Kayak Accessory Choices - Luxuries & Necessities

Most kayak accessory items are purely a matter of personal choice. What I may consider a necessity, you may think of as a luxury. If you are a kayak enthusiast, you know that besides purchasing that all important kayak, you are going to need to make a few kayak accessory choices. There are a variety of kayaking accessories, some of which you cannot do without and others that are strictly optional but will help make your kayak adventure much more enjoyable.

Water shoes are extremely important and come in a variety of sandal and shoe styles to fit every taste. There are also long and short sleeve rash guards for upper body protection, long underwear for the cold weather runs, and neoprene paddle wear offering everything from socks, booties, tops and bottoms to full wetsuits. And don’t forget your protective kayak helmet if your a whitewater kayaker.

The single most important kayak accessory that you will need is a good PFD life jacket, which run anywhere from forty dollars to two hundred, depending on the style and make you choose. Next, you will want to get your kayak dry bags which come in medium, large and extra large sizes, and in a variety of shapes to keep your extra clothing, food and gear warm and dry during your kayak ride. And don’t forget that all important water bottle. It’s crucial to keep well hydrated while you’re out in the sun exerting yourself, whether you are slicing through those fast running rapids or surfing the waves and doing 360s.

If you’re planning an overnight, weekend or even a week-long kayaking trip, you’ll need extra gear for camping. Portable water filters or purifying chemicals are a must before drinking any water found in the wild. Knives, cooking gear, utensils and coolers are also a must. Experts recommend that you eat a hot meal for breakfast and dinner, then take along non-perishable snacks like dried fruit and beef jerky to eat in between. Remember that unless you have somewhere to stow your gear between runs, you need to cart everything with you inside your kayak, so it is important to purchase light, portable items whenever possible, to reduce the load you’ll have to cart back and forth to your kayak every morning and evening. It would also be a good idea to have a removable compass and a waterproof first aid kit along for unexpected emergencies.

And what kayaking adventure would be complete without fishing gear and rigging accessories for those times when you just want to settle back in your kayak and enjoy a relaxing day of fishing. Kayaks can be outfitted with a variety of fishing gear. Many kayaks are already fitted with rod holders and tank wells.

If kayak fishing is on your to-do list, you’ll need to purchase your own rods, reels, bait tanks, nets, and gaffs to use. Then get out there and enjoy your kayaking experience, made even more enjoyable by the kayak accessories you choose to own.

• Hand Bilge Pump
• Rescue Line
• First Aid Kit
• Large Sponge
• Waterproof Map Case
• Spare Paddle (Two-Piece for ease of transport and storage)

A kayak trailer makes transporting your kayak a snap (and easier on your back). They come in a variety of types and styles and will haul from one to as many as four kayaks at a time. There are also kayak roof racks that fit on top of your auto and the cost is far less expensive than a kayak trailer.