Browsing the best gifts for kayakers can be tricky. You may find it easy, but it must be related to kayaks. Well, an avid kayaker probably knows and has everything they want. That’s precisely what makes this venture a challenge.
What to buy for someone who has everything? Sure, if you know they genuinely want something, it makes it easier. But other than that, you must see things outside the box. Using a bit of creativity, here are a few interesting ideas that every kayaker will love.
What to consider when choosing gifts for kayakers
You’ll probably find it much easier if you’re familiar with kayaking, the industry, and top brands. Like any other industry, it has a few top brands that dominate, with quality and innovations kicking in now and then. On the other hand, if you’re clueless, it could be a bit tricky.
At this point, everything revolves around the receiver, and that’s what you need to pay attention to. Researching brands and products is not difficult, but remember, this person knows what they want or need, so that’s where you need to dig.
You can always pretend to be more interested in kayaking or hang around their gear while they go out on the water, only for you to see what they truly own. You don’t want to buy a duplicate. Pay attention to their accessories and extras because that’s what you’ll go for rather than a kayak.
Even if you’re not experienced with kayaks, someone with experience is likely to talk about such things all the time. You may hear about a broken paddle or a waterproof backpack’s necessity.
When choosing a gift for a kayaker, make sure you invest in a quality item because these people know their stuff. They’ll appreciate a gift, but they’d rather have a proper brand than an unknown accessory. In other words, become familiar with solid names in the industry first.
Second, assuming you’ve paid attention to their chats or needs, you can browse accessories and ideas, thinking whether or not the receiver has something like that. Again, research is critical at this stage. You don’t want to buy a duplicate.
Last but not least, while not always a general rule, smart features represent an innovation tackling more industries, so the technology could make an excellent gift for someone you love.
Top 15 gifts for kayakers
Here are some of the best gifts for kayakers out there.
1. Kayak Pogies
Wbestexercises Neoprene Pogies
- Pay attention to the receiver’s hands. If you see blisters, especially on the fingers, they probably need a pair of gloves. Some kayakers invest in paddle grips, which isn’t a bad idea. However, these gloves take everything to a different level.
- They’re made of durable neoprene, which also protects against cold wind and water. They’re comfy, and since the neoprene is 4mm thick, it offers top-notch protection. Moreover, these gloves can keep hands dry, too.
2. Waterproof Phone Case
- Water and gadgets don’t necessarily make a good combo. Even if a smartphone is designed to be waterproof, it doesn’t mean you’d submerge to check. Plus, you don’t want to lose it either. This case is excellent for water activities. It’s watertight, leaving nothing inside.
- Moreover, the case is rated to be dustproof and crushproof. It comes in a bunch of different colors and features a carabiner. Double-check the size of the receiver’s phone online to ensure it fits inside. It works typically with 5.99-inch screens or smaller.
3. Kayak Crate
Wilderness Systems Kayak Crate
- This gift is suitable if you know what you’re doing. You need to know a thing or two about kayaks. You need to check it matches the receiver’s kayak, for example. It’s a solid piece based on heavy-duty plastic, with storage everywhere.
- The lid also acts as storage, mainly for small items. As for the sides, they feature rod holders, which are excellent for fishing fans. It’s fully waterproof, so there will be no issues on the water. If the receiver doesn’t have a kayak crate already, go for one.
4. Rescue Paddle Float
- A paddle float will add to health and safety standards in certain circumstances. It’s a bladder that can inflate and help during accidents. It can be convenient when floating in a calm lake and life-saving in the ocean.
- The paddle float is necessary for a new kayaker, so consider the receiver’s experience. It’s one of the top-rated units on the market and relies on durable nylon for top-notch results in all situations.
5. Solar Inflatable Lantern
- Lights are important on a kayak, especially when going out of water around sunset or even at night. More types of lights are out there, but this model stands out in the crowd with its versatility.
- It’s solar and only requires about seven hours in the sun to offer a full day of lighting. It’s inflatable and comes with 10 LEDs for extra brightness. Furthermore, it can also be used on camping trips and other outdoor activities.
6. Winter Hydration Backpack
CamelBak Powderhound 12 Snow Hydration Pack
- This backpack is built differently. Keeping hydrated is critical on an outdoor adventure, but this option goes further. Forget about heavy bottles around the back. Instead, the backpack has a two-liter reservoir.
- It’s not all about hydration, as it also has a 10-liter compartment for storage. It has good snow resistance and can also resist splashy waters despite not being waterproof. It’s made of polyester with outdoor activities in mind.
7. Waterproof Monocular
Celestron 71210 Nature DX 10×25 Monocular
- Are you looking for a kayak gift for someone who loves exploring the local wildlife? To some, kayaking is about being on the water or enjoying the adrenaline. To others, it’s about calmness and wildlife exploration. These are the people who need a monocular.
- The monocular is incredibly lightweight and will take less space than classic binoculars. It’s waterproof and has a 10x zoom lens so that the receiver won’t miss anything. It can be used with one hand only.
8. Paddling Jacket
NRS Men’s Riptide Paddling Jacket
- If your friend or family member usually goes out kayaking in regular clothes, try a paddling jacket because it’s an essential piece of equipment. It’s available in more colors and can be purchased in different variants for men or women.
- It’s lightweight and comes with the HyproTex technology, meaning it’s waterproof but still breathable. It works well against wind splashes, and more importantly, it will keep the receiver dry and warm. Its colors also add to the visibility and water.
9. Sun Hat
Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat
- Without too much protection from the sun, kayakers often find themselves helpless. If you’ve heard a loved one complaining about this issue, this hat will change everything. It’s based on a water-resistant type of nylon, which offers UPF 50+ protection.
- The brim has some foam and a sweatband if it gets too hot. It has an adjustable drawstring, too, so there are no risks of losing it on a windy day. Plus, it comes in a bunch of different colors. However, the hat should never be cleaned in a washing machine.
10. Fixed Blade Knife
Gerber Strongarm Fixed Blade Knife
- A quality knife is a must for anyone getting involved with outdoor life. Chances are kayakers also like camping or resting here and there in the middle of nature. It’s just part of the game, whether it comes to hunting, preparing food, or something else.
- This unit comes from a top-notch brand and boosts a steel blade with anti-corrosion properties, a nylon handle with a superior grip, and a sheath for protection. It’s a must-have tool for any outdoor enthusiasts out there.
11. Kayak Seat Cushion
Hornet Watersports Anti Slip Kayak Seat Cushion
- Going on a kayak is a fun experience, but sitting for hours can cause discomfort, especially if you think about the hard seats often available on kayaks. If you know the receiver has an issue, this kayak seat cushion will rock their world.
- It comes with a PU foam core designed with professional standards in mind and an anti-slip surface. Even if you get splashed a few times, you’ll know your seat won’t move around. It’s pretty thick for comfort as well.
12. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Sometimes, the best gifts for kayakers are all about nature. Some people dislike the idea of music in nature. They’d rather hear themselves paddling. To others, a bit of music or radio is ideal when resting.
- This Bluetooth speaker is portable, waterproof, and includes a noise-canceling speakerphone. It offers up to 10 hours of continuous play, so it’s also excellent for other outdoor adventures, such as a camping trip in the middle of nowhere.
13. Kayak Fish Finder
- Kayaking often goes hand in hand with fishing. If someone is also passionate about fishing, they probably know that no fishing trip is complete without a proper fish finder. Garmin’s gadget will show anglers what’s beneath the surface.
- It can determine the temperature and works as a compass, too. It goes down to 1,600 feet in freshwater and about 750 feet in saltwater, more than enough for most anglers out there.
14. Solar Power Bank
- Kayakers and campers know that the lack of electricity is probably the biggest inconvenience out there, but that’s no longer a problem with this solar power bank. It recharges through classic USB and has a solar panel for natural power.
- It has a compass, a flashlight, and a few other features to ease life on water. Furthermore, it also provides multiple fast charging ports, so it makes no difference what tool they need to keep charged. Your receiver will love it.
15. Kayak Cooler
- A kayak cooler is a must, regardless of the activity. Even if the receiver only wants some time in nature, spending time in the sun also asks for some cold drinks. Measuring 16.3×6.3×11.8 inches, it’s compact and easy to fit on most kayaks.
- Other than that, it’s well-insulated and features good water resistance. Depending on the outdoor temperature, it can keep drinks cool for 24 to 54 hours. Also, it’s big enough to store up to 24 cans inside so that kayakers can use it for food.
FAQs
Are you still trying to figure out the best gifts for kayakers?
- What to gift a kayaker?
Pay attention to what they already have and what they may need. Listen to their most common complaints and find a solution.
- How do you make kayaking fun?
Kayaking can be made even more fun with the right gifts. A Bluetooth speaker, a few games, a cooler for drinks, you name it. You should know the receiver by now and make a gift accordingly.
- Does kayaking require many accessories?
One can go kayaking with nothing but a kayak and a paddle. But to make it comfortable, the sport requires plenty of accessories. There are lots of potential extras that can make this activity more fun, meaning there are countless gift ideas, too.
- Are kayaking gifts limited to kayaking?
Kayaking is an outdoor experience. From many points of view, camping accessories and gifts are also suitable for kayakers, from power banks to drink coolers.
- What do people do in kayaking?
Kayaking is transportation on a kayak. Some people do it to relax on the water, and others do it for camping purposes at the end of the day. Potential gifts depend on the receiver and what they like to do.
Final thoughts
There is a struggle when it comes to choosing the best gifts for kayakers, especially if you’re not too familiar with the paddling industry. That’s why you must be open-minded and see things differently.
If you’re not good with kayaking, think about accessories, things required, and associated activities, such as camping. And if you still find yourself confused, try to see things this way. If someone loves kayaking, they’ll certainly love a kayaking gift too.
