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.

Inflatable Kayak Care & Repair

With some proper care, your inflatable kayak should last you for many years and still be in near perfect condition. These simple steps will help to ensure the health and longevity of your inflatable kayak.

How to Care for your Inflatable Kayak

• Store it in a cool, dry spot – make sure the kayak is clean and dry before you pack it up so that no mold can accumulate. If there is a little moisture left over (possibly in the tubes) after you have dried it, leave it partially inflated for a few days in a dry area to completely dry it out before packing away.

• Use a protectant to help with UV damage protection. A 303 Protectant spray will greatly prolong the strength and the life of your inflatable kayak material by protecting it from the harmful UV rays. It is really cheap to buy and easy to use. This is your inflatable boat “sunscreen” and should be applied every 1 – 2 months for ultimate protection.

• Use an inflatable boat cleaner to remove dirt, oil and tough stains on the kayak and then afterwards put on your 303 protectant. If you don’t have a specific inflatable cleaning agent then you can also use a all natural cleaner as well… just stay away from harsh chemical cleaners that could do harm to the material.

• If you leave your inflatable kayak outside, raise it off the ground and cover with a tarp. Don’t allow it to be exposed to direct sunlight, leaves, berries or rain.

How to Repair your Inflatable Kayak

If your inflatable kayak should need some simple repairs you may be able to easily follow the instructions provided in your owner’s manual with your kayak repair kit (comes with all inflatables).

Follow the instructions carefully and have them with you on all your kayak outings. It’s useless to have the repair kit with you but not the instructions on how to use it should you be stranded somewhere. Try not to carry out the repairs in direct sun or rain.

Inflatable kayaks are some of the safest boats in the world – used by the Coast Guard as well as the military and many rescue agencies around the world. Punctures occur occasionally and if they do, most leaks only take a few minutes to repair.

Have a Small Leak?  No Problem…

For small repairs, deflate your boat, clean and dry the area to be repaired thoroughly. Apply a small drop of glue. Let dry 12 hours. If you need to get on the water sooner, let it dry 30 minutes then inflate the boat, inflating the area with the repair only ¾ full. Then make a permanent repair later.

For larger repairs, you may need to use a patch. A good rule of thumb is any leaks larger than a pinhole – use a patch. Most patches can be done very quickly within a few minutes. If it is major, contact the supplier and see if it is on warranty or take it to an inflatable boat repair center.

How to Locate the Leak

If you are having a hard time locating the leak – apply soapy water, as it will bubble out from the source of the leak. From there, follow the instructions above.

Using the proper care and doing the right repairs will leave your kayak in near new condition for a long time. Repairs are not needed often, in fact sometimes never at all. Knowing how to handle one though will help you to be prepared for the worst.

Always study your owner’s manual when you first get it so you know the ins and outs of your own specific model of inflatable kayak.

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.