How to Safely Wet Exit and Swim with your Kayak

When a kayak capsizes we are automatically dumped from our kayak. If exiting an overturned kayak has not been practiced it can be a scary experience.

There are a few simple steps that can help to calmly slide out of your capsized kayak and keep hold of your paddle while you are doing it.

If you are recreational kayaking in flat water and are wearing your lifejacket then you do not need to be too concerned about being an excellent swimmer. Hopefully you Read more

Inflatable Kayak Glossary of Terms

In your research on inflatable kayaks you may have come across certain terms that are slightly confusing. Especially if you are new to kayaking it is nice to know what all the words mean when reading the kayak descriptions.

Below is a list of important inflatable kayak terms – most of which are also terms you will come across for all types of kayaking.  If there are any terms that you know of that you see missing, please let me know and I will add them to the list. Read more

NRS Deluxe Boat Sponge

I don’t know of anyone who kayaks who hasn’t had to deal with excess water in the boat. I know for myself even with a spray skirt on water still seems to manage to collect within my kayak… and sand as well!

This NRS deluxe boat sponge is a fantastic accessory for any person who kayaks. It is really neat in that it will soak up sand and moisture that gathers at the bottom of your boat or on your seat.

If you have a lot of water in your kayak then of course you are going to want to use a bilge pump, but for  the excess moisture left behind, this boat sponge will do the trick and it is actually quite surprising how much water it can soak up. I personally love it as it keeps the inside of my kayak clean and dry.

It is just little and really easy to carry with you as it weighs next to nothing. It has a terry cloth cover and the dimensions are: 8” L x 4.5” W x 2” H.

The deluxe boat sponge is available at: NRSweb.com – NRS Deluxe Boat Sponge

Finding the Right Inflatable Kayak Gear

Having the right gear for your inflatable kayak expedition can literally make all the difference for an enjoyable ride. If you have already chosen a kayak, now you are ready to suit up. This does not need to be an expensive process as there are really only a few basics you need to be concerned with.

Necessities:

Paddle
Many kayaks will come with a paddle, but some will not. Which type you choose will depend on the type of kayaking you want to do. There are basically two kinds of paddles, touring and whitewater. Read our article on choosing the right kayak paddle length before purchasing so that you know exactly what you will need. These are the choices you will have when purchasing a kayak paddle:

• Touring kayak paddle –  These are made for efficiency and comfort. They are usually two pieces with adjustable ferrule positions which allows for feathered or unfeathered paddling. You will be able to choose the length, the blade shape as well as the material of your paddle.
• Whitewater kayak paddle –  These paddles are all about control so they will have a rigid shaft and wider blades. Again you will be able to choose the length, blade shape and material of your paddle.

Double Action Pump
An inflatable kayak needs to be pumped up. It is wise to invest in a good hand or foot pump. If your kayak is hard to inflate you will most likely be less inclined to use it. Having a good pump will make inflating your kayak a quick and easy process and therefore provide for an overall happier experience.

Dry Bag
Having a waterproof kayak bag allows you to store things like extra clothes, sunscreen, a compass, food, a camera, or anything else you’d like to take with you on your excursion that needs to be safe from the elements.  They come in all shapes and sizes so there is one to fit everyone’s need.

PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
A lifejacket is needed for the obvious safety reasons. Though it can be tempting to not wear your lifejacket on hot days and while in flat water, I must caution you that there are huge safety risks to doing this. A kayak can capsize at anytime for a multitude of reasons. Even if you are a good swimmer it is essential that you wear a PFD.

Spray Skirt
Unless you are always going to be kayaking in calm waters a spray
skirt will be necessary. The spray skirt connects to the cockpit of the kayak and essentially creates a watertight seal. This will keep you as well as the inside of your kayak dry. When purchasing your inflatable kayak, many companies will suggest a spray skirt that is right for your boat.

Crash Helmet
Only necessary if you are doing whitewater kayaking.

Luxuries

Kayaking Gloves
It is really personal preference whether you will want a pair of kayaking gloves to wear. Some people love them and others hate them. I can tell you from first hand experience that a good pair of kayaking gloves will save your hands from unnecessary blisters, cuts and scrapes. They will help you to be able to kayak much further with absolutely no pain (to your hands anyway). Though on super hot days they may seem like a slight nuisance, your hands will be much happier having them on.

Compact Cart
This will make either rolling from car to water or strolling through an airport effortless. You just strap your inflatable kayak duffel/storage bag to the frame and away you go. Well worth the few extra dollars!

Drytop/Paddle Jacket
I have personally never used either of these, however there are others who will never go out without one. On hot summer days while doing easy recreational kayaking, I don’t find them necessary. I usually just have a light waterproof rain jacket with me in case it should get drizzly. I can see though that if you are way out in the ocean or in the whitewater rapids, a drytop would really help you to stay comfortable. Depending on the weather as well as how long of an excursion you plan on doing, a drytop may make a huge difference.

Water Shoes/Booties
A good pair of water shoes will be extremely helpful to have. Your feet will inevitably get wet while getting in and out of your kayak and possibly within your kayak. With water shoes, you simply don’t have to worry about it. Make sure they are not clunky and that you fit easily in your kayak while wearing them.

Rope Bag
Hopefully something you will never need to use, however it is a great safety device that could help save the life of a friend.

Knife
Admittedly I have never carried a knife with me kayaking. However I also tend to do fairly short excursions. Some die-hards though will always have one with them. You will probably never use the knife, however it is handy to have should the unlikely event happen where you get caught up in some rope or stuck under a raft.

For the best selection of inflatable kayak gear check out our list of top online retailers for kayaks and gear.