Best Kayak Accessories Guide
Kayaking is just not about taking a kayak in the water and paddling. If you have been a kayaker for a while now, its likely that you know that kayaking is involves much more. All kayakers know that it is important to choose the right and the best kayak accessories to get the most out of your trips. From safety gear to navigation equipment and anchors each kayak accessory is beneficial for a perfect kayaking experience. This best kayak accessories guide will give you an overview of what you need when you are getting ready to start kayaking.
Quick Summary: Top 10 - Best Kayak Accessories This Year
"Transport any kayak with easy with the alumium cart from TMS"
"Looking to keep your stuff dry when kayaking? Here is the best solution out there!"
"Store away kayaks while still preserving space in your garage with these straps!"
"Fight the current and stay positioned with this well built anchor from Airhead"
"Never lose paddles or fishing rods ever again. Just hook up equipment to the cords!"
"Keep water from splashing onto you with this amazing accessory for kayaks! "
"Comfortable yet sturdy. This life vest is the perfect balance for any kayaker"
"Know your location at every time with just few clicks on this great product from Garmin"
"Stay comfortable for hours in the water with this well designed seat"
"Fear of sinking? Keep this universal fit plugs at all times to prevent any leakage!"
And when you’re done, you can just break it apart and put it in your trunk – it takes up very little space. A great kayak accessory.
The capacities you can pick and choose from range from a 5L bag, all the way to a 40L bag. Whichever one you go for, you get a versatile bag that will stay afloat and keep your essentials dry!
If you’re struggling with storage, this is definitely the way to go. It’s reasonably priced, it works very well, and it’s as durable as they come. What more could you look for?
Round things out with the excellent carrying bag and buoy that lets you find it easily, and you’ve got yourself an excellent kayak anchor.
This leash has no stretching issues, and it won’t lose any elasticity over time, which makes it an excellent and pretty durable product. At 20 inches, it’s just right to stay out of your way, and keep your paddle at bay.
You will need a two-piece paddle to install them, and they fit on shafts that are between 28 and 31 inches in diameter. Being made out of PVC, they’re pretty durable and should be easy to install. They do a very good job at keeping the shaft of the paddles dry, so you can enjoy your paddling. Honestly, this is one of the best kayak accessories out there.
Last but not least, you have 20 hours of use and quickly replaceable AA batteries – what more could you ask for?
There’s also the fact that you’re looking at a very grippy surface, so you won’t be moving around your seat a lot, which is a nice addition. It’s a great thing to have, for any paddler.
Kayak Carts
A kayak cart is a two wheeler frame which can be attached to your car, cycle, or motorbike or you may even wish to pull it yourself. Kayaks can easily be loaded on the frame of the cart and can be easily pulled to your destination. If you a buy a nice durable cart then you can get a long lifespan out of the tires and you can also portage into remote areas without much difficulty. A kayak cart combined with kayak trailer tools can make your life a lot easier in transporting your kayak. Whether it is a few feet to the water, or you have to go through the woods, a kayak cart will act as the perfect tool for any conveyance purpose outside the water. A kayak cart will also save you from potential injuries that can be caused from carrying and lifting your fishing kayak, which usually is in excess of 100 pounds when rigged.
Moreover kayak roof racks help to secure a kayak on top of the vehicle. You can also choose to lock it with the help of Kayak straps and tie downs and transport it wherever you wish.
Kayak Sail Kits
Although paddling can make kayaking a lot more fun, if you wish to save your energy then you may use a kayak sail kit. The kayak sail kit gives you a sailing wind sock meaning that the kayak will turn its bow with the wind when subjected to its flow. A good sail kit plays a key role in responding to the wind and making a perfect movement following its track.
Sails are great for improving movement speed of the kayak however they may become slightly obtrusive if you have a smaller kayak and wish to do extra tasks with it such as fish. Casting with a sail can get a little annoying since the line will sometimes get caught and will not allow you to cast using a full motion.
Kayak Rudder Kits
Another tool to steer the kayak is the kayak rudder kit. This keeps the kayak straight when pushed by moving water, wind, currents and waves. If you wish to coast on open waters and the size of your kayak is over 12 inches then a kayak rudder kit is a must have for you.
Kayak rudders are almost standard for pedal kayaks since they provide one of the only means of steering if you do not have a paddle. The kayak rudder is known to slightly reduce a kayaks speed, some estimates have shown by as much as 10% of the kayaks normal speed is reduced.
Kayak Safety Accessories
Most of the accessories bought for kayaking are for safety. These may include life jackets and kayak pumps. The life jacket is a must have and every kayaker should wear it in the chance that you tip over in open water. To keep the paddles afloat, other flotation devices are also available. Kayak pumps are helpful in sucking out any accumulated water in the kayak. Without a kayak pump the kayak may sink full of water and water weight. Though kayak pumps are not essential they are a nice to have.
Another kayak safety accessory that is useful is a GPS which we will touch on in the next section. A GPS can be a lifesaver if you are out in the water and get lost on a particularly long journey.
Kayak Navigation
For a kayaker who is ready to hit the water a must have is a navigation system. To track your way around in rivers navigation tools like a GPS system, Compass and Map can be used. Each one of these navigation tools help to track your location down and are used in combination because of each one having its limitations.
The GPS system has become more and more advanced over the years and can now show and locate your exact position to avoid getting lost, some more advanced devices also show the weather patterns and wave patterns around you.
Kayak Seat Pads & Kayak Back bands
For a comfortable kayaking experience, seat pads which can encourage paddling and reduces fatigue are necessary. A bad seat pad can ruin your kayaking experience and therefore must be soft and should support your back and thighs. For an amazing kayaking experience kayak backbands are the best idea. While kayak seat pads support your thighs and hips, backbands maintains your spinal cord and also cushions it with a safety belt.
Many kayaks come with a seat however the majority of these are entry level seats and dont provide the necessary support you look for in a professional model.
Kayak Hatch and Storage Bag Kits
To keep your food, clothes and other dry items safe from water a hatch and storage bag kits are the most helpful accessories. A combination of dry boxes, dry bags and dry packs are available with versatile space and very effective waterproof seals. You may choose to store any item in these kits, and it is guaranteed that they won’t get wet or sink in case they're hit with water.
A lot of hatches come pre-made on kayaks and installing a new one may require some handy work that's why storage bags are the next best alternative for those that don't want to do the extra installation work.
Repair & Maintenance Kits/Parts
For any necessary repairs of your kayak or any other gear a repair kit needs to be carried along. To replace and remove any part or hardware, the repair kit must contain all the necessary tools. Moreover to improvise and fabricate parts various lubricants, adhesives and binding material should be a part of the repair kit. The repair kit must be placed in an accessible position and should be kept dry from water reach.
These kits are especially essential for inflatable kayaks, since a puncture to the kayak could be detrimental and requires immediate sealing.
Kayak Anchors
To keep your kayak sti ll while fishing or resting a kayak anchor is required..
Kayak anchors are very popular for fishers. If your going on somewhat turbulent waters the kayak rudder is essential and allows you to fish without being impeded by the moving waters.
Rudder kits usually come with an attachment to the bow or hull of your kayak and a secure metal or weighted anchor. There is usually some installation required with possible power tools, you may wish to get a expert to install if you are not handy.
Kayak trailers
If you have a kayak, or more of them, you undoubtedly need some means of transporting them. People who have smaller kayaks or inflatables can store them inside their vehicle, or on top of it, but those who have bigger kayaks don’t have that convenience. That is where a kayak trailer comes in. A kayak trailer isn’t a trailer that you attach to your kayak for extra storage, but instead a solution to carry around your kayak, or kayaks. It attaches to your vehicle and allows you to mount one or multiple kayaks on it, acting as a rack. Some of them also come with additional options such as storage area where you can put your gear or accessories, or anything else you might want. They come at a range of prices and options, and you can definitely find one that suits your needs.
Kayak paddles
A kayak paddle is basically the primary way to move your kayak. It’s a rod with two paddles on each end, and you use it alternately on both sides to keep your kayak moving. Choosing the right paddle can make a huge difference in your paddling and improve the amount of energy you preserve when paddling. Choosing one isn’t difficult, even though there are quite a few shapes, sizes and materials. The length depends on your height, your boat’s width as well as your paddling style. As for materials, the optimal paddle will give you a balance of light weight, which is important, especially for touring paddles, and strength, which is also key, especially in whitewater environments. Some more common materials include fiberglass, nylon/aluminum and carbon fiber. There are also feathered, or nonfeathered blades, where nonfeathered blades are in line with each other, and feathered ones are at an angle to each other.
Kayak life vest
When you’re out on water, or near it, it is common sense to have the appropriate safety gear. This is especially important when you’re in a kayak, or a canoe, as these vessels are notorious for being potentially unstable and being able to flip you and throw you in the water when you least expect it. Even if you’re a good swimmer, you will need something to keep you afloat, and that is where a life vest comes. A life-vest made for kayaking typically allows more freedom of movement, which is essential for this kind of sport, and won’t interfere what you’re doing. What you’re looking for is a lightweight life vest which makes you feel comfortable. All of them are made to keep you afloat in case you happen to flip over, and some of them are even waterproof to protect your essentials safely.
Bilge pump
Despite there being a movement which goes against using such a thing, it is common sense that you want to have some way of removing water that might come into your kayak, whether from splashes or capsizing. This is where a bilge pump comes in. It is designed to pump out any water that comes inside your cockpit, and comes with a few options. If you’re paddling in flat conditions, a hand pump is sufficient since you’re usually not in a rush to pump out the water, but going into challenging conditions, such as whitewater rapids, might call for something more heavy-duty, such as an electronic bilge pump. An electronic system will pump out the water for you, while leaving your hands free for paddling and handling the water. No matter what the conditions, having a bare minimum of a hand pump and a bailing sponge is a no-brainer.
Spray skirt
A spray skirt is another kayaking essential. On a touring kayak, it will keep you afloat in heavy seas. On a recreational kayak, it will keep out rain and any waves you might run into. And, on whitewater rapids, will let you ride through any waves, down waterfalls and roll over and up again. A skirt is generally made out of a torso, sometimes called a tunnel, that you wear around your waist, and a deck, that covers the entire cockpit, with the rand holding the deck over the entire cockpit. There are plenty of materials and designs to choose from. Some more popular materials include neoprene, mainly used for whitewater or surf kayaking, nylon, usually used for sea kayaking, and a combination of both. As far as fit is concerned, having a skirt that fits you and your kayak well, as this means that no water will get in.
Rescue sling (rescue stirrup)
A rescue sling, or sometimes known as a recue stirrup, is an interesting piece of kit that helps you get back into your kayak if you’ve capsized. It is usually used by paddlers who are either tired, or don’t have the upper body strength necessary to lift themselves up on the deck of the boat. The rescue sling works by creating a step that helps lift you up into a better position so you can re-enter your kayak. They’re usually built from highly visible nylon materials, feature some sort of flotation material, such as a neoprene wrap, and come with clips to attach it securely to your kayak. There are a few ways that you can enter your kayak with a rescue sling, and you can choose the one that makes it easiest for you. A good rescue sling will also be very easy to roll up and store.
Dry bag
A dry bag is pretty self-explanatory, it’s primary use is a watertight bag that keeps your precious and essential things dry. Everyone who spends time out in the water and would like to keep their food, electronics or other gear dry, rely on them. They’re usually strong and abrasion-resistant, and are an essential tool in a situation where things might get wet. They’re usually either made of vinyl, for smaller personal items, and nylon, coated with Cordura, for the larger items. They come with different types of closure, some of which give you an extra layer of protection, and at various sizes, which makes sure that you can fit whatever you want in them, provided you can fit your dry bag in your kayak afterwards. Some even come with carrying straps, for added convenience, which you can detach when you don’t need or use.
Map and compass
Even though you might be wondering what is there to navigate when you’re out on a lake, or a river, there’s a reason for having a map and compass. Yes, when you’re out on the lake you can see where you would want to go and you merely need to paddle there. However, any time you’re out in nature, you’re on your own, and you only depend on your muscle power and your wits. This gets trickier when you’re in the water, as if something happens, you can’t find shelter and you can’t sit down and think about it. Therefore, you need to have a map and compass that will let you know your position at all times, and you can tell it to someone in the case of an emergency. Plus, who wants to miss the cove after 30 miles of paddling and have to do an extra mile?
Whistle
A whistle is another accessory that you will want to have. It is a fact that it carries a lot farther than your voice, and it is another fact that your voice will give out much sooner than your whistle would. This makes it easier for you to communicate with others when out on the water or in the case of an emergency.
Wetsuit or drysuit
A suit, be it a wetsuit or a drysuit, is another accessory that becomes somewhat essential when the weather gets cold. Being well prepared for immersion might make all the difference between freezing in the water, and surviving the swim. A wetsuit will generally use neoprene in order to trap a thin layer of water near the body. The body’s heat will heat up the layer and this in return keeps the paddler warm. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer it is, but it is less flexible, which is important to paddlers. Paddling wetsuits will come without arms, and this won’t restrict arm movement which is essential, but won’t keep you that warm, and cold water might penetrate the arm holes. A drysuit uses a waterproof fabric to keep the water away from the body, and acts as an outer layer. By itself, it isn’t warm, and you might want to wear a base layer, as well as a mid layer to keep it warm. However, it is much more comfortable than a wetsuit, and you might find this very useful in the water.
Other Kayak Accessories
There are other accessories which can customize your kayak and kayaking experience. Several kayak Mounts and Hardware items are available to assist you with your kayaking. These include mounting tools, pads, holders and several other things. If you are interested in fishing then your kayak should have a kayak fishing cooler. These fishing coolers store you catch and keeps them fresh till you get back home.
Remember that when buying kayak accessories you do not have to buy all of the available accessories right away. You have to make a choice according to those accessories which are the most important by means of frequency of use, need and availability. When you start kayaking you will eventually come to know what you need the most and which things you can forego. Just remember these best kayak accessories will make your kayaking experience a lot more enjoyable and happy kayaking!