Paddling Gear – Where to Go & What to Get
July 5, 2010 by IK World
Filed under Essential Tips
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.
Using a Kayak Skeg
Whether your kayak is an inflatable kayak or a hard-shell kayak it will likely have the option for either a rudder or a skeg. A rudder is used for steering but a skeg is simply used to help keep your kayak straight with minimal effort.
There are other specifics that are also important to know so that you get the optimum performance from your kayak. Below we will describe important facts to know about using a kayak skeg. Read more
NRS HydroSkin Shirts
December 30, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Clothing & Footwear
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
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
Ibex Merino Wool Shirts
December 4, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Clothing & Footwear
Men's Crew Shirt
Product:
I am only a fan of wool if it is not itchy… otherwise I can’t stand it. These Ibex long sleeved tops are fantastic. They are soft (no itch) and extremely warm. They can be worn alone in the spring or early fall but I love them most as a mid layer for freezing cold weather.
The Men’s version is a crew neck shirt and the Women’s version is a crossover turtleneck. Again I am usually not too fond of a wool turtleneck, but the crossover style and the soft fabric is actually really nice and it is snuggly and warm. Also the fit is fantastic as it is not too tight, but fitted enough to layer easily.
Women's Turtleneck
Ibex Merino Wool Shirt Features:
- Fabric: 18.5 micron 195 g/m2 merino wool
- Semi-fit
- Insulating
- Moisture wicking
- Machine washable – no shrinkage
- Naturally anti-microbial – won’t pick up or hold odors
- Made in the USA
- Colors available: Men’s – copper or ebony , Women’s –bittersweet or turquoise
These merino wool shirts are available at NRSweb.com. Please click the links below for more pictures and info:
Dakine Men’s Rashguard
November 17, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Featured Deals
Discount: up to 45% off
Product: Dakine Men’s Performance Short Sleeve Rashguard
Store: AltrecOutdoors.com
Info: This men’s short sleeved rashguard offers great rash protection as well as 40+ UV protection. It is breathable, odor-resistant and very lightweight. It dries quickly and offers goodt stretch and comfort.
Dakine Men’s Rashguard features:
- Fabric – 6-oz. nylon/spandex blend
- Flat lock seam stitching for breathable, chafe-free wear
- 4-way stretch
- Quick dry properties
- Boardshort connector loop
- UPF 40+
The Dakine Men’s Performance Short Sleeve Rashguard is available for up to 45% off.
Sizes are limited.
View more reviews of popular kayaking apparel.
Dakine Women’s Rashguard
November 17, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Featured Deals
Discount: up to 66% off
Product: Dakine Women’s Print Jersey Short Sleeve Rashguard
Store: AltrecOutdoors.com
Info: This is a great base layer that is designed for a women’s body and offers rash protection as well as 40+ UV protection. This rashguard is breathable, odor-resistant and lightweight.
Dakine Women’s Rashguard features:
- Fabric – 6-oz. nylong/spandex blend
- Flat lock seam stitching for breathable, chafe-free wear
- 4-way stretch
- Quick dry properties
- Boardshort connector loop
- UPF 40+
The Dakine Women’s Print Jersey Short Sleeve Rashguard is available for up to 66% off. Sizes are limited.
View more reviews of popular kayaking apparel.
NRS HydroSilk Shirt
November 3, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Featured Deals
Discount: 60% off
Product: NRS HydroSilk Shirt
Store: NRSWeb.com
Info: The hydrosilk shirt is an excellent base layer for cooler weather and can also be worn solo in warm weather with a UV protection rating of UPF 50. The material of this shirt will wick the moisture away from the skin keeping you warm and dry.
NRS HydroSilk Shirt Features:
- 8 oz. nylon/spandex fabric
- UV protection rating of UPF 50
- Form-fitting design
- Silky outside and soft-brushed inside – very comfortable and feels great against the skin
- Mock collar
- Great for men or women
The NRS Hydrosilk Shirt is available at NRSWeb.com for 60% off.
View more reviews of popular kayak clothing.
Kokatat MisFIT PFD
November 3, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Featured Deals
Discount: 20% off
Product: Kokatat MisFIT PFD
Store: NRSWeb.com
Info: This PFD is quite versatile as it works great for both men and women. It has anatomically cut foam panels as well as large arm holes. Consequently it is comfortable and would work well for all types of kayaking and boating.
Kokatat MisFit PFD Features:
- Comfortable fit for both men and women
- Zippered front entry
- Stretch-mesh pocket holds all of the essentials, also small pocket inside zipper flap
- 500-denier Cordura outer, smooth 200-denier nylon inner – rugged and comfortable
- Made with GAIA PVC-free foam (environmentally friendly)
- 8 different adjustment points – 2 shoulders, 2 on each side, 2 at the waist
- Colours: berry, mango or blue
The Kokatat MisFit PFD is available at NRSWeb.com for 20% off.
View more reviews of popular kayaking gear.
Need Kayak Gear?
The season’s are changing, the leaves are falling and depending on where you live it may be getting mighty cold… it certainly is in my neck of the woods. It is time to figure out if you have everything you need for some cold weather paddling.
It has just come to my attention that Backcountry.com is offering an exclusive 20% off coupon that I would like to share with all of you. I am a big fan of great deals – as I’m sure you are as well and when opportunity knocks, I like to take it. Hopefully this coupon will help you get set up with the right gear so that we can all continue our kayaking adventures throughout the winter.
Click here to go to Backcountry.com and use coupon code 4L0-2-2LQLP for the 20% off
Exclusions: Discount does not apply to gift certificates, lift tickets, Arc’teryx, Black Diamond, Burton, The North Face, Western Mountaineering, Skis, Ski Boots, Ski Bindings, Snowboards, Snowboard Boots, Snowboard Bindings, Avalanche Gear, or Aire Inflatables. If an item is already on sale you’ll receive the better of the two discounts.
OR find great reviews on popular kayaking gear.
NRS Semi-Dry Soft Shell
July 12, 2009 by IK World
Filed under Clothing & Footwear
Product: NRS Motion Shorty Soft Shell Jacket
Store: NRSweb.com
Info: If you are looking for a waterproof top, the NRS Motion Shorty is a semi-dry soft shell that will withstand even the harshest of conditions and still be extremely comfortable. It is waterproof, breathable and has 4-way stretch soft shell fabric that won’t bind or constrict. The material is soft and smooth against your skin and at the same time wicks moisture away from your skin.
The NRS Motion Shorty offers a double-pull waist adjustment that keeps the top snug against your torso and if you want, the inner tunnel can attach to your sprayskirt tunnel to keep water from getting in through your waist. This soft shell also has the convenience of a shoulder pocket so you can keep your car keys or snacks close at hand and away from the inside of your kayak.
Available in blue/gray or red/gray. View more pictures and find more information on the NRS Motion Shorty Soft Shell Jacket
