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.

The Benefits of UV Protective Clothing

Being out on a kayak in the open water with the direct sun not only shining on you but reflecting off the water can cause some serious sunburns (I’ve had my share) or cause you to get sick from sun stroke (I’ve had that too).

Often because of the cool breeze and the water splashing aboard it is easy not to realize the effect that the sun is having on you.

I was paddling in Kauai one time in a sit-on-top kayak and my legs got so burned I had to sit in bed with ice bags on them for a couple of days before I could even move.  I was so mad at myself. I had put sunscreen on everywhere except my legs. 

Bad mistake! I could have easily avoided this of course with a little sunscreen and/or with some UV protective clothing. UV protective clothing is great to throw on to protect yourself from direct sun. With the amount of skin cancer cases booming, UV protective clothing sales have gone through the roof.

Fashionable yet Functional – SPF Clothing can Save the Day

There is a huge selection of great UV protective clothing to choose from… not just wet suits and bathing suits. Great tops, shorts, pants, shirts, you name it. All of which will offer you great sun protection. There are lots to choose from for every person regardless of age.

My favorite place to shop for sun protective clothing is Backcountry. They are a leader in the SPF clothing industry and they have a fantastic variety of fashionable and functional UV protective clothing for men, women, and children as well as lots of different UPF rated accessories.

Backcountry is known for having excellent brand name quality clothing and is a step ahead of the rest as far as their huge selection of different SPF clothing. With great selection, great prices, popular brand names and often good clearance sales you are sure to find that right piece of clothing to protect you from the strong rays of the sun.

Even if you are not sure if you will need it, it is nice to have at least one UV protective long sleeved shirt with you that you can put on if necessary or even drape across your legs. Yes I certainly could have used one of those back in Kauai.

To view a complete selection of SPF clothing and accessories please visit Backcountry .