Important Accessories for an Inflatable Kayak

If an inflatable kayak has become your #1 self-powered mode of transportation, recreation and fun then there are a few accessories that you will need to have.

Most of the accessories listed below are essential to have with you at all times, but some you will only ever need if doing a longer excursion.

Accessories you will likely need at some point while using your inflatable kayak:

• Bilge Pump – I normally bring my bilge pump with me each time I go paddling even if it is very unlikely I will need it. It is typical for a little water to get in my kayak while paddling but I have never needed to use the bilge pump when flat water kayaking. However if there is a chance that you may tip over or that you will be in stronger waves or whitewater then a bilge pump is a very handy accessory to have. Most kayak outfitters will tell you to have one with you at ALL times.

• Boat Sponge – I really LOVE my boat sponge. This is a fantastic accessory for mopping up uncomfortable wetness in the kayak. I didn’t use a boat sponge for several years but now that I have one, I will never go out again without it. It is the most convenient little accessory you could get for your inflatable kayak and it costs next to nothing.

• Cell phone – This is a personal choice of course, but I rarely go kayaking without it. Sometimes I am kayaking out of cell phone range but I still seem to always have it handy. I have never actually used it while kayaking but it seems like a good safety item to bring… just in case.

• Comfortable Seat – Not all inflatable kayaks come with a supportive and comfortable seat. If you don’t find your regular kayak seat to be as good as it should be, I would highly advice looking into a good supportive kayak seat as it makes a massive difference in your overall kayaking experience – not to mention will save you from many aches and pains.

• Dry Bag – If you don’t have a dry bag then you won’t be able to bring anything along with you on your kayaking trip. Dry bags come in all shapes and sizes and can cost very little. As most of my kayaking trips are one day recreational types of adventures I mostly use my dry bag for food, extra clothing, my camera, my cell phone, my repair kit and my car keys.

• Foot Pump – Obviously if you have an inflatable kayak you will need to be able to pump it up. Which type of pump you use will be personal preference but I definitely prefer the foot pump. It is easy to use, weighs next to nothing and takes a lot less effort than a hand pump. Electric pumps can be good too, but even if you use one you will want a foot pump to top it off.

• PFD – A lifejacket is essential for kayak safety and all water safety. I actually very much dislike wearing my lifejacket on hot sunny days while kayaking on a calm lake. However you cannot deny that ultimately anything could happen, including tipping your kayak and bumping your head, so it is very necessary to always wear one.

• Repair Kit – If you have an inflatable kayak, it would have come with its own repair kit. Keep it with you in your dry bag at all times as you never know when you might need it.

• Rope – I don’t always bring rope with me, but it can be an important safety accessory. It is very easy to keep rope stored in your kayak so you might want to add it to your kayaking checklist before you go out for the day. If you are doing an overnight trip I would definitely recommend bringing rope with you.

• Whistle – Store a whistle in your repair kit or you can attach it to your PFD. This is a very easy little accessory to acquire and one that every kayaker should own. Do not go kayaking without a whistle, it could save you in a stressful situation.

Of course there are lots of other accessories you could bring with you, especially some other safety items but these are the main ones to be aware of. The most important thing to remember is that if you are prepared for anything then you can relax and enjoy your paddling experience.

Check out our list of the top kayaking online retailers for the best places to suit up.

Packing an Inflatable Kayak First Aid & Safety Kit

If you have a standard first aid and safety kit that you have with you at all times while kayaking then you don’t ever have to worry. You know you are prepared for the worst and you can enjoy and have fun. Packing your own safety kit is easy… you just need a few essentials.

Below is a list of items to have in your first aid and safety kit:

• Waterproof bandaids – for cuts, blisters and owies
• Waterproof matches – for starting a fire if needed
• Knife – for cutting rope, bandages, tape, etc.
• Inflatable kayak repair kit – usually comes with your inflatable kayak
• Bilge pump – to get excess water out of the kayak if needed
• Compass and map – know how to use your compass and where you are on the map
• Extra snacks and water – fuel for the body and staying hydrated keeps you strong and focused – as well as alive
• Waterproof poncho – good for keeping dry in rain or to build a small shelter if needed
• Rope – used to tie up your kayak or to build a shelter
• Sunscreen and sun protection – avoid suffering from unnecessary sunburns or sunstroke
• Extra clothing – keeping warm may be essential
• Disinfectant – for cuts or scrapes
• Water purifying tablets – available at most outdoor stores and very easy to use
• Whistle – don’t ever go out on the water without it
• Signaling flares – for longer trips far away from shore
• Small hand lens – to help start fires
• Needle and thread – should be part of any survival kit
• Chapstick – the elements can be very harsh on our lips
• Cellphone – it may not always work where you are, but its smart to have it with you anyway

Once you have all of these items, put them in a waterproof and durable case that is easy to carry or attach to your waist. Store it in your drybag and know that you are prepared for anything. If you would like to purchase a pre-made paddler first aid kit the Adventure Medical Ultra Light Paddler First Aid is a great buy and offers the essentials – all in a waterproof dry bag.

Dry Bags

If you have ever been kayaking before then you already understand the importance of having a dry bag with you. Even if you have a kayak that has an inside storage compartment the fact is that you are in the water – and that means you, your kayak and often your gear will get wet. A dry bag will ensure that your extra clothing, gear, food and valuables are safe and completely dry.

Usually in my dry bag I will store my car keys, sunscreen, extra clothing, my camera, safety & repair kit and my food. That’s my basics. If you are kayaking in colder weather you may want to store extra warm socks, a jacket, gloves, a hat, etc.  Dry bags come in a multitude of sizes so you can bring as much gear and supplies as you would like.

Dry bags are fairly inexpensive and you will likely want at least one. I won’t say that one is a lot better than another… a dry bag is a dry bag and if you are purchasing from a reputable name brand, it will likely work great. I will say that you do not have to spend a fortune on one.

There is a lot of choice in dry bag sizes, colors, and shape. Make sure your dry bag has a waterproof closure (most likely they all will) and that it has a tie down D-ring. Depending on the type of kayaking you are doing you may want to have your dry bag tied down in your kayak so as not to lose it.

Most kayak shops will sell dry bags.  See our list of inflatable kayak online retailers to find a quality selection of dry bags.

Finding the Right Inflatable Kayak Gear

Having the right gear for your inflatable kayak expedition can literally make all the difference for an enjoyable ride. If you have already chosen a kayak, now you are ready to suit up. This does not need to be an expensive process as there are really only a few basics you need to be concerned with.

Necessities:

Paddle
Many kayaks will come with a paddle, but some will not. Which type you choose will depend on the type of kayaking you want to do. There are basically two kinds of paddles, touring and whitewater. Read our article on choosing the right kayak paddle length before purchasing so that you know exactly what you will need. These are the choices you will have when purchasing a kayak paddle:

• Touring kayak paddle –  These are made for efficiency and comfort. They are usually two pieces with adjustable ferrule positions which allows for feathered or unfeathered paddling. You will be able to choose the length, the blade shape as well as the material of your paddle.
• Whitewater kayak paddle –  These paddles are all about control so they will have a rigid shaft and wider blades. Again you will be able to choose the length, blade shape and material of your paddle.

Double Action Pump
An inflatable kayak needs to be pumped up. It is wise to invest in a good hand or foot pump. If your kayak is hard to inflate you will most likely be less inclined to use it. Having a good pump will make inflating your kayak a quick and easy process and therefore provide for an overall happier experience.

Dry Bag
Having a waterproof kayak bag allows you to store things like extra clothes, sunscreen, a compass, food, a camera, or anything else you’d like to take with you on your excursion that needs to be safe from the elements.  They come in all shapes and sizes so there is one to fit everyone’s need.

PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
A lifejacket is needed for the obvious safety reasons. Though it can be tempting to not wear your lifejacket on hot days and while in flat water, I must caution you that there are huge safety risks to doing this. A kayak can capsize at anytime for a multitude of reasons. Even if you are a good swimmer it is essential that you wear a PFD.

Spray Skirt
Unless you are always going to be kayaking in calm waters a spray
skirt will be necessary. The spray skirt connects to the cockpit of the kayak and essentially creates a watertight seal. This will keep you as well as the inside of your kayak dry. When purchasing your inflatable kayak, many companies will suggest a spray skirt that is right for your boat.

Crash Helmet
Only necessary if you are doing whitewater kayaking.

Luxuries

Kayaking Gloves
It is really personal preference whether you will want a pair of kayaking gloves to wear. Some people love them and others hate them. I can tell you from first hand experience that a good pair of kayaking gloves will save your hands from unnecessary blisters, cuts and scrapes. They will help you to be able to kayak much further with absolutely no pain (to your hands anyway). Though on super hot days they may seem like a slight nuisance, your hands will be much happier having them on.

Compact Cart
This will make either rolling from car to water or strolling through an airport effortless. You just strap your inflatable kayak duffel/storage bag to the frame and away you go. Well worth the few extra dollars!

Drytop/Paddle Jacket
I have personally never used either of these, however there are others who will never go out without one. On hot summer days while doing easy recreational kayaking, I don’t find them necessary. I usually just have a light waterproof rain jacket with me in case it should get drizzly. I can see though that if you are way out in the ocean or in the whitewater rapids, a drytop would really help you to stay comfortable. Depending on the weather as well as how long of an excursion you plan on doing, a drytop may make a huge difference.

Water Shoes/Booties
A good pair of water shoes will be extremely helpful to have. Your feet will inevitably get wet while getting in and out of your kayak and possibly within your kayak. With water shoes, you simply don’t have to worry about it. Make sure they are not clunky and that you fit easily in your kayak while wearing them.

Rope Bag
Hopefully something you will never need to use, however it is a great safety device that could help save the life of a friend.

Knife
Admittedly I have never carried a knife with me kayaking. However I also tend to do fairly short excursions. Some die-hards though will always have one with them. You will probably never use the knife, however it is handy to have should the unlikely event happen where you get caught up in some rope or stuck under a raft.

For the best selection of inflatable kayak gear check out our list of top online retailers for kayaks and gear.