Once you have chosen a recreational kayak that suits your needs, you’re probably asking: “What other kayak gear do I need to have safe fun on the water?”
Starting out as a new paddler a few years back, there were plenty of gear choices to consider. At first, I focused on the minimal amount of recreational kayaking gear to safely head out on the water. Over the years, I picked up bits and pieces slowly and added to my gear complement.
This article details essential pieces of recreational kayak gear which will make your time on the water enjoyable and safe.
Essential Recreational Kayaking Gear
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Getting yourself hooked up with a quality PFD is important not only for safety but for comfort. Keep in mind you will be wearing your PFD for a few hours. The fit needs to be proper for your body type and also for the type of seat back you have in your recreational kayak.
When trying on a PFD, it’s a good idea to sit in a kayak at the shop with a similar seat style to ensure the PFD will feel comfortable when you’re out paddling. There are lots of options to choose from in a reasonable price range.
Depending on your needs, PFDs come in high-back mesh and low profile full-back. They also have various storage pockets and attachment points to store and secure items such as a whistle, phone case and the all-important paddling snack. Multiple PFD adjustment points are also important in order to get the best fit, or fine tune things if you are adding base layers for those cooler shoulder season paddles.
While there are many PFD options to consider, here are some great options for recreational kayakers.
The NRS Oso is designed as a unisex PFD but often preferred by men. The NRS Nora is a women specific design with slight differences in foam distribution. Both versions have a low profile thin full back.
For most paddlers this PFD offers a comfortable fit and is compatible with most recreational kayak seat backs. There is a vented back panel, two large front pockets, one lash tab and seven adjustments for that comfort fit you’re looking for.
If you want to learn more, check out Best Recreational PFDs for Paddling.
NRS Oso PFD (clearance)
$119.95
$159.95
NRS Recreational PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The NRS Oso PFD is the ultimate full-back recreational life jacket for paddlers and rafters. With a ventilated, thin full back design… Read More
NRS Women's Nora PFD (clearance)
$120.00
$160.00
NRS Recreational PFD Buying Guide Best Recreational PFDs and Life Jackets for Paddling Best PFDs for Inflatable Kayaks The NRS Women's Nora PFD is the perfect life jacket for female paddlers who appreciate quality at an attractive price point. The… Read More
The Astral EV-Eight Breathable Highback PFD is another great option which is a mesh back design that accommodates a high-back seat and is a favorite of recreational kayakers. It has a front zip, padded shoulder straps and the front foam is articulated and sculpted which offers a great fit for both men and women. It has built-in ventilation, keeping paddlers cool if you’re out paddling on those hot summer days.
Astral EV-Eight Breathable Highback PFD
$170.00
$200.00
‚ The‚ Astral EV-Eight Breathable Highback PFD is a fully breatheable, bluesign certified PFD with a recycled Polyester Shell. The EV-Eight has been a long time favorite for recreational paddling customers and the new EV-Eight takes the same tried… Read More
Shop AQ Outdoors Recreational PFD Collection
Paddle
Obviously if you’re going to recreational kayak, a paddle is required. There are many options to choose from with a wide range of price. Most recreational paddlers choose a low angle paddle with a slightly longer paddle shaft and a blade profile that is longer and narrower.
Low angle paddles pair well with wider recreational kayaks. While most recreational kayakers just have one paddle on board, it’s a good idea to eventually pick up a less expensive spare two-piece paddle. Your second paddle can be stored on the front deck of the kayak under the bungees for easy access in the event of an emergency.
To learn more about paddle angle differences, check out my other blog High vs Low Angle Kayak Paddle Advice.
A good entry level paddle option is the Aquabound Sting Ray Hybrid 2 piece Posi Lock Kayak Paddle. It has a fiberglass reinforced resin midsize blade and a light weight carbon shaft. The Posi Lock ferrule system connects this 2 piece paddle firmly.
Some sage advice about purchasing a paddle is to consider buying the lightest and best paddle that you can afford. Having a lighter paddle is especially important if you’ll be going on longer paddling excursions. There are many great options in the “performance paddle” category from Werner, Aquabound and Wilderness Systems.
Shop AQ Outdoors Recreational Paddle Collection
Safety and Rescue
All paddlers are required to have the appropriate safety and rescue equipment when on the water. This includes a method of bailing or pumping water out of the recreational kayak if you take on some water.
Additionally, paddlers must have a signaling device and 50’ of buoyant heavy line for rescue or towing purposes. A basic entry level all-in-one option is the North Water 4 Bailer which meets all Transport Canada requirements.
To learn more, check out our North Water 4 Bailer Review.
For more experienced recreational kayakers who may be paddling in open water further away from the shoreline, there may be an increased risk of capsizing. The North Water Touring Safety Kit is a solid solution to ensure you have the needed safety based paddling gear on board.
This kit includes a paddle float to support kayak deep water re-entry, a throw bag, a high volume Aqua-Bound bilgeMASTER Pump and a Fox40 Whistle for signaling. With safety in mind, it is important to learn rescue based skills and practice with a partner to be prepared in the event a rescue situation occurs.
North Water Touring Safety Kit CAD
$299.95
Have all of your safety necessities conveniently bundled together in a handy mesh bag. The‚ North Water Touring Safety Kit CAD is a‚ simple and cost effective safety kit. NW offers two kits, one for Canadian safety requirements and the… Read More
Shop AQ Outdoors Safety and Rescue Collection
Extra Comfort Gear
After spending some glorious time paddling out on the water and getting into the sport of recreational kayaking, there are often other items that many of us put on our birthday wish lists.
Paddling here in Alberta, we underestimate how cold the water can be even during the warmest summer months. This is especially true when paddling mountain lake locations. Recreational paddlers can safely enjoy all these beautiful spots and stay protected and warm by wearing a wetsuit. NRS makes a great 2mm wetsuit that offers an affordable and comfortable level of insulation.
Level Six Farmer John Neoprene Wetsuit
$105.00
$150.00
TheLevel Six Farmer John neoprene wetsuit is designed to keep you protected against cold water and weather. Built with Thermo-Stretch neoprene and a full front entry zipper, the Level Six Farmer John is a durable layering option to keep you… Read More
Level Six Farmer Jane Neoprene Wetsuit
$105.00
$150.00
The Level Six Farmer Jane neoprene wetsuit is designed to keep you protected against cold water and weather. Built with Thermo-Stretch neoprene and a full front entry zipper, the Level Six Farmer Jane is a durable layering option to keep… Read More
The ideal choice of footwear for recreational paddlers is something that protects your feet from rocks and offers warmth on a cooler day. While sandals or crocs can be worn, wet shoes, booties or paddling shoes are a great option and offer insulation, protection and grip on slippery surfaces. Check out this Astral Brewess Watershoe Review.
Astral Brewer 2.0 Shoe
$136.00
$160.00
From boat to bar, rafts to rockslides, the quick drying, performance minded Astral Brewer 2.0 Shoe is the answer. A paddling shoe with G rubber outsoles that keep you gripping, while the balanced Geometry midsoles and Water Ready uppers keep… Read More
Astral Brewess 2.0 Shoe
$136.00
$160.00
Astral Brewess 2.0 Shoe Review From boat to bar, rafts to rockslides, the quick drying, performance minded Astral Brewess 2.0 Shoe is the answer. A paddling shoe with G rubber outsoles that keep you gripping, while the balanced Geometry midsoles… Read More
Protecting your phone is also important, if you bring it with you and keep it accessible to take photos while you’re recreational kayaking. Waterproof phone cases are available in many sizes and work much better than a Ziploc bag.
Aquapac Waterproof Phone Case
$31.00
The original waterproof case trusted since 1983.Protection from the elements, at the highest level Sizing ‚ SIZE Maximum Compatible Device Size Example Phone Fit AQ358 PLUS‚ 200mm circumference 160mm height iPhone 6 Plus, 7 Plus, 8 PlusHuawei P20, Samsung… Read More
Additionally, a dry bag works great to store extra clothing, snacks, car keys, first aid kit, matches, and any other extras that paddlers may want to have with them on the water. The dry bag can be stowed in the kayak’s hatch and offers that added bit of reassurance that nothing inside will get wet.
Other considerations for recreational paddlers fall into the category of self-care. On those hot sunny days, a hat, sunscreen, water and some kind of snack is essential to ensure that your time on the water is super enjoyable.
Essential Recreational Kayak Gear Summary
I hope this blog offered some basic information to new paddlers and started you thinking about paddle gear priorities with your “must have gear items” as well as other gear items you would like to add to your kit over time.
“create your own momentum”
Bryan Hume
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Check out my YouTube channel: The Life Of Bryak
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoKbqlUHkiSXex2Tt43uZg
Related Recreational Kayaking Articles
Basic Paddle Strokes for Recreational / Touring Kayaking
High vs Low Angle Paddle Advice
Choosing the Right Kayak for Lakes
Canoe vs Kayak: What's the Difference?
Recreational vs Touring Kayak Buying Guide
Beginners Guide to Recreational Kayak Gear
Best Recreational PFD for Paddling
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