Lifejacket Hydration Pack

Depending on how hard you want to paddle, kayaking can be relaxing and it can also be a great workout. Staying hydrated is extremely important… especially if you are out in the hot sun.

Keeping your water bottle in an easy access spot is not always convenient when kayaking. Also as anyone who has ever kayaked before will know, in order to drink from your water bottle you have to completely stop paddling and hold on to both paddles with one hand while you reach for your water bottle with your free hand for a drink. It is not so convenient.

That is why this lifejacket hydration pack is so handy.

I have been seeing more and more kayakers using one of these hydration packs as a method to stay hydrated while paddling. This particular one is designed to easily clip to your PFD, or it can even be used for hiking or other land activities by attaching the removable shoulder straps.

It is extremely durable and can handle a lot of abuse. It has a padded mesh back that breathes easily and will help your back to stay comfortable and cool.

Lifejacket Hydration Pack Stats:

• Capacity: 1.5 liter
• 3.5’ flexible hose
• Padded mesh back
• Removable shoulder straps
• 2 short straps for PFD attachment
• Outer accessory pocket
• Includes water bladder

I have a regular hydration pack that I have often thought I would like to use for kayaking but it never fit over my PFD properly and consequently was very uncomfortable.

This hydration pack is specifically designed for a PFD and is a very convenient way to have accessible and clean drinking water while kayaking. It keeps your hands free and your body hydrated.

Go to Outdoorplay for more information on the Lifejacket Hydration Pack.

Yakgrips Kayak Paddle Grips

These are the absolute best invention for a kayak paddle. If you have ever suffered from blisters or calluses while paddling, the Yakgrips kayak paddle grips will help immensely.

I always seem to have a problem with getting blisters and calluses on the palms of my hands while I am kayaking. Consequently I wear kayak gloves, but in the summer my hands sweat and I am uncomfortable.

I actually never thought to look into some type of paddle grip in the past. Once the Yakgrips hit the market they become instantly huge and very popular with all types of kayakers.

These Yakgrips not only help protect your hands but they also give you a better grip which makes your paddling experience far more efficient. Take it from me, when your hands are comfortable you can paddle a lot further with less fatigue and with a lot more joy.

There are other grips that can be put on kayak paddles but the Yakgrip is by far the best and the most comfortable. The Yakgrips are:

• simple in design
• very light weight
• easy to install or remove
• available for take apart shafts or one piece shafts
• come in a variety of colors

This is one kayak accessory that I really feel every single kayaker will love. I personally will never be without these. In my opinion this very simple hand grip makes a very positive difference to a short or long paddling excursion.

The Yakgrips are very affordable and the absolute best price I have found on these is at Amazon.com For more details view the Yakgrips Kayak Paddle Grips at Amazon.

NRS Kayak Hanger

A kayak hanger is a neat idea. I don’t use one myself as I usually just store my inflatable kayak away in its bag.

However I think if you have the space this kayak hanger would actually be really handy.

Below are two reasons that even for an inflatable kayak this kayak hanger could be put to good use.

1. You could use it to dry your inflatable kayak out. You want to make sure your inflatable is completely dry before you store it away so that you don’t get any mold. If you had this hanger you could hoist your kayak up maybe in the sun and let it dry out before you pack it away.
2. Also if you are using your inflatable kayak often you may not want to be always deflating it. If you have a garage or a storage area you could simply hang your kayak up ready for its next use.

If you have a hard-shell kayak the NRS kayak hanger would be extremely convenient to use. Even for an inflatable kayak though it may work well for some people. It also will hold up your kayak paddle as well.

The NRS kayak hanger consists of:

• Strong, adjustable nylon straps that can suspend from a wall or ceiling.
• Steel J-hooks that easily attach the straps to existing structures.
• An integrated loop on each strap to keep your paddle up.
• A second set of loops that allow you to attach another set of hangers underneath if you have more then one kayak.
• Bolts and instructions

Find more information on the NRS Kayak Hanger.

4-Piece Kayak Paddle

Most kayak paddles will either be all one piece or very commonly will come apart in two pieces. These are fine if you are using a hard-shell kayak or if you are only transporting your paddle in your vehicle.

However one of the great advantages of using an inflatable kayak is that you can usually take it traveling with you or possibly even carry it in a pack on your back. If you are planning on doing some traveling you will want to have a 4-piece kayak paddle.

There are many different types of kayak paddles and they have quite a large price range. I am not a paddle expert in any way.  I know that kayak paddles can be carbon or fiberglass, can have different shapes and sizes that provide different comfort levels, control and can help reduce fatigue. However that is basically where my knowledge ends.

That being said I do know that when I am traveling with my inflatable kayak I only want to bring a 4-piece paddle with me as it is so convenient to pack up and head out.

It is not always easy to find a really good quality 4-piece paddle but there are several decent ones available that will be more than suitable for any expedition.

Below are a few good recreational 4-piece paddles that I have found to work well for traveling and convenience that come at a decent price:

• Sea Eagle AB40 or AB30 4 Part Paddle – This one is the best price and sells for roughly $95. It has a fiberglass reinforced blade and weighs just over two and a half pounds (excellent for traveling). Its asymmetrical spoon blade design supposedly requires less gripping force and less effort per stroke. It comes in two different sizes… the AB40 (8’) or the AB30 (7’ 10 “).

• Aqua-Bound Sting Ray 4-Piece Paddle – This paddle comes in three different sizes. It is fairly basic but in my opinion works fine and is a good price at roughly a hundred bucks. It has an aluminum shaft and the blade is a blend of fiberglass reinforced thermoplastics. It is lightweight and durable.

• Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Carbon Shaft 4-Piece Paddle – If you don’t mind spending an extra 40 dollars this is a much better paddle. It has a carbon shaft and fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades and supposedly delivers a high strength-to-weight ratio. Also the shaft has a slight flex which really does help with paddling comfort. This one also comes in three different sizes.

If you have any expertise or knowledge on the different types of kayak paddles, please leave a comment below as I would love to hear from you. I am in the process of trying to learn more about kayak paddles and with such a massive range in prices for them I would assume the quality and performance they give are hugely different as well. Please feel free to educate me!

Want to travel with a kayak? Check out our list of Best Inflatable Kayaks for Traveling.

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 only ever bring a bilge pump with me if I plan on being in choppier water. It is typical for a little water to get in my kayak while paddling but I have never needed 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 the 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.

NRS Kayak Tow Line

I had never thought about bringing a kayak tow line with me on a kayaking trip before until I actually came across one and realized how handy it would be to have along for the ride.

It doesn’t appeal to me to have to tow somebody as I would imagine it would take a fair amount of physical effort on my part.

However if someone needed the help it would be nice to have the right equipment with me to be able to help them.   Also what if I needed help?

Advantages of a Tow Line

The advantage of having a kayak tow line with you is that if your paddling partner is having any kind of trouble, i.e. fatigue, illness, or boat trouble, you can tow them along until they are able to resume paddling themselves or until you reach the shore.

For anyone kayaking with kids a tow line would almost be a safety necessity to have with you. If your paddling companions are inexperienced they may need a little help to stay on track or to reach your destination.

The tow line I came across is the NRS kayak tow line. It seems like a really good one, here are the stats below:

• Tow line is stored in a durable 500-denier Cordura bag that has two pockets for additional storage, reflective tape for added visibility, and a mesh bottom for quick drainage.

• It includes 50’ of 3/16” floating polypropyle rope with a foam float and heavy duty plastic clip for easy attachment.

• Rope is attached to the 24” bungee cord with a stainless metal ring to ease towing over high seas.

• Bungee is secured to the waist band with stainless metal ring and heavy duty nylon webbing.

• Sturdy nylon belt with quick release buckle.

• This kayak tow line is not intended for use in whitewater rivers.

Find more information on the NRS kayak tow line.

H2O Audio Amphibx Armband – Waterproof your iPod

Besides the Waterproof Surge Headphones this is my other favorite H2O Audio piece. This armband is the perfect accessory for using your iPod while you kayak. It is waterproof up to 12ft / 3.6m and is compatible with standard 3.5mm headphone plugs.

The great thing about the Amphibx armband is that it is designed to grip your arm no matter what movement you are doing… even if you are wiping out. Below are some of its unique features:

• 100% watertight and secure seal
• Clear window enables full operation of touch and click wheel controls
• The connector is compatible with standard 3.5mm headphone plugs and is completely waterproof as well
• Fits to any arm size with its dual flex rings
• Floats even with iPod inside

This armband gripped to your upper arm allows you to listen to your favorite tunes on any kayaking expedition. Add a pair of headphones and you are set for kayaking, surfing, boating or any other type water sport.

On a side note… I think this waterproof armband would also be really convenient if you are visiting very humid areas. I ruined one of my ipods while visiting Kauai one time… not because I got it wet but because of the humidity in the air. I would imagine this armband would have completely protected my iPod from the moisture in the air.

If you like to listen to music H2O Audio has the best waterproof accessories that you’ll find. Find more information on H2O Audio products.

Paddle Drip Rings – Great Paddle Accessory

Most kayak paddles come with rubber drip rings. These help to catch the water drips before they dribble down to your hands.

For some reason when I kayak the water still drips onto my hands and arms even though there are the standard drip rings attached. Granted you will get some water on you while you paddle, I realize this, but I feel that I get a little more than normal.

I have been told it has to do with the way I paddle. I have practiced and think I have my stroke down pretty good with all the correct movements but I am still prone to getting wet. I don’t mind when it is hot outside but in cooler weather it can be a big pain.

Consequently I decided to search for some extra paddle drip rings and I think have found just the right ones. It may seem like overkill to add more onto my paddle, but if it helps to keep the drips from reaching my hands then I am willing to try. Also it occurred to me that perhaps the standard drip rings that were already on my paddle simply weren’t very good.

The drip rings I chose to get are described as being “deep convex and flexible rings”. They are good for paddle shafts with a 1” diameter or larger and are easy to put on. They are very inexpensive and I think are going to make a huge difference for me.

If you would like to stop the water drips while you paddle as well then check out these paddle drip rings for more information.

Inflatable Kayak Parts Guide

There are certain parts to an inflatable kayak that are unique to inflatables and very different from hard-shell kayaks. If you are not used to an inflatable kayak it is important to understand these parts and how they work.

Air Chambers

Each inflatable kayak will be constructed with multiple air chambers. This will ensure that your kayak will never simply just “pop”, it will only leak slowly should there be a problem. Only one air chamber is every likely to go at one time so the “backup” chambers will allow you to paddle back to shore safely so that you can make the appropriate repairs.

For example if the floor air chamber goes then you will still have the two side chambers. If the side goes you will still have the floor as well as the other side. The point is your kayak will never completely deflate and leave you stranded. Most inflatable kayaks these days are very well constructed with multiple air chambers to keep you safe and afloat.

Valves

Each air chamber will have a valve that is used to fill the kayak with air as well as for letting the air out. The best type of valve is called a Boston valve. Most good quality inflatable kayaks will have one of these.

A Boston valve is a one-way valve that screws into a fitting in each chamber. The reason it is a one-way valve is because the valve body has a rubber flap that will let air flow in but not out and it also has a top cap that covers the filling hole. This type of valve makes it very easy to inflate the kayak quickly and easily.

D-Rings

Many inflatable kayaks will come with multiple D-rings. These can be used for securing seats, dry bags, backrests, gear and knee straps. If your kayak does not have the amount of D-rings that you need you can easily purchase extras and glue them on.

Drain Holes

Many inflatable kayaks, especially those geared for whitewater kayaking, will come equipped with self-bailing drain holes. These are extremely useful in rough water so that the collected water in the kayak can drain away from the seating and lighten your boat.

Do not worry about your kayak sinking if there are no drain holes or if it is filled right up with water. An inflatable kayak will not sink even if the cockpit is filled right up. If you do not have drain holes I would highly recommend bringing along a bilge pump if you plan on kayaking in rough water or surf waves.

Seats and Footrests

Every kayak of course will have some kind of a seat… hopefully. This is not unique to only inflatable kayaks except for the fact that often the seat and footrest will be inflatable as well. Not every kayak will come with footrests but they can always be added in and are a great way to add additional comfort and help with performance. Tip: A drybag can make a great footrest.

Skegs and Rudders

Not all inflatable kayaks come with a rudder or a skeg but most will have at least one. Skegs are great for keeping your kayak on track. They can do a lot to help the skidding of the stern when being affected by wind or waves.

A rudder is very useful for ocean or touring kayaks. It will greatly help to keep the kayak straight and help a little with the steering. If your inflatable kayak is meant for touring it will often have the option of purchasing a rudder.

Either a skeg or a rudder can make a big difference in the performance of the kayak and are highly recommended.

If you are looking for any extras like paddling clothes or kayak parts and accessories please check out our inflatable kayak gear and accessories page.

NRS HydroSkin Shirts

These HydroSkin shirts are the perfect mid-layer for all kayaking expeditions. It can be worn alone on semi-cool days and will provide a fair amount of warmth. Or it can be a fantastic mid-layer in between a thermal inner layer and a windproof outer shell in colder weather. You can’t go wrong with this shirt… it is comfortable, warm, moisture wicking and looks fantastic.

Available At: – NRSweb.com

• Men’s NRS HydroSkin Shirt
• Women’s NRS HydroSkin Shirt

Product Features:

• 0.5 mm Terraprene – stretches easily and keeps you warm
• ThermalPlush inner lining – repels moisture and dries quickly
• 4-way stretch PowerSpan outer layer – easy movement
• Lycra underarms
• Titanium laminate adhesive helps with body heat retention
• DWR coating forces water to bead and roll off the material

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