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.

Dakine Men’s Rashguard

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

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

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.

Men’s Short Sleeved Paddle Top

Product: Kokatat Innercore Short Sleeved Paddle Top – Men’s

Store: Backcountry Outlet

Info: This men’s dry top is extremely comfortable with its stretchy polyolefin fabric that moves moisture quickly away from the skin. In the blaring sun it will keep you protected as it has UPF 30+ sun protection built in. For cold weather paddling it can be worn as an under-layer that will keep you warm, dry and moisture free. It comes in black, shale/black, and lava and can be worn all year round.

The Kokatat Innercore paddle top is excellent for all types of paddling including recreation, whitewater and sea expeditions. View more pictures and get more information on the Kokatat Innercore Short Sleeved Paddle Top.

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 .

Inflatable Kayak Online Retailers

Listed below are the online retailers for inflatable kayaks and for kayaking gear and accessories. 

• Sea Eagle
• Mountain Plus
• NRS
• Amazon
• Altrec Outdoors
• Innova
• Backcountry
• Water Outfitters
• REI
• West Marine

When making a purchase online, especially a large one like an inflatable kayak, it is important that you are purchasing from a 100% secure, reputable and established website. The ten outdoor recreation stores listed here are some of the very best. Not only have they been around for a long time, they also provide phenomenal customer service, most of them have outdoor gear specialists ready to answer any of your questions and also have the best prices and deals. Read below for detailed information on each company.

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Sea Eagle – Inflatable Kayaks

• Been around for 40+ years.
• Sell only top quality, rugged inflatable boats.
• Great selection of inflatable boats and kayaks for all different types of water activities including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, sailing, motoring, stand-up paddling and yachting.
• 3 year warranty on all of their boats!
• Offer a 180 day risk free trial.
• Excellent prices – often have great sales.
• Lots of excellent pictures of real people using their boats and customer videos.
• Good FAQ page.
• Offer some used inflatable boats at a discounted price.
• Free shipping within the contiguous US (for boat packages).
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• Downloadable instructions available on their site for the boat your purchase as well as video instructions.
• Very helpful customer service.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Sea Eagle

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Mountain Plus – Inflatable Kayaks

• Phenomenal site for any outdoor enthusiast.
• Carries not only inflatable kayaks but all kayak and outdoor gear and accessories.
• Free shipping on any order over $45.
• Excellent international shipping rates – some of the cheapest I’ve seen.
• Most of their inflatable kayaks come with a free electric pump!
• Excellent online live help for any questions or concerns you have.
• Great outlet section with sales up to 60% off.
• Mountain Plus blog.
• Established online store since 1995, nearly 15 years.
• The Mountain Plus team will bend over backwards to make sure you receive excellent customer service.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Advanced Elements, Aire, NRS, Tributary

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NRS – Inflatable Kayaks

• Founded in 1972.
• Excellent resource for kayaking information.
• Always lots of sale items.
• Excellent customer service.
• Every kayaking gear option you can think of.
• Will Ship to Canada and Internationally.
• Rock solid guarantee. Return or exchange any item you are not satisfied with.
• Gift cards available.
• Fast & very low priced shipping.
• Inflatable Kayak brands available: NRS, Aire, Tributary

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Amazon – Inflatable Kayaks

• Usually has a decent selection of different inflatable kayaks
• Sometimes have some good sales prices
• Huge website with very established reputation
• Also sell just about anything else you can think of
• Can ship all over the world
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Usually carries most inflatable kayak brands

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Altrec Outdoors – Inflatable Kayaks

• Good outlet section with savings up to 80% off.
• Free shipping on orders over $45 in the contiguous U.S.
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• 100% lifetime guarantee – Return for a refund at anytime if you not are happy.
• Exceptionally fast delivery.
• Excellent customer service.
• Price Match Plus guarantee – If you find an identical product offered by another US authorized online retailer, they will beat their price by 5% of the difference.
• Live chat available with a customer service rep/gear specialist.
• Great selection of doggie water gear.
• Established online outdoor gear store since early 1999.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Advanced Elements, Aire, NRS, Tributary, Innova, Trak

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Innova – Inflatable Kayaks

• European inflatable touring kayaks as well as whitewater inflatable kayaks and canoes
• Based out of Burlington, WA
• Most of Innova kayaks are made PVC-free – better for the environment
• One of the original producers of high end inflatable kayaks
• Very popular on the West Coast
• Sells all of the Innova brand inflatable kayaks as well as clothes, PFD’s and equipment
• Excellent customer service and very knowledgeable staff
• On-site blog with pictures, stories and news
• 2 year warranty on all Innova kayaks
• Shipping to all over the world
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Innova

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Backcountry – Inflatable Kayaks

• Free shipping on orders over $50 within the contiguous U.S.
• Will ship to Canada and Internationally.
• 100% guarantee – If you are ever not satisfied with your gear at anytime, even 30 years from now, send it back for a full refund.
• Live chat available with a customer service rep/gear expert.
• Gift certificates available.
• They have a great blog available on their website.
• Excellent customer service.
• Voted one of the top 50 internet retailers.
• Great outlet store on the website with huge savings.
• Good selection of UV protective clothing.
• Inflatable kayak brands available: NRS, Tributary, Aire

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Water Outfitters – Inflatable Kayaks

Have good selection of inflatable kayaks and canoes as well as tons of kayak gear and accessories

Michigan based retailer – online store been around since 1997 – 12 years

Gift certificates available

No hassle returns within 30 days

Free shipping for orders over $99, excluding Hobie within the contiguous U.S.

International shipping available

100% secure shopping

Earn powder points with every purchase to put toward future purchases

Inflatable kayak brands available: Hobie, Bic, Advanced Elements, Stearns

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REI – Inflatable Kayaks

• Huge outdoor gear storeStarted by 23 climbers in 1938
• 80-plus stores all over the U.S. as well as their huge online store
• Great outlet selection
• 100% satisfaction guarantee – if you are not satisfied with your purchase it can be returned for a full refund
• Option to become an REI member with lots of benefits
• Great expert advice
• International shipping
• Free shipping to any one of the REI stores where you can pick it up from there
• Gear and accessories for paddling, cycling, climbing, hiking, camping, travel and fitness
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Aire, Advanced Elements, Airis, Innova

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West Marine – Inflatable Kayaks

• $2.95 shipping on any order over $99
• International shipping available
• Marine store with good inflatable kayak selection
• One of the world’s largest boating supply retailers
• Been around for a very long time
• Excellent reputation
• Besides being an online retailer they have over 375 stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada
• No hassle returns – if you are ever dissatisfied with your purchase they will replace it
• Excellent customer service
• Very passionate about making sure the customer has a good experience and with providing great products
• Inflatable kayak brands available: Airis, Sevylor, West Marine kayaks

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