My favorite summer vacations were the two years in a row we spent in Sanibel, Florida at the beach. We rented kayaks and paddle boards during our stay. The water wasn’t too choppy, so even the younger kids enjoyed it, while the older ones even went out on the turbulent days after a storm. Kayaking is a sport that is very versatile. Whether you enjoy paddling slowly through mangroves, feeling the sea spray at the beach, or taking a more wild adventure down some rapids in a mountain river, it is an amazing feeling. These gifts for kayakers are meant to enhance those experiences with nature.
1. Waterproof Duffel
Best kayaking gifts
A waterproof duffle bag is a must for kayakers who take overnight trips. They can pack extra clothing and essentials, without worrying about their stuff getting soaked when a wave splashes into the boat.
If they just make day trips, a waterproof dry bag might be what they need. Smaller than a duffle, these bags are still big enough to keep personal items safe from the water.
Just going on short trips? A waterproof pouch that fastens around their waist will keep their phone and identification dry. Some of these are made so they can still access their phone’s touch screen through the pouch.
2. Kayaking Experience
Gift ideas for kayakers
Imagine exploring sea caves in Croatia, taking a clear kayak tour through rock springs, or just taking a simple journey for beginners. You can give a cool kayak experience to someone here in the USA, or send them to an exotic location around the world.
For those who love the freedom of a road trip, give them a car rack to easily and safely transport their kayak to their desired destination.
Wherever they are going, a waterproof action camera will be great for getting amazing shots to commemorate their experiences. While cell phones are great, these cameras are made for quick action shots while moving.
3. Kayak Cart
Useful gifts for kayakers
Kayaks are heavy. I know that from experience. They are also very awkward to carry. A cart will make transporting their kayak pain free. A cart is especially useful for lugging a kayak uphill or over rough terrain.
To store their kayak, get them some kayak mounts so they can store their equipment safely out of the way. Hardware for overhead mounts or wall mounts are available.
Maybe they don’t have much storage space. If they need to keep their kayak outdoors, you can get them a kayak cover to protect it from the elements.
4. Books About Kayaking
Kayaking gift ideas
Whether they enjoy sea kayaking, want to read about Pacific voyages, or want to learn more about the sport, there are tons of great books to choose from. These make great gifts if you don’t know what accessories they need.
National Parks Guides are a good inspiration for trip planning. National parks are filled with outdoor areas for camping, hiking, and of course, kayaking. They can even find places to incorporate all three. Then get them a National Parks Scratch Off map so they can check off each park they visit during their kayaking quests.
5. Behind Seat Cooler
Kayaking accessories gifts
With a cooler, they can pack drinks and lunch for a day’s outing. A cooler that attaches to the seat back takes up relatively little room and is secured, so it won’t fall out of the vessel. This is important even for short trips, as it is easy to get dehydrated out on the water.
Sitting on a hard surface can get uncomfortable after a while. Get them a seat cushion so they can enjoy their kayak for longer stretches of time.
On a kayak, there is no place to hide from the sun. A kayak shade is a useful accessory to keep them cool and out of harmful rays.
You might want to take a look at gifts for lovers of other sports too!
6. Waterproof Playing Cards
Kayaking novelty gifts
While they won’t have time for a game of cards while paddling a mountain river, they might have time on their hands while waiting for the fish to bite. With waterproof cards they don’t have to worry about them getting ruined when their big catch starts flapping around in the craft.
If you are looking for funny kayak gifts, get one of these funny mugs to start off their day.
While it may be a novelty gift, a floating key chain will come in handy if they accidentally drop their keys overboard.
7. Canoe Furniture
Gifts for canoeists
Looking for a unique canoe gift? Give them beautiful furniture such as a wine rack, cooler, or bookshelf, handmade from real wood in the shape of a canoe.
Out of your price range? These beautiful hand painted oars will make beautiful art to hang in the home for canoeists.
On a budget? Canoe Christmas ornaments will have them thinking of their favorite hobby, even during the winter months. Some can even be personalized.
8. Paddle Mount
Kayaking accessories gifts for paddles
Depending upon their needs, you can find clips that easily attach to their kayak to hold the paddles, while getting in and out of the boat. Others require installation for securing the paddles to the craft for storage. And still others will secure paddles to the boat while kayakers are busy fishing.
If you aren’t sure which kind they will need, a paddle leash might be your best bet. These easily attach to kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards to keep their paddles from floating away.
If they kayak for extended amounts of time, get them some paddle grips to help prevent blisters and calluses from forming on their hands.
9. Water Shoes
Kayaking gift ideas
Water shoes help protect feet from sharp objects such as shells and rocks. They can also prevent slipping due to the rubber soles.
Water shirts will help protect their upper body from the sun’s harmful rays. It is hard to keep reapplying sunscreen when you are paddling.
You can also get them a sun hat to protect their scalp and face from the sun. Because, who really applies sunscreen to their head?
10. Safety Vests
Kayaking gifts for safety
While not mandatory to wear, life jackets are required by law to be aboard all vessels. If they have their own kayak, they will already have basic life jackets. However, you can get one that is above the basics, like one for fishermen with pockets for gear. Or get children’s size jackets for kids who often accompany an adult on a kayak. They even make baby vests!
First aid kits are important to have on hand for any mishaps. These are waterproof, so they are perfect to take on kayaking trips. Nobody wants to be miles from civilization without first aid necessities.
Lights are important for night navigation and for distress signals. A solar power bank is also a great gift so they can charge technology while out in nature.
11. Kayak Pendant
Kayaking gifts for mom
A kayak pendant is a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift for mom, so she can display her love of kayaking even when her feet are firmly on the ground.
For a more practical gift, get her a safety whistle for emergencies. Also a pair of floating sunglasses will help her find her shades if they mistakenly fall off into the water. These are polarized to protect her eyes from harmful UV rays.
Sometimes there just isn’t a good place to change out of wet clothing. Protect mom’s modesty with a changing poncho. She can slip this on and switch out of her wet clothes underneath. They make these kayak gifts for dad and kids too.
12. Tackle Storage Crate
Gifts for kayak fisherman
Fishermen will need a crate for storing fishing gear on their kayak. Get one that is watertight when closed and that they can attach their fishing poles to.
A portable fish finder uses sonar to help pinpoint where the fish are, so they can find just the right spot to catch their dinner.
Also, a deck hatch for fishing has a waterproof storage bag that can be removed for easy cleaning.
13. Camping Multi Tool
Kayaking gifts for dad
Looking for a great gift for dad? A camping multitool is a great idea for dads who like to go on overnight kayaking trips.
While alcohol consumption is not allowed out on the water, a drink holder is a useful gift to keep a water bottle handy. They can save the brews for afterward.
For fancy occasions, give him a set of paddle cufflinks to show off his love of kayaking, even when he can’t be on the water.
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