The holidays are fast approaching and you need gift ideas for the whitewater kayaker in your life! AQ Outdoors is Canada’s leading paddlesports retailer and this is our 2020 Whitewater Kayaker Gift Buying Guide.
Whether you’re buying gifts for a new paddler, a seasoned veteran, a year-round paddler, or just need stocking stuffers, you’ll find great ideas below. They’re all guaranteed to light up faces this holiday season.
If you need shipping, please try to place your order at least 2 weeks in advance. We'll always work hard to send your purchase as soon as possible, but shipping disruptions have been common during Covid.
For anyone in the Calgary area, we offer free curbside contact-free pickup.
Year-Round Whitewater Kayaker
These gifts will keep your paddler warm and cozy all months of the year.
NRS Mamba Pogies
The NRS Mamba Pogies are a favourite of kayakers everywhere. They keep hands warm without sacrificing the feel of the paddle. Bulky gloves or mitts can affect paddle grip, but not these. The NRS Mamba Pogies are also used by many kayakers in summertime, as it is easy to slide hands out of them if they get too hot.
Price: $72.95
NRS Paddle Wetshoe
The NRS Paddle Wetshoe is a high-performance kayak specific neoprene bootie. These booties feature thick insulation and a high ankle to keep the heat in. The side-zip entry makes it easy to put these on whether over bare feet, a neoprene sock, or drysuit socks. The extra padding keeps the foot comfortable even in tight-fitting whitewater kayaks.
Price: 79.95
IR Klingon Empire Sprayskirt
For anyone kayaking year-round, a secure and watertight spay deck is a must. The IR Klingon Empire Sprayskirt features an advanced bungee that creates an extremely dry seal. Perfect for winter kayaking, playboating, and advanced river running.
Price: 294.95
Beginner Whitewater Kayaker
Whitewater kayaking is an exciting sport and there is plenty to learn. So why not make it easy for the new kayaker in your life and help them out with courses and high quality gear?
Instructional Season Pass
This is the best package deal for any beginner whitewater kayaker. It takes the guesswork out of planning courses and figuring out a schedule.
Includes:
- Unlimited registration in most courses
- Discount on multi-day kayaking trips
- Discounts on private courses
- 4 free kayak demo days
- 10% OFF kayaks, SUPS, and Canoes
- 15% OFF most other items.
For anyone who wants to fully immerse themselves in whitewater kayaking and spend their year doing it, this is the ultimate gift.
Price: $1,200
NRS Split Float
Every kayak needs float bags. These help displace water and make recovering a floating kayak much easier. Without float bags a kayak will fill with water, making it difficult to move to shore. It may even float away if you can't control it. Float bags are cheaper than buying a new kayak.
Price: $94.95
WRSI Current Helmet
A well built, high-quality, all around kayak helmet perfect for beginners. Adjustable head harness, plush liner, and 5 colour options makes this a great option for any beginner. In fact, this helmet will suit most kayakers, regardless of skill level.
Price: 159.95
Intermediate/ Advanced Whitewater Kayaker
Any intermediate or advanced whitewater kayaker will have a few seasons under their belt. They probably have specific preferences and higher expectations of their kayaking equipment. These are some great choices to make the experienced kayaker in your life happy these holidays.
NRS Crux Drysuit
A drysuit is a key piece of gear, for any kayaker. In Canada’s frigid waters a high quality, high performance drysuit improves warmth and increases confidence on difficult whitewater. A top performing drysuit like the NRS Crux Drysuit will not only keep your kayaker happy, it’ll keep them safe.
Price: $1,039.95
NRS Pilot Knife
The NRS Pilot Knife hasn’t changed in years and there’s a reason why: it's one of the best built, best designed paddling knives on the market. Shaped to quickly cut rope or gear in emergency situations, the NRS Pilot Knife attaches easily to most PFDs and is ergonomically designed. If your giftee paddles in the ocean, be sure to purchase the NRS Titanium Pilot Knife instead.
Price: $59.95
WRSI Current Pro
This helmet is a beefed up version of the standard WRSI Current. The Pro is designed for riskier paddling situations with enhanced protection. This helmet features a visor for sun and rain protection, and protects the face. The removable earpads add extra warmth and prevent crashing waves from interfering with your ears.
Price: $179.95
Stocking Stuffers
If you’re in a pinch and don’t know what to buy, or just need a couple smaller items to finish your list, these whitewater kayaking stocking stuffers will do the trick.
NRS Wedge Rescue Throw Bag
A throw bag is an essential piece of gear for any whitewater kayaker. This NRS Wedge Rescue Throw Bag is compact and fits easily into any kayak.
Price: $74.95
Mark’s Guide for Alberta Paddlers
Produced by an Alberta paddling legend, this comprehensive guide is the perfect companion for any paddler who needs information about Alberta's rivers. Featuring important information about river access, rapids, and what to expect.
Price: $41.25
Fox 40 Whistle
An industry-leading whitewater kayak whistle. This pealess whistle will perform in all environments without fail. If you want a specific colour, let us know when you place your order.
Price: $8.95
Cottonmouth Nose Plug
Price: $17.95
Aquapac Waterproof Phone
Most people can’t go without their phone. When you’re paddling in remote areas, a phone is a necessary life line in emergency situations. Aquapac has been making waterproof cases since 1983 and their craftsmanship shows. A great option to protect your kayaker’s phone, or for extra security when storing a phone in a drybag.
Price: $34.95
NRS Hydroskin 0.5 Wetsocks
These are high performance wetsocks that can be used with any wetshoe. They are designed with a low profile, dynamically stretch, and feature a ThermalPlush liner. These help keep the coldest feet warm on all types of rivers.
Price: $39.95
If you need holiday gift ideas for the whitewater kayaker in your life, you can’t go wrong with any of these products!
AQ Outdoors started as a paddlesports company. We are here to answer any questions you have about these products and point you in the right direction if you need other paddling related gift ideas.
Feel free to contact us at either our Edmonton or Calgary locations.
Happy Holidays!
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
