15 min read
The Best Kayak Sail On Sale – What You Really Need To Know!
We dedicated over 40 hours and teamed up with a team of expert kayakers to find the best kayak sail. From advantages to how to pick the perfect kayak sail, feel the wind pull you along as you choose the perfect sail.
During our research we determined that the WestWind Kayak Sail is the best kayak sail out there today for the price range, with their amazing customer service and their durable and quality products at a budget the WestWind sail has proven that it is one of the best kayak sails available.
Quick Summary: Top 3 - Kayak Sail
Our seasoned editors have picked and rated these products for each specific category and area of expertise to recommend you the best models and products we can. We receive commission from some of these affiliate links.
Best Overall:
1. Westwind Kayak Sail
"A perfect budget friendly, entry level sail, which you can use in low to medium winds."
"A perfect budget friendly, entry level sail, which you can use in low to medium winds."
Best Expert Solution:
2. BSD Batwing Sail Kit
"Suitable for those trying to take sailing to the next level and want a premium option."
"Suitable for those trying to take sailing to the next level and want a premium option."
Runner Up:
3. Vision Kayak Sail
"Suitable for all types of kayaks. It comes with a wide view area and a additional carry bag. Its size is 42 inches."
"Suitable for all types of kayaks. It comes with a wide view area and a additional carry bag. Its size is 42 inches."
Our Reviews
Best Overall
A perfect budget friendly, entry level sail, which you can use in low to medium winds.
Quick Specs
If you are looking for a budget friendly sail for use in low to medium winds, then the WestWind Sail is the best option for you. This model is perfect for solo kayakers, who love casual paddling, ease of use and lightweight products. It also has a soft material, which holds the shape of the sail, making it pliable, so that it easily folds.
This sail can be launched from the deck position of your kayak and clipped or held from the front using its included setup. You can also use the self launching set up before you start sailing or while on the water. This means that when you’re using the WestWind Sail, you don’t need to return to the shore to adjust it. This model is more beginner friendly and gives you a great introduction to kayak sailing. Its size is 42 inches and it comes with clips and a carry bag.
This sail can be launched from the deck position of your kayak and clipped or held from the front using its included setup. You can also use the self launching set up before you start sailing or while on the water. This means that when you’re using the WestWind Sail, you don’t need to return to the shore to adjust it. This model is more beginner friendly and gives you a great introduction to kayak sailing. Its size is 42 inches and it comes with clips and a carry bag.
Pros
Cons
Best Overall
This sail is suitable for those that are trying to take sailing to the next level and want a premium option
Quick Specs
This BSD Batwing 32 inch sail been around and evolving for over 25 years and is the most advanced sail we have listed. It is truly the “Cadillac” of sailing. The BSD Batwing kayak sail kit stands up to its name as the most durable and functional kayak sail out there today. You would be hard pressed to find a sail that can compete with it. It is designed for any kayak that is under 17 inches. The sail kit comes with everything you need to install it including zippered 2 reef system, a boom, outrigger, lee board, cam cleats.
The installation also becomes easier since they offer install phone support and detailed manuals int he case that you want to do it yourself. The gear together weighs in at 36 pounds and has a height of 60 inches.
If you are looking to have the best possible product for kayak sailing, this is your kit. Its not cheap but if you take care of it it will last you a lifetime of great sailing
Pros
Cons
Best Overall
This sail is suitable for all types of kayaks. It comes with a wide view area and a additional carry bag. Its size is 42 inches.
Quick Specs
The Vision Sail is suitable for all types of kayaks be it sit in or sit on top type. It comes in at 42 inches and possesses durable technology and design making the sail safe, versatile, easy to use and reliable.
With ripstop nylon and clear UV proof resistant marine grade PVC, the sail also has a great forward view. It is easy to store and deploy, making it a handy one for fishermen, or paddlers and allows you to take advantage of the wind. Definitely a great product and highly recommended if your just getting into kayak sailing as a beginner.
Pros
Cons
How Do I Choose A Kayak Sail?
There are lots of small differences between all of the kayak sails and considerations to take in when choosing one.
Design
The main difference between all of the different sails are the design. There are lots of different types. There are the traditional sails, and the newer types. The wind-paddle sails are more of a circle shape. The Hobie sails, are more like the triangular traditional sails. The difference with the Sea Eagle sails, is that you can only use them on a limited number of boats. The Sea Eagle uses more of a synthetic material, which is why the QuikSail by Sea Eagle is one of the better quality and more durable sails.
Some kayak sails work with specific boats. For example, the Sea Eagle Quiksail would not work with the Sun Dolphin Aruba. Some sails only work for sit-on kayaks, and some only work for sit-in kayaks.
Main Types of sail we know of are
- Vshape Sails
These sails are downwind sails and the main dissadvantage here is that if a large gust of wind comes you will tip over pretty quickly and the fact that you can no sail upwind with these you can only go in the dirrection the wind goes. - Circle Shape Sails
Most the models here are also upwind sails that can only go in one dirrection and cannot be adjusted. They come with a visor to see through the center of the sail and help you manuever. These are mostly meant for beginners. - Tall L Shape Sails
Some of the best sails come in this design and they can be pivorted to switch directions and adjusted to take advantage of the wind wherever it may be coming from. These can also be some of the most expense sails and the most saught after.
Materials
Another consideration is the material. Depending on the company and sail the most common materials are cloth and plastic. The main difference, is that cloth is heavier but lasts longer than plastic, although the plastic sails stay efficient for longer.
1. Synthetic Plastic and Cloth: It's always good to know the materials of the products that you are buying. The newer kayak sails, are generally made of synthetic plastic, it may not last as long as the cloth but it does keep efficiency for longer duration. Another traditional type of sail, is cloth. It definitely lasts longer, but as I said loses efficiency quicker. It is also significantly heavier, especially when wet.
2. Visor Material: Because the Wind-paddle Sails are directly in front of where the kayaker sits, they put a plastic transparent material in the middle of the sail so the kayaker can see.
3. Carbon Fiber: Falcon Sails, use carbon fiber for their masts which are one of the better materials. Falcon Sails make really high quality and super durable masts, which is why it was a good idea for them to make it an option to customize the colors of the kayak sail.
Experience Level
Another way to choose the right sail is to decide how experienced you are with kayaking. If you are looking for an easier sail to setup and navigate, the Windpaddle might be the right sail for you. This is because, of its circular mast shape which makes it easier to control. However if you are more experienced and want something a little more heavy duty the hobie sail may be for you. Some sails are easier to setup for beginners in order of difficulty of experience level we would say the following from easiest in regards to setup and control to hardest:
Windpaddle, Sea Eagle, Falcon Sails, Hobie
Advantages of owning a kayak sail?
1. Speed: Kayak Sailing is an innovative sport. It is sailing and kayaking combined, so whether you like to sail or kayak, you get a combination of the two here. By combining these two sports you get an extra boost from one to the other. Though paddling can create an increase in speed the addition of a sail harnesses the power of the wind to add an extra few kilometers an hour to your speed.
2. Exertion: The addition of a kayak sail takes away the reliance on the paddlers arms and instead puts it on a renewable energy source which is the wind! This allows you to focus more on the other things like fishing or navigating rather then worrying about exhausting yourself
3. Fun: Why get a sail on your kayak? Because it's a blast! The idea of sailing with your kayak is great. You can pull up your sail, in a matter of seconds whenever the wind comes. When I first got my kayak sail, I had no idea how to use it but after a few hours of sailing with it, it was a piece of cake and something to this day i cant live without. It can also be great for sail beginners.
4. Convenience: An advantage of kayak sailing is that it also has some convenience considerations. For example; if you're tired, you can sit back and let the wind take you, and West the breeze while relaxing on your kayak. One of my favorite things to do while Kayak Sailing.
5. Fishing: One of the main reasons I first got into kayak sailing, was because of the fishing advantages. It is extremely good for trolling, and getting you to and from your fishing area. For those less experienced that know what trolling is, this is the art of leaving your fishing line out and slowly moving across bodies of water waiting for a fish to bite.
2. Exertion: The addition of a kayak sail takes away the reliance on the paddlers arms and instead puts it on a renewable energy source which is the wind! This allows you to focus more on the other things like fishing or navigating rather then worrying about exhausting yourself
3. Fun: Why get a sail on your kayak? Because it's a blast! The idea of sailing with your kayak is great. You can pull up your sail, in a matter of seconds whenever the wind comes. When I first got my kayak sail, I had no idea how to use it but after a few hours of sailing with it, it was a piece of cake and something to this day i cant live without. It can also be great for sail beginners.
4. Convenience: An advantage of kayak sailing is that it also has some convenience considerations. For example; if you're tired, you can sit back and let the wind take you, and West the breeze while relaxing on your kayak. One of my favorite things to do while Kayak Sailing.
5. Fishing: One of the main reasons I first got into kayak sailing, was because of the fishing advantages. It is extremely good for trolling, and getting you to and from your fishing area. For those less experienced that know what trolling is, this is the art of leaving your fishing line out and slowly moving across bodies of water waiting for a fish to bite.
Top Kayak Sail Brands
1. BSD
BSD, was one of the first kayak sailing companies and has great quality sails. Very durable, and easy to setup. It has great customer service, and they sell the sails through dealers and online. The BSD sails are made from clear plastic materials, which is why the BSD sails tend to be lighter than some of their competitors.
2. Westwind / Vision
The sails are not customizable, but boast a great efficient design and are very easy to set up with any kayak. Westwind has great customer service. Its simple to pull up and fold. The wind-paddle sails, have a very unique design and are very different from the other kayak sails. It is a circular shape, and is put in front of the kayaker with a transparent plastic material in the middle so the kayaker can see.
3. Wind Paddle / Sea Eagle
Sea Eagle sails have great quality sails but only work with specific kayaks because they have a different way of attaching to the kayak. The Sea Eagle, has one of the best quality sails because of its composite design, and it is mainly made of synthetic plastic. This is better than having a cloth sail, because it is lighter and more efficient.
4. Falcon Sails
Faction Sails is a great sail company, with amazing customer service. If you email the owner of the company he will instantly respond. Falcon Sails, use a carbon fiber material for their masts which is one of the better materials for a kayak. One of the main perks of choosing Falcon Sails, is its coolest online feature. The option to customize the mast; you can choose the colors of everything on the mast, you can choose how the lines go and what the logo looks like. This is the main reason I love Falcon Sails.
Other Notable Companies: PAS, Serenity, Complete
There are some other players in the kayak sail field and these are more customized. Some of these offering from serenity and complete were really impressive they come off as more advanced brands that create large oversized sails for professionals or kayakers looking for the best in quality materials. If you are willing to dish out the higher prices we would definately recommend checking these alternatives out. Especially our favorite the complete giant start, supernova and the serenity upwind.
Kayak Sailing Tips
Kayak Sailing is fairly a new concept, and even though it is a very simple sport to get a hang of, it is important to be aware of safety procedures and safety tips to have the best Kayak Sailing experience.
Know the surroundings of where you will be Kayak Sailing
Make sure you know the area that you will be kayaking in, to make sure you will not get into any hazards or incidents while Sailing your Kayak. Also understand there are boats and swimmers, so you know where those are and how to avoid them.
Make sure the weather is good for sailing
It is important to check the weather before you go on a day of sailing, because heavy rain and lightning, or extreme wind might pop up. This is a major tip for safety.
Do you have the right Sail?
There are many variety of kayaks, and different sails. Some are meant for fishing, but some are meant for heavy winds and rapids. This is important that you pick the perfect sail for you, to maintain safety.
Wear the necessary safety equipment
Kayak Sailing is not a sport to be taken lightly it brings dangers and hazards that could be threatening. Make sure to be prepared with all necessary equipment on your kayak, by wearing the necessary equipment such as a helmet and a life jacket. You can save yourself from harms way if an incident or collision ever occurs.
Keep your kayak clean!
To keep your Kayak and Sail looking good on the waters and more efficient and durable for longer make sure when you are done for the day clean your kayak and if you have been using it on the ocean to get any salt off that may degrade materials.
Know who is boating around you!
It is important to know who is kayaking, sailing or boating around you. This can stop many incidents and avoid collisions that could really harm you.
Make sure to bring some food and water
Even if you are planning just to be on the water for a couple hours, as a precaution keep a supply of food and water on your kayak in case anything goes wrong or you choose to stay longer. This is a very important safety precaution.
Know your own equipment!
This seems obvious but is important. Make sure you know how to use and coordinate the kayak sail, and understand how durable and what kind of things the Kayak Sail can handle.
Do It Yourself Kayak Sail
Creating your own kayak sail could be an option if you don't want to shell out the money for a prebuilt one. However in all honesty some of the premade options are cheap and could save you a lot of hastle however we know theirs always those doityourselfers out there.
Example of a well drawn out plan.
The Basic elements of creating a kayak sail are listed below
- Create and draw out a plan with dimensions and what materials you will need
- Cut the tarp to your specifications (for this you need to choose a solid tarp material there are many options out there but a heavier duty plastic would probably be your best bet.
- Cut piping (usually pvp piping is the best) creating a triangle shape for your mast, the mast must be secure and hold your sail.
- Cut Rope and attach with hooks to your piping making sure to make the sail mobile so it has some give at the bottom of the pvc piping
- Create wood block with dimensions for the bottom cutouts and a mount for the bottom of the kayak (more detailed instructions can be found in the video linked to and the attached documents.
Resource: 1. Video One (creating a Simple Sail for a canoe kayak for little over $20)
Resource: 2. Video Two Do it yourself kayak sail, rotatable kayak sail.
Summary
Kayak Sailing is an innovative sport. It is a very new and simple concept, and is extremely enjoyable, and this is why it is my favorite hobby and activity. It is an add on to kayaking, and after adding the sail it still keeps its simplicity but offers a new dimension to kayaking.
After reading all of this, you should be ready to purchase your first Kayak Sail and get on the waters. Kayak Sails, are really beneficial because of their price which easily fits in most people's budgets. Before you buy a sail, first think what kinds of things you will be doing with it, because certain sails are meant for certain things. Also keep in consideration that some sails only work with specific kayaks.
After reading all of this, you should be ready to purchase your first Kayak Sail and get on the waters. Kayak Sails, are really beneficial because of their price which easily fits in most people's budgets. Before you buy a sail, first think what kinds of things you will be doing with it, because certain sails are meant for certain things. Also keep in consideration that some sails only work with specific kayaks.
Make sure you read through this whole guide, because every single piece of information is important. From how to pick the right kayak sail to how to maintain your safety with one. I hope you learned a lot about kayak sailing and I guarantee Kayak Sailing will be your favorite hobby after you pick it up. Thank you for reading the guide, and happy sailing!
You may also want to check Falcon Kayak Sail Review.
Our Pick Again - Affordable and Durable
WestWind Kayak Sail
A perfect budget friendly, entry level sail, which you can use in low to medium winds.
WestWind Kayak Sail
A perfect budget friendly, entry level sail, which you can use in low to medium winds.
Excellent review and information! Thank you!
Really a great rundown of some of the things that go into a good kayak sail. That premium model is a huge jump up from the others, but I guess thats the price you pay for a premium option haha.