Essential Kayaking Accessories Every Beginner Needs

Kayaking is an exciting sport for all ages that offers a unique way to explore rivers, lakes, and the open ocean. You may do kayaking for many reasons like – having enjoyment, for physical fitness, or for fishing. Whatever the reason is you need some essential gears and accessories to have an exciting kayaking. As a beginner, you need some extra caution and some learning must. The right accessories help you to have better experience in kayaking.

Kayak

Recreational kayaks are usually shorter and wider, for this reason more stable and easier to handle. It’s designed to use basically in areas like lakes and calm rivers. Sit-in-kayak is usually suitable for true beginners. It has a seat inside the cockpit and provide greater protection for river running and whitewater kayaking. A sit-on-top kayak is heavier and slower and suitable for fishing. You may choose a touring kayak for its slim design and efficiency in open water. Inflatable kayak, made of PVC or hypalon, is ideal for camping, fishing and river running.

Kayak Paddle

Kayak paddle comes in various lengths and materials. Aluminum, fiberglass and carbon fiber made kayak paddles are suitable for a beginner. They are lightweight and provide perfect grip in water. They swing back and forth easier.

You should match the paddle proportionate to the kayak for better handling. Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, a kayaking instructor, explains that beginners should look for a paddle with a comfortable grip and lightweight design to prevent fatigue.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

According to the American Canoe Association (ACA), wearing a PFD is mandatory for kayaking in many reasons. It enables you to stay buoyant in the water and ensures safety. It makes rolling, bracing and rescues easier by providing extra upward force while in water.

Experts advise that beginners should always wear a PFD, even if the water seems calm or if they are strong swimmers. The risk of sudden capsizes or unexpected water conditions makes a PFD non-negotiable.

Wear PFDs on clothing and make sure that it doesn’t chafe you while paddling in water. Your PFDs should be short and comfortable. You can’t put on PFDs after the capsize, so wear it before paddling. The United States Coast Guard requires that every kayaker carry a PFD during kayaking.

Kayak Helmet

Helmets provide safety when suddenly thrown out of boats in shallow water, challenging rivers and in rocky areas. They protect your head from potential impact with rocks, your kayak, or other hazards in the water. They are not always necessary, but you should wear them in whitewater kayaking, kayak surfing, kayaking in and around caves, and for beginners, in slightly challenging venture where there’s a chance of your head meeting a solid object like rocks, boulders and fallen trees.

Depending on your conditions, you could choose helmet that covers your head, forehead, and a full face helmet covering your jaws and mouth. Helmets made of ABS plastic and carbon are suitable for beginner kayakers. Carbon helmets are lighter but expensive. ABS helmets are durable.

Waterproof Dry Bag

A waterproof dry bag keeps your valuables (such as phones, wallets, and extra clothing) organized and safe from damage. A dry bag helps to protect your electronic devices and other safety gears from degrading while kayaking in the sun. Typically, a dry bag made of waterproof materials like PCV, nylon and vinyl are suitable for the protection from water.

Kayaker and guide, Jon Pierce says, “When you’re out on the water, it’s easy to forget that electronics and clothes can quickly become ruined if exposed to water. A dry bag keeps your gear safe and allows you to carry essentials like snacks or a camera.”

A moderate sized bag is enough for handling your items. If you carry tents, sleeping bags or any other items that should remain moisture-free, you bag need to be somewhat bigger. Ensure floatation of your bag when kayaking in whitewater.

Spray Skirt

A spray skirt is an elasticized cover that fits over the cockpit of your kayak, preventing water from splashing into the boat. It prevents water from entering into your kayak. If you know how to roll your kayak when capsizing, it helps. It prevents splash from waves in adverse weather.

It is an essential safety gear for whitewater kayakers. In open water like the Great Lakes, Spray skirt is a mandatory for beginners to prevent waves and wind. “If you’re kayaking on open water or in areas where the weather can change quickly, a spray skirt will keep you dry and warm,” says Sarah Frazier, a kayaking expert and guide.

When paddling in calm rivers, it isn’t that much necessary.

Kayak Roof Rack and Straps

A kayak roof rack system and straps are essential for safely transporting your kayak to the water. For better and safe transportation, your roof rack system should match your vehicle type and mounting points.

According to kayak transport expert and enthusiast, David Carter, “A roof rack with properly tightened straps will prevent your kayak from shifting or being damaged during transport.” This is particularly important for beginners who may not be familiar with the right techniques for securing their kayak.

Factory crossbars are essential in the system and are generally installed by the dealer when you purchase the car. The raised rails will have a gap between the roof and the rail, and a flush style will have no gap at all. These rails are designed for use with most hard rack systems. The roof rack system should have fixed points to provide a sturdy and secure finish.

Kayak Seat and Seat Pad

Comfort is key for beginners. A comfortable seat pad can make a huge difference in your kayaking experience, especially on longer trips. A seat pad with extra cushioning and support for your back, allows you to focus more on the adventure and less on discomfort.

A perfect seat provides stability to reduce the chances of flipping over. A lower profile seat will provide more stability which is a mandatory option along with comfort.

Fishing Rod Holder

If you love fishing, you need a high quality fishing rod holder for the maximum output of your kayaking. Rod holders keep rods tight and secure, freeing you to do whatever you like whether it’s adjusting other fishing lures or simply enjoying the moment.

“A fishing rod holder allows beginners to fish without having to juggle the rod and paddle,” says kayaking fisherman, Tom Rogers. It keeps your rod secure and hands-free while you’re navigating.

Whistle

A whistle is an important safety item that can help signal for help in emergencies. For a beginner, it’s a mandatory for safety. You need to let others know that your need helps, it’s a way of communication in river or in a large body of water, where you can’t communicate with your voice and other types of signals.

This small yet vital accessory should be attached to your PFD at all times for easy access. In the United States, the U.S. Coast Guard requires that all kayaks and other non-motorized vessels carry a sound-producing device, such as a whistle or horn.

Blow your whistle three times when in danger to be rescued by the rescue teams. Its an internationally recognized signal for boaters.

“When kayaking, especially on larger bodies of water or in areas where other boaters are present, a whistle can be invaluable in alerting others if you’re in distress,” says veteran paddler and safety expert, Frank Reynolds.

Sunglasses with Retainer

Sunglasses help protecting your eyes from UV rays, wind and debris. It gives you comfort and attention to the sport. Polarized sunglasses with a retainer strap will keep your eyes safe while also ensuring your sunglasses don’t fall into the water.

“The sun’s reflection off water can be intense, so polarized sunglasses reduce glare and make paddling more enjoyable,” advises Dr. Emily Clark, a water sports physician. “The retainer strap ensures you don’t lose them in the water.”

Additionally, the following items may be necessary depending on your situations.

Conclusion

As a beginner kayaker, the right accessories can significantly improve both your safety and enjoyment on the water. From the essential PFD and kayak paddle to the more specialized gear like a fishing rod holder or spray skirt, each accessory serves a specific purpose that contributes to a better kayaking experience. By following expert advice and investing in these key accessories, beginners can be better prepared to navigate the water with confidence, comfort, and safety.

References:

• American Canoe Association (ACA). “Safety & Gear Recommendations.” ACA.
• Frazier, Sarah. “The Essential Kayaking Gear for Beginners.” Kayak Guide.
• Carter, David. “Transporting Your Kayak Safely.” Kayak Enthusiast Blog.
• Morgan, Elizabeth. “Kayaking Tips for Beginners.” Outdoor Adventure Magazine.