if you are having trouble, or if you are in an area where the water has started to get rougher. Essentially, … Read more
Taking your touring kayak out on a long paddle can lead to breathtaking moments. Whether that’s whale watching, viewing a spectacular sunrise, or just experiencing the serene calm that can descend over you when you’re alone with your kayak and the sea, it’s not hard to hear your boat calling to you as the weekend … Read more
There are lots of good reasons to add outriggers to your ‘yak, but they’re all driven by a central concern: stability. If you’re planning on adding a sail, or want to turn your rec boat into a fishing platform, outriggers are a great solution. They’re also a good investment if you find that as a … Read more
Signaling equipment will keep you safe if you are kayak touring. If you are planning on going kayak touring, you should definitely make sure that you have signaling equipment with you – and that you know how to use it. This can be very important if you end up getting into trouble a long way … Read more
An accessory cord is an essential part of any emergency kit. If you’re going to go kayaking, there is one thing you should keep in mind. No matter how sturdy your kayak is, there’s always a chance that you might have to make repairs somewhere other than the comfort of your own home. As a … Read more
Kayak foot pegs can provide paddling leverage as well as a more comfortable kayaking experience. Although not essential for kayaking, kayak foot pegs can be a nice addition to your kayak. Choosing the Right Foot Pegs for a Kayak Before buying a kayak with foot pegs you make sure that they are suitable for your … Read more
If you want to feel like you’re the only person on the water, a night paddle is the answer! It’s one of the few times that you can have some of the country’s most popular recreational lakes all to yourself.
You have your amazing kayak and you’re all ready to go out to the lake. There’s only one problem: you have no way to transport it. Kayaks can certainly be heavy, and due to their size, aren’t necessarily the easiest things to fit in your car. Most people might think their only option is to … Read more
A spray skirt is an essential accessory on a kayaking adventure because it keeps you dry when paddling. And that is beside the protection it offers to the cockpit of your kayak by keeping water from the compartment. If you value your comfort while enjoying the thrills of kayaking, you will understand the importance of … Read more
A bilge pump might not seem like a necessary part of your repertoire of kayaking accessories, but while it may not be as vital as your paddle or life jacket, it’s definitely something worth spending a few dollars on. Bilge pumps can save you a lot of hassle if your kayak takes on water. Whether … Read more
Every fisherman knows the importance of a good tackle box. A fishing pole is only as good as the bait and tackle you have to work with. You can pack your expensive, high-end fishing pole on a kayaking trip, but without something to put on the end of your hook, it’s unlikely you’ll actually catch … Read more
One of the best things about kayaking is that it can be as strenuous or relaxing as you want it to be. If you’re after excitement, then whitewater kayaking is exactly the rush you are looking for. If you want to slow down and enjoy the scenery, then kayak touring is a great way to … Read more
Have you ever been out on a long paddle and wished that someone else could do the hard work for a while? Or maybe just gave your kayak a little push while you relaxed and enjoyed the scenery? Well, then a good kayak sail is exactly what you are looking for! Much like a sail … Read more
Buying your first kayak is one of the best feelings a ‘yakker can experience. Now you have the freedom to get out on the water whenever you want, and in a kayak that fits you like a glove. Realizing that you have no way of getting your brand new 14-foot touring kayak home–especially because it … Read more
Scupper plugs might not be the most exciting part of kayaking but, like most things that plug a hole in the bottom of your kayak, they are fairly vital. Similar to every other part of your kayak, scupper plugs will need to be maintained and occasionally replaced. To help out, we’ve put together this guide … Read more
The key to staying safe when you’re out kayaking is excellent communication. Being able to pass information freely within a kayaking group allows you to make sure no one is becoming overtired or struggling with the pace. It also lets you point out potential obstacles or hazards, like low head dams or areas of unusually … Read more
Most of the time, kayaking is a sport focused on moving forward. Touring, sea, and whitewater kayakers are often on the move, paddling to reach the next stretch of beautiful coastline or pulse-racing drop. Sometimes, however, you’ll need your ‘yak to stay in place for a while – maybe you’re fishing, enjoying the view, catching … Read more
Owning your own kayak is an amazing experience. It allows you to find a kayak that is just right for you in every way and have it on hand when you want to head out on the water. You also don’t have to worry about renting or borrowing one. One of the few issues with … Read more
Having gear is an ever-present feature of kayaking as a hobby. You don’t have to carry a huge amount of stuff around on your kayak, but having your sunscreen, water, and first aid kit stored in your deck bag within easy reach helps to make the already amazing experience of kayaking that much better. Deck … Read more
“There are many good fishermen and some great ones,” Hemingway wrote in The Old Man and the Sea. And as any angler can tell you, having the right equipment is a big step in the right direction of being a great fisherman, by improving your odds and decreasing your frustration. Kayak fishing, like kayaking in … Read more
GPS navigation has become so common that you may wonder why you should even bother with a compass. The uncomfortable truth is that while global positioning systems are a godsend for sea kayakers, they can and will fail. Dead batteries, malfunctions, interference from solar flares, and weak signals can leave you without this high-tech navigation … Read more
Kayaking is an amazing way to get out on the water and enjoy nature from an angle that people don’t often get to see. One thing you quickly learn, however, is that while you are unlikely to be the only boat on the water, you are normally the smallest and lowest craft out there. Staying … Read more
A good kayaking knife should be part of every kayaker’s go-to kit. Now, in response to that bold statement, many of you might be asking why a person in a kayak might need something sharp. Surely, more can go wrong with a sharp knife in a kayak than can go right…right? Well, the major benefit … Read more
The bow rudder is related to the bow/draw rudder, but it is slightly easier to perform. If you have learned the bow/draw rudder, you may want to look into learning the bow rudder as well. This stroke is used for turning while you are moving in your kayak, just like the bow/draw. However, this stroke … Read more
The stern rudder is an easy to learn form of steering your kayak. The stern rudder is a quick way to turn your kayak. However, like all of the turning moves that require you to place your paddle in the water, it can have a dragging effect, and may slow you down considerably if you … Read more
Sculling for support will keep you upright if your kayak is at rest. Even though you will probably learn several other strokes and kayaking moves that will help you to maintain your upright posture in your kayak, the more support strokes you know, the better. Another method that you can use to support your kayak … Read more
The kayak paddle float is a small and innocuous piece of gear that can make a real difference to your day in a range of different situations. In its most basic form, the kayak paddle float is an inflatable, foam flotation device that attaches to the end of a paddle. It can also allow you … Read more
One of the best parts of the wonderful hobby of kayaking is the fact that you get to experience nature. The waves, wind, and on occasion, the splash of rain are all part of what makes kayaking such an amazing experience. Sometimes, however, the climate, or the amount of time you’re spending on the water, … Read more
The bow/draw rudder is one of the hardest, but most efficient, kayaking strokes. While the stern rudder will turn your boat by using your paddle as a rudder near the back of the kayak, you can also perform the bow/draw rudder instead. This is essentially the same move, however, it is performed in front of … Read more
As any kayak angler knows, getting a live fish into a kayak is no easy feat. It’s hard enough, as it is, to keep your balance, maintain control of your rod, and manage the fish on your line. After so much work, it can be quite frustrating to lose your catch at the end of … Read more
Fishing can be as simple as a rod, a reel, and a lure. But to get the most out of your time on the water, a bit of additional gear is welcome. From pliers to help you remove hooks, to electronics to keep you on the fish, fun doesn’t need to be complicated. A few … Read more
Kayaks aren’t the easiest items to store indoors. They can take up too much space in your garage.
They wind up getting in the way when you need to get to other seasonal gear. And they don’t always need to be protected from the elements.
Most kayaks are built to last at least ten years. They’re durable watercraft that can withstand the elements if stored outside. But you’re going to increase the lifespan of your kayak by storing it inside.
Spending time in your kayak is a thrilling outing for any paddler that requires a bit of advanced gear planning before launching onto your favorite body of water.
Whether you prefer whitewater, the serenity of a tree-lined bay, sailboat viewing in the marina, or a placid lake, ensuring you’ve packed all your safety gear, snacks, sunscreen, camera, etc. is something that all kayakers take seriously.
One might argue that kayaking as a sport can trace its origins to the oceans. Many early cultures paddled small wooden watercraft out past the surf break every day in search of fish.
Not all of us have the benefit of living in a place where we can kayak year-round. If that’s you, it means you’ll need to take adequate precautions to protect your investment during the months that you’re not using it. Kayak storage isn’t overly complex. But it is important to be aware of certain storage … Read more
One of the best parts of owning a kayak is exploring new waterways. There’s always something new to be found in your area’s assortment of lakes, rivers, or coastal waterways. But you need a reliable way to transport your kayak (or kayaks!) to these new waterways safely. While we’ve seen a number of jerry-rigged solutions … Read more
Offshore kayak fishing offers a level of thrill and excitement that’s hard to replicate with any other type of fishing. The extended fights with large ocean fish sometimes remind us of Hemingway’s classic tale of The Old Man and the Sea. Any seasoned angler will tell you that experience and expertise can only take you … Read more
Kayak fishing is a great way to spend some alone time in the outdoors. But it’s also a fun activity for a group of friends that want to see who can catch the day’s biggest fish. Whether your closest body of water is freshwater or saltwater, kayak fishing allows you to explore in ways that … Read more
Establishing a love of the outdoors from an early age is undeniably important. Many of the most enthusiastic athletes, nature lovers, and conservationists fell in love with their sport of choice as young kids. Kayaking is no exception to this phenomenon. It also has the advantage of being one of the easiest water sports to … Read more
Ideally, you’ve targeted the right fishing kayak for your needs and now you’re beginning to look at what you need to go with it. Even the best kayak can’t paddle itself! Kayak fishing arguably requires more accessories than other forms of recreational, touring, or whitewater kayaking. But if you want to be a successful angler, … Read more
Kayak anglers have to carry a lot more gear on their boats than the typical recreational kayaker. Once your kayak is loaded down with poles, tackle, fishfinder, and other accessories, space can get limited. Having an unorganized kayak fishing setup is a recipe for disaster. You should be able to focus your efforts on removing … Read more
Transporting a kayak can be difficult if you don’t have rails on the roof of your vehicle. You’ll have to be even more careful about how you strap your kayaks up there so that it doesn’t cause any roof damage. But you should still be able to get your kayak to your next launching location … Read more
The feeling of being in a kayak on the ocean is unrivaled. It’s special just knowing that there’s a vast, sprawling sea rolling beneath your watercraft while you’re rigging up the right bait for your next cast. Saltwater kayak fishing comes with some additional considerations when compared with fishing from shore. For starters, you’ll need … Read more
Sea kayaking presents different challenges than any other type of kayaking. The unpredictable nature of the ocean means that you need to be more prepared for anything before you even push your kayak off the shore. But if you are prepared, sea kayaking gives you opportunities to experience marine wildlife up close and personal. It … Read more
Kayak fishing requires more specific clothing than other forms of kayaking. It’s one form of kayaking that keeps you outdoors for longer periods of time than others, which means you need additional protection from the elements. While you can take the approach of slathering yourself with sunscreen on hot days, the best way to protect … Read more
The paddle can sometimes be the most overlooked kayaking accessory. But not all kayak paddles are created equal and it’s definitely a big mistake to overlook the principle accessory you’ll use to maneuver your kayak on the water. The best kayak paddles come with a wide range of price tags and some can even cost … Read more
Even the best kayak roof racks are useless if they can’t carry a kayak for you and your favorite paddle partner. While we’ve already reviewed some of the best kayak racks for trucks, we haven’t yet given you our selections for the best 2 kayak roof rack. No matter the type of vehicle you use … Read more
Have you recently found yourself envious of other kayakers always having their dogs on the water with them? Well, the good news is that kayaking with your dog is possible for everyone with a little training and perseverance. While it’s always better to start training your dog for kayaking from a young age, it’s possible … Read more
Sometimes cold weather gives kayakers opportunities to enjoy their favorite waterways without dealing with the typical crowds. But paddling when the temperatures are close to freezing requires a lot more preparation (and layers!) than standard, warm-weather paddling. If you live in a location where it gets cold, rainy, or even snowy during the winter months, … Read more
Protecting your feet when you’re kayaking is way too underrated, and that’s true even if you’re enjoying some of the best weather conditions for kayaking. As a kayak guide, I know far too many folks that ask to kayak barefoot and then don’t realize how much less comfortable it is to get out of their … Read more
One of my favorite things about guiding kayaking trips all summer is watching my sandal tan line develop as I spend more and more time in the sun. It can actually be a point of pride in the guide industry when you’ve developed your sandal tan lines faster than your co-workers. But even if you … Read more
You don’t have to be super invested in birdwatching to recognize the advantage of a solid set of binoculars. But the best binoculars for kayaking need to possess certain characteristics that other binoculars don’t necessarily have. For one, a quality set of kayaking binoculars must be waterproof, at least to some degree. While they don’t … Read more
Loading more than two kayaks onto the roof of any vehicle gets tricky. While using a truck bed for kayak transportation is probably the easiest way to go, the Thule Stacker 830 is a great solution for sedans and SUVs, as well as trucks. But is Thule Stacker 830 the best three-kayak roof rack? That … Read more
All kayak paddles are not created equal. There is a surprising amount of variety in the market for the tool that provides locomotion for your kayak, so knowing about the different types of kayak paddles will help you choose a model that suits your paddling needs.
To be honest, we have really only begun to understand the importance of protecting our brains in the last few decades. It has been a popular topic in mainstream sports and it is also a good reason to invest in one of the best sea kayak helmets.
Jeeps are some of the most rugged all-terrain vehicles out there, but they don’t always make it easy to take a kayak along on your adventures. To do so, you will need one of the best Jeep kayak racks.
Sometimes, kayaks will require repairs and alterations. Whether you need to make changes for personal reasons or larger repairs to make your kayak seaworthy again, you will need to know about the best glue for kayak outfitting. From sealing torn seams on one of the best inflatable kayaks to attaching new fishing rod holders on … Read more
Many people don’t think much about cleaning their kayak between adventures. This is especially the case with plastic kayaks because many of them aren’t among the most expensive kayaks out there. Often, that translates to less care because they can be relatively easily replaced. For those of you that are interested in maintaining your kayak … Read more