Paddling Gear – Where to Go & What to Get

If you have a kayak or a canoe you may want to suit up with proper paddling gear.

Over the course of several years of buying different kayaking equipment and apparel I have narrowed down my shopping to a few favorite online stores as well as a few favorite apparel items and accessories that I don’t like to be without.

Where to Shop

Except for the odd time that I might find a really good sale in a kayak shop in my hometown, I almost exclusively shop for paddling gear online.

There are a couple of specific websites that I tend to gravitate to for my kayaking gear. They are:

• NRSWeb.com – I really like NRS because they have it all. They are one of the original inflatable kayak manufacturers and offer everything from kayaks to every paddling apparel item and accessory you can think of.
  
  I have a fair amount of NRS gear and I know that if there is something I need to enhance my kayaking experience… they will usually have it. I have never once had any type of problem with anything I have purchased from their online store. They are a great place to shop for paddling gear and accessories.

• Amazon.com – Who doesn’t shop at Amazon? After I have decided on something that I want to buy I will normally do a search for it at Amazon to see if they have it as well. Amazon is known for having some great deals and for carrying just about every item imaginable.
  
  If I can’t get a better deal at Amazon I will usually take my service to NRS but if I can I am always happy to save a buck or two. Just remember if you are shopping at Amazon to check out the shipping rates before you buy. I sometimes think the item is cheaper on Amazon until I factor in the shipping costs and realize it is going to end up costing me more. Still, they are always worth checking out.

There are lots of other paddling stores of course and you may have one or two that you favor. For myself I may stray every now and again but for the most part I have found these two websites to meet just about all of my kayaking gear and apparel needs.

To view a more complete list of where to buy paddling gear please see our Kayak Retailers page.

What to Buy

As far as what type of paddling gear you need is really up to you. Some items are not completely necessary but will certainly enhance your paddling experience and keep you comfortable and happy.

Below are some paddling gear and accessories that I personally use on a regular basis:

• PFD
• Water Shoes
• Water Socks (for colder weather)
• Paddling Gloves
• HydroSkin Shirts
• Hat
• Bilge Pump
• Boat Sponge
• Paddle Bag
• Waterproof Camera
• Paddle Grips
• Dry Bag
• Helmet – only necessary for whitewater paddling

If you would like to view some of our own kayak gear reviews and information please see our Kayak Gear page.

NRS Crew Gloves Review

Recently my mom purchased the NRS Crew Glove. It is a basic, lightweight paddling glove that is ideal for protecting the hands from blisters, sun or from a slight chill.

I was looking forward to trying them out when she got them as I myself have the far more heavy-duty NRS Utility/Paddlers Glove.

I have used my gloves a lot and have always liked them but they were a gift and to be honest far more glove than I ever really needed.

Snug, Comfortable and Affordable

I liked my mom’s Crew Glove right away. They are very lightweight and fit snug but comfortable. They are much thinner than my Utility Glove as the material is only 0.5-mm Terraprene neoprene with titanium whereas my gloves are 2-mm with 3-mm pads.

The fact that the NRS Crew Glove is so lightweight means that they are not designed for real heavy protection. They offer just enough protection for fair weather paddling in order to protect your hands from blisters as well as from UV exposure and chilly winds.

However if you wanted to also use them in colder weather you could always wear a liner underneath for extra protection and warmth.

I think for the price of these gloves (approx. $20) they are 100% worth it. They are supposedly the warmest lightweight paddling gloves available. As we have only used them in warmer weather so far I can’t comment too much on how warm they are but they do feel like they offer enough insulation for most decent weather paddling conditions.

NRS Crew Glove Features

• Material: 0.5-mm Terraprene neoprene with titanium
• Seams: Single needle with high tenacity thread
• Palm Material: Nylon-covered neoprene with GripCote
• Wristband logo color coated by size

Final Thoughts

If you are not doing any hardcore paddling and just want a simple and basic paddling glove these ones are a great choice to consider.

I like the extra gripping material on the pads and the Velcro band around the wrist to keep heat and moisture out. NRS is one of my favorite places for kayaking gear and I have always had great success with their name brand gear.

The NRS Crew Glove won’t last as long as a heavier glove like my Utility Glove but I can’t imagine these wearing out anytime soon. I believe they are an excellent choice for anyone looking for just that little bit of extra hand protection while paddling.

Tip: Sizing chart seems to be spot on.

Visit NRSWeb.com to find more information on the NRS Crew GloveWeb.

Or see more kayak gear reviews.

Keen H2 Sandals Review

Normally for the summer I wear my sport sandals while kayaking. In colder weather I have a pair of NRS water booties.  For this season I decided that I really wanted a pair of the Keen H2 sandals… mostly because they offer more protection for my foot and are great for scrambling over rocks… and not slipping.

I tried a few pairs on around town to decide on which style and model I liked best. Then as usual I went to my favorite stores online and made my purchase (I find I can almost always get better prices online).

The Keen H2 sandals are made for water. They are perfect for walking the beach, walking in the water, kayaking, paddling as well as hiking. They are known to be very comfortable and a great all around wet shoe.

My Choice

After trying on a few pairs I decided on the Keen Venice H2 sandal. I liked this one because it had the toe protection I was looking for… I have scraped my toes several times in the past getting in and out of my kayak on rocks. Also I liked the airy look of this sandal as opposed to the Keen Newport H2 style which is more closed in.

I had heard great things about the Keen H2 sandals as I am sure most others have as well. Keen has made a real name for themselves and I have to say that all of the good things I heard were 100% true.

Benefits of the Keen H2 sandal

My Keen Venice H2 sandal is:

• Unbelievably comfortable – my toes can spread out and sole and support are excellent
• Waterproof – meaning that the material will not get ruined when submerged in water
• Very well made – for the price, which really isn’t all that much – you are getting a very well made sandal
• Extremely versatile – this water sandal not only works great for kayaking but also makes for a great walking sandal, is stylish enough to wear around town, is sturdy enough to wear hiking, and are light enough to bring traveling

NOTE: I found that several websites state that the Keen H2 sandals run a half size small so to size up. I have to disagree with this…I found the fit to be true to size. I am a women’s regular size 8 and I found that the size 8 fit me perfectly. They do come in half sizes as well if you are a half size but my mom (who also bought a pair) and I both found them to fit true to size.

Other Keen Venice H2 Features:

• Durable and fast-drying polyester webbing straps
• Protective toe up front
• Anti-odor AEGIS Microbe Shield treated SBR lining
• Supportive V-Strap Forefoot Capture Design for improved fit
• Metatomical low durometer EVA Footbed
• Impact-absorbing compression molded EVA midsole
• Mar-free siped TH3 rubber outsole

More Facts about the Keen H2 Sandals:

One of the greatest things about the Keen H2 sandals is that there is such an array of color choice. In fact there are so many colors to choose from that it took me several days to actually decide which color to get… I loved so many of them.

In the end I decided to go with the Orion Blue / Air Blue pair and my mom purchased the Lilac Sachet / Striking Purple pair. I have attached my own pictures to this post so you can see the actual colors.   The picture of the lilac pair I think shows the color exactly, but my picture of the blue pair is a little washed out.  The blue is actually just very slightly darker than what is shown.  Please excuse the fact that they look slightly dirty… we have worn them in the water a lot over the last couple of weeks. We loved them both!!

Also if you have any doubts about the greatness of these water sandals all you have to do is look at all of the reviews online. Altrec.com for example which is where we purchased ours from has over 200 reviews from people like you and I and the average rating is 5 stars! To me that speaks worlds as to the great quality, comfort and style of this sandal.

NOTE: Keen makes H2 sandals for Men, Women and Children so there is a pair for everyone!

The Keen H2 sandals can be purchased at:

• Altrec.com – Keen H2 Sandals – This is where we purchased ours from… great selection, good prices, excellent service.

• Amazon.com – Keen H2 Sandals

• NRSweb.com – Keen H2 Sandals

• Backcountry.com – Keen H2 Sandals

A PFD Fit for a Woman

For all of my other fellow women kayakers out there you will likely know as I do how uncomfortable a PFD can be. Most lifejackets are not designed for a women’s body and consequently can be one of the most awkward and uncomfortable pieces of clothing/protection that you could wear.

As most PFD’s are unisex I never really thought in years past about the fit of my lifejacket. Up until this year my lifejacket was old and well used. It had been worn by many people both men and women.

It fit okay but usually within minutes of beginning to kayak it would get uncomfortable. Either the back would ride up or it would rub against my skin or it would cause me to sweat in the heat. I never enjoyed wearing it.

A PFD that actually fits?!

This year I decided to look into getting a PFD that was designed specifically for a woman. Don’t ask me why I had not thought of this before. I guess because I had a PFD to use and although it wasn’t the best fit, I knew it worked fine and I simply didn’t think of spending the money to replace it.

However I like comfort and I decided I wanted my PFD to actually fit MY body and not everyone’s body. I knew that Stohlquist made some excellent PFD’s and that they had several models that were specifically designed for women.

The Stohlquist women’s PFD models are:

• The Stohlquist Women’s BetSEA
• The Stohlquist Women’s Cruiser
• The Stohlquist Women’s Kitty
• The Stohlquist Women’s GETaWay
• The Stohlquist Women’s eSCAPE

Each of these PFD’s have received good reviews from other women… specifically the Stohlquist BetSEA, the Stohlquist Cruiser and the Stohlquist Kitty.

After a little bit of research I decided to go for the Stohlquist Cruiser. I liked this PFD for several reasons:

• It has two big pockets in the front – I can fit my camera and other nicknacks in them.
• It has hand-sculpted PVC-free (better for the environment) front foam with supportive inner cups
• It has extra wide armholes
• It has mesh side panels and lower half back – great for keeping cool in hot weather
• I liked the colors!

My thoughts after wearing the Stohlquist Cruiser

I was really impressed. This PFD was very comfortable. It was easily adjustable and conformed to my body far better than any PFD I had every worn. It did not ride up and fit nicely against my kayak seat. Also the padded shoulders and waist belt were really comfortable. This PFD did not rub or irritate my skin at all.

I have not yet worn it in really hot weather but I think it is going to be such a nice change to actually be able to ‘breathe’ in my lifejacket with the mesh siding and back.

Both my mom and I purchased this same PFD.  We couldn’t decide on the colors so we ended up with one blue and one pink – and we both switch. All in all were both very happy with the Stohlquist Women’s Cruiser and would recommend it for any woman.

View our kayaking pictures with us wearing our Stohlquist Cruiser PFD’s.

Below are more stats for the Stohlquist Cruiser PFD:

• Buoyancy 16 lbs. 12 oz.
• 500 denier Cordura shell
• 200 denier oxford liner
• Front zipper entry with #5 YKK non-corroding slider
• Hand sculpted front foam with supportive inner cups
• Extra wide armholes and cool mesh side panels
• Adjustable neoprene-padded shoulders
• Cinch harness system
• 1.5” webbing waist belt with forward pulls
• Zippered bellows pockets with drainage
• High waistline cut
• #10 YKK Vision front zip entry
• 4-way accessory lash tab
• 3M reflective trim front and back
• PVC-free Gaia foam
• US Coast Guard and Transport Canada approved

The Stohlquist Women’s Cruiser PFD is perfect for sea kayakers, sit-on-top kayakers and flat water kayakers. It is available at:

• Amazon.com – Stohlquist Women’s Cruiser PFD
• REI.com – Stohlquist Women’s Cruiser PFD

Fujifilm FinePix Z33 Waterproof Digital Camera– My New Toy

I bought a new camera. After ruining my last two while kayaking (one dropped in the water and the other dropped on the rocks) I decided that I would get myself a waterproof camera this time.

Waterproof cameras are known not to provide as good a picture as a decent regular digital camera so I decided that I didn’t’ want to spend a huge amount of money on it. I figured that I would use it strictly for kayaking and get a really good regular digital camera later on.

I looked on Amazon as they always seem to have the best deals and I found the Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP 10 MP waterproof digital camera. The price was right and the features sounded good so I went for it.

My Research

My research before buying this waterproof camera included reading the reviews on Amazon and anywhere else I could find as well as looking at some YouTube videos that different people had put up with pictures and video taken from this camera.

The reviews were mostly really good even though it was obvious that this was not the BEST waterproof camera on the market. It seemed to me the most popular waterproof digital camera was the Canon Powershot.

I looked closely at the Canon Powershot waterproof camera but it cost more than twice as much as the Fujifilm. Granted that usually means that it will be a much better camera but I was sticking to my focus of simply using it for kayaking and water fun and not as my main camera. Therefore it was important to me to keep the cost down.

Pro Fujifilm FinePix Waterproof Camera

There were quite a few things that I really liked about this camera, including:

• It is waterproof up to 10 feet
• It has a big LCD screen (2.7-inch and 230,000 pixel resolution)
• It is little and can easily fit in the pocket of my PFD
• It has face detection technology meaning that it automatically removes red-eye and identifies up to ten human faces in a scene, as well as sets the correct focus and exposure no matter where the subjects are located within the frame.
• The buttons on the back are extremely easy to use and very user-friendly
• It has one touch movie mode that is able to capture VGA quality movie clips at 30 frames per second with sound.
• It has a very long battery life. The rechargeable battery can last up to 200 shots
• It has “intelligent scene recognition” meaning that besides being able to detect faces it also is able to recognize six types of scenes automatically. The camera will optimize the ideal exposure, focus, white balance and ISO for the scene to make sure the best picture possible is captured.
• It has a really cool feature called “blog mode” which automatically resizes a photo to a standard 640×480 pixels (VGA) or 320×240 pixels (QVGA) image size and enables 12 in-camera editing features such as zooming, miniature effect, illustration and painting.
• It is available in some great colors!

Against the Fujifilm Finepix Waterproof Camera

• It is not very shock proof or freezeproof like the more expensive waterproof cameras are such as the Canon Powershot.
• This particular model is only 10.0 megapixel resolution – there is a 12.0 megapixel version available for slightly more money.
• It only has 3x optical zoom whereas the Canon Powershot has 5x optical zoom.

Conclusion

Knowing that it wasn’t the absolute best waterproof camera on the market I decided to give it a shot. I wasn’t too concerned that it was not overly shock proof (as long as I don’t drop it on the rocks again I should be fine).

The reviews of people who had actually bought this camera were really good even though the reviews from other websites comparing it to different models were not as good. I still thought it sounded perfect for me but if you wanted a really good quality waterproof camera I do believe that the Canon Powershot D10 sound like the best one.

My Thoughts after Using it…

My camera (ordered in green) was delivered to me very quickly and I used it on my trip to Oregon two weeks ago. I had planned on doing some kayaking but it poured with rain the whole time I was there which was unfortunate – however Oregon is such a lovely place to be no matter what the weather!!

I got to try out my camera in the rain and I have been extremely impressed. For one thing it was a really nice feeling to not have to worry about it getting wet. I even took some pictures of some gorgeous water falls and the mist and spray from the falls were all over my camera and I did not have to be concerned.

The quality of the pictures is better than I expected. I had read that the underwater pictures were fantastic but for every day use it will not compare to a better model. However I would have to say that the quality of the pictures was just as good as my last regular digital camera if not better.

Overall I was extremely impressed and would highly recommend this camera to anyone looking for an easy to use and reliable waterproof camera for kayaking and all types of water fun.

Below is one of the pictures I took with my new camera of some waterfalls in Oregon. Keep in mind the weather was very bleak.

Important Tips

1. This camera comes in a variety of different colors… green, black, blue or pink (and possibly more). The prices vary depending on the color. I found the black one to be the cheapest, then the green (I bought it for $129) and the pink and blue are higher priced (quite a bit higher), so watch for that when you are looking.
2. This camera comes with 50 MB of built-in memory. I would highly suggest purchasing a memory card with this camera that can hold a lot more images. It is able to handle SD/SDHC memory cards.

Find more information on the Fujifilm FinePix Z33 Waterproof Camera.

NRS Two Piece Kayak Paddle Bag

The great thing about using an inflatable kayak is that it is extremely convenient for traveling. Whether on a road trip or on an airplane your inflatable kayak can easily fit into its storage bag and be carried.

Sometimes the paddles can also fit into the kayak bag as well, but often times they do not. NRS has an excellent two-piece paddle bag that will protect your paddles and allow for easy traveling.

I purchased this paddle bag for a couple or reasons:

1. to protect my paddles from getting banged and scraped during transportation
2. to make it easier on myself to carry the paddles during transportation

My thoughts after getting this paddle bag…

This NRS bag is impressive. The first thing I noticed was how rugged it was. It is really sturdy and made to be really strong. It can hold up to three paddles and the fleece-lining and fleece blade pockets as well as the padded sides protects the blades from any scrapes or bumps.

There is also two inner mesh pockets and one clear outer pocket as well as a center carry handle and shoulder sling.

I personally think the NRS kayak paddle bag is awesome and worth every penny. It is perfect for traveling by airplane or by car and makes storing your paddles really easy. This bag offers the ultimate in protection for your kayak paddles and is very easily carried.

Note: Remember this bag only works for two-piece (or four-piece) kayak paddles.

The NRS two-piece kayak paddle bag is available at:

• NRSWeb.com – NRS two-piece kayak paddle bag
• Mountain Plus Gear – NRS two-piece kayak paddle bag

Find more reviews on other popular kayaking gear and accessories.

Brunton ADC Summit Weather Predictor

After just writing my post about tricks to read the weather I realized that I will never be one of those fabulous outdoor people who know how to predict every weather change and water speeds.

I am typically fairly comfortable with just going by the plain old weather report but that is mostly because my kayaking trips tend to be one day excursions. However what about those adventurous people who do several day treks?

I have found an amazing little device, the Brunton ADC Summit, that not only gives the time and the temperature but can also provide:

• A 12 hour weather forecast
• Storm warning predictions
• Wind and water speed
• Current barometric pressure
• Altitude
• Numerous other warnings
• As well has a race countdown… if you plan on going on any races.

The Brunton ADC Summit is truly an amazing little piece of equipment that looks so basic but can do so much. If you plan on doing any paddling overnight trips, especially if out on the ocean, this device would not only be extremely handy but I would think very necessary.

Considering how much it does I was surprised at how little it actually costs. I would imagine that the ADC Summit would allow for a much more comfortable and confident kayaking trip.

Other Important Features:

• Lightweight
• Waterproof
• IR data communication
• Manual and automatic data logging
• Wind chill alarm
• Chronograph operation
• Dimensions: 4.3” x 2” x 0.8”

Find more information on the Brunton ADC Summit at:

• NRSweb.com – Brunton ADC Summit
• Amazon.com – Brunton ADC Summit

Kayaking Aches and Pains – How to Avoid Them

Having always been an outdoorsy and sports minded person I am no stranger to aches and pains. If you are out kayaking for more than an hour it is very plausible that you may suffer from certain uncomfortable body aches.

Common Kayaking Problems

Sore Back

A sore back will be especially common if you are kayaking with a cheap kayak seat. Many kayak seats do not offer proper back support and consequently if you are prone to back aches you will certainly get uncomfortable after a short period of paddling time.

If this is a problem for you it can be corrected by investing in a good high back kayak seat that offers more support as well as possibly using a back band. Both of these items can be purchased at most kayak stores.

Sore Bum

Sitting for a long period of time without moving around much can make for a very uncomfortable bottom even if you have a comfortable seat. This can be alleviated in a couple of ways… you can purchase an extra bum cushion which tends to really help.

Also if you have a stable kayak you can often stand up and stretch, or at least get up on your knees and let the circulation flow back to your poor buttocks.

Overall Body Pains

After awhile you may find that your whole body starts to ache. This can be caused by bad kayaking posture and can really put a damper on your paddling trip.

Be sure to sit up straight in your kayak with your feet propped up against foot rests. By having your feet on the foot rests, this will stabilize your back. Also take the time to learn how to do the proper strokes as you may be putting undue pressure on your shoulders and back instead of mostly using your torso and stomach muscles.

Still Having Problems?

If after using all of the methods above you are still having problems with aches and pains I would highly suggest building up your back and stomach muscles. Many people don’t realize that kayaking actually uses mostly your core muscles.

If you spend a little time building up your stomach and back muscles you will likely notice a major improvement not only in how your body feels while kayaking but also in the amount of control you have over your kayak.

Strong core muscles are essential in many different sports including kayaking.

Besides that just relax, have fun and if you get tired or sore, stop paddling, sit back and enjoy the sun on your face and the wind at your back. Over time you will find that the aches and pains will disappear as you get stronger.

Find more information on kayaking comfort items and keep your body comfortable, happy, and pain free.

Kayak Paddle – Does Material Matter?

The most important piece of kayaking equipment is of course the kayak itself. Second to that is the kayak paddle. A kayak paddle can make a big difference as to what kind of paddling experience you have.

For many of us our first kayak paddle is simply one that we can afford. However, as you become more experienced you may start to look into the different kinds of kayak paddles and how the different materials can affect your stroke, speed, comfort and overall experience.

The most common features to look for in a kayak paddle are weight, length and ergonomics. They are usually double-bladed and are typically made from lightweight materials.

Common Kayak Paddle Materials

The most common lightweight kayak paddle materials are:

Aluminum

Aluminum paddles are one of the cheapest types but they also happen to be one of the heaviest. Many people will start off with an aluminum paddle because they are so inexpensive, but will upgrade to a far lighter material once they become more serious about their kayaking.

As you can imagine a heavier paddle makes for a much more exhausting experience. An aluminum paddle however is great for starting out and makes a good spare for down the road once you own a better paddle.

Plastic

Plastic paddles are also one of the cheapest kinds and often will come with the kayak you purchase or else can be bought for a very inexpensive price. Also popular with beginners, a plastic paddle will be fine for a recreational kayaker but most people will want to upgrade to a lighter paddle after a short while.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is extremely popular because it is lightweight as well as inexpensive. They tend to be quite strong and can withstand a fair amount of abuse.

Wood

Similar to fiberglass paddles, a wood paddle is lightweight as well as inexpensive. Many people prefer the look of a wood paddle although they are much less commonly seen. Wood paddles are tough and rigid and can last for a very long time.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber paddles are not as common as fiberglass paddles because they are much more expensive. In fact they can cost two to three times more than a fiberglass paddle. However they are very lightweight… some can even be a few ounces lighter than a similar sized fiberglass paddle. When you are making thousands of strokes, a few ounces less can go a long way as to how you feel and how fast or far you can power your kayak.

Choosing your Kayak Paddle

When you are choosing your kayak paddle I would suggest two things:

1. Choose the one you can afford… you can always upgrade down the road.
2. Consider how often and how far you intend to kayak.

If you will be going out more than a few times a year you might want to consider budgeting for a better paddle. Don’t go for a carbon fiber paddle unless you are REALLY serious about your kayaking experience… meaning that this is a sport that is going to become part of your daily life. They are simply too expensive for most recreational kayakers (at least in my opinion, though others may disagree).

A good fiberglass paddle is usually the best way to go and can still be purchased for a fairly reasonable price. However if you have only ever used a plastic or aluminum paddle you simply won’t know the difference unless you happen to pick up a lighter paddle in a kayaking store… in which case you may begin to think of upgrading.

All kayaking stores will sell kayak paddles. Some of the best online sources are:

• NRSweb.com – Kayak Paddles
• Amazon.com – Kayak Paddles

Find more great kayaking tips and advice.

Water Shoes – Which Type do you Wear?

The type of water shoes you wear while you kayak will depend on the weather, the temperature of the water, the type of kayaking you plan to do, and whether or not you will be exiting your kayak during your excursion and do some walking or hiking.

The Sport Sandal

More often then not, in warm weather I will simply wear my sports sandals while I am using my inflatable kayak. They have decent grips on the bottom so they are good for keeping balance while entering or exiting my kayak if I am on rocks.

They are light enough that they do not feel clunky if my feet are in the water and they fit well enough that I know they will not come off my feet or weigh me down if I happen to capsize in the water. A good sport sandal is great for kayaking.

The Water Bootie

In colder weather I wear a water bootie. I have the NRS Paddle Wetshoe which is a fairly basic wetshoe but really does the trick for what I need it for. They fit snug and secure and keep my feet fairly warm. They have good grips on the bottom so I can wear them scrambling over rocks and walking on shore.

If the weather is really cold I can add a pair of hydroskin socks which give my feet extra protection and warmth. A wetshoe water bootie can be a great way to go.

The H20 Sport Sandal with Toe Protection

However I have begun to look at a different kind of water shoe… the sport sandal that has protection around the toes. You have likely seen them as they have become very popular. Keen is probably the most common brand name for this type of water shoe but others include Teva, Columbia, North Face, Merrell, etc.

What I like about this water shoe is that it offers the comfort and the style of a sport sandal but gives added protection to the toes and sometimes the heels. This can be great when scrambling on rocks and climbing in and out of your kayak. This type of sport sandal is extremely functional for all types of outdoor activities and makes for a very versatile water shoe.

No matter which type of water shoe you choose to use there are a few important factors to keep in mind:

• Make sure they will not slip off your feet… you don’t want to lose them in the water or slip and fall.
• Make sure there are some grips on the bottom so you don’t slip when getting in and out of your kayak
• Make sure they will not weigh you down should you capsize in the water.
• Make sure they allow your feet to breathe.
• Make sure they are not too clunky for the inside of your kayak.

Best Online Stores to buy Water Shoes

There are a few places I would recommend…

NRSweb.com – Great selection of water booties, water socks and all types of sports sandals.
Amazon.com – Always has a decent selection of all types of water shoes.
Altrec.com – Good selection of the Keen water sport sandals for some good prices.
Endless.com – An associate of Amazon.  Good selection of sport sandals + free shipping and free returns (which is always great when buying shoes online!)

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