Gear

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

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

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

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

When talking about kayak essentials, the first thing that comes to mind is a good kayak paddle. 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 … 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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