20 Best Gifts For Kayakers In 2023

The O’Neill Epic wetsuit is among the best gifts for kayakers who enjoy paddling in chilly weather. Made from Ultraflex neoprene with seamless paddle zones, this suit is very comfortable for paddling and doesn’t cause rashes. The 4/3mm thickness makes it perfectly suitable for moderately low temperatures, allowing your friend to expand the paddling season. In addition, the Epic kayak wetsuit has FluidFlex panels that protect the user from the wind.

This suit offers a lot in terms of features too. The back zipper allows easy entry and keeps the suit watertight. It has smooth and reliable seals around the neck, wrist, and ankles, further improving performance. All the seams are triple-glued and blind-stitched, making sure the water doesn’t get through. Thanks to a large number of fits and sizes, you’ll have an easy time finding the right one for your friend.

The Sea to Summit Big River dry bag makes carrying the kayak gear a piece of cake. If you’

Thanks to their open design and quality construction, the Merrell Sieve shoes are fantastic for kayaking. Kayak shoes need to protect the feet when walking in and around water but also dry quickly so the feet aren’t soaked. The Sieve shoe offers this and much more.

The water-shedding upper has many openings, guaranteeing that the foot stays dry even throughout the day. On the other hand, the vulcanized rubber outsole protects the sole from rough terrain when walking. Because of this, the Sieve shoes are also great for hiking and many other outdoor activities. All of this makes it a really nice gift for any outdoor enthusiast.

The Garmin Vivoactive 3 smartwatches are perhaps the best gifts for kayakers who like to track their activities. This GPS watch comes pre-loaded with numerous apps that allow your friend to track their progress, distance, speed, and many other things. It’s also capable of monitoring heart rate and VO2 max, giving the user full insight when paddling or exercising.

We particularly like the solid construction of this watch. The stainless steel bezel and chemically reinforced Gorilla glass ensure it won’t be easily damaged. At 170 feet, it has an exceptional waterproof rating too. The strap is comfortable and easily adjustable, so it fits both smaller and larger wrists. The Vivoactive 3 connects to any phone using Bluetooth, while its 7-day battery life allows your friend to use it as an everyday smartwatch too.

The CreekKooler floating cooler is the perfect solution for kayak storage issues. Because onboard storage can often be cramped, every kayaker will appreciate a storage box that can be towed behind the kayak. The best thing about the CreekKooler is that it can be used for ice and drinks, but its watertight lid makes it possible to use it for gear (instead of drinks). The double-wall blow-molded construction is a guarantee that the contents stay safe inside.

When talking about capacity, it can hold about 30 quarts (30 x 12oz cans + ice). There are four additional molded drink holders on top. We also want to add that this kayak cooler has reinforced tow points, making sure you don’t lose it in the water. The CreekKooler is continuously among top rated presents for kayakers, so you really can’t go wrong with this one.

If your loved one enjoys winter kayaking in freezing waters, the O’Neill Boost Drysuit will keep them warm and protected. Unlike a wetsuit, a kayak drysuit one is designed to keep the kayaker dry and to allow layering underneath (for additional warmth). This particular suit is made of 300g nylon that is completely waterproof and abrasion-resistant.

O’Neill equips the Boost suit with fully taped seams to eliminate even the smallest chance of leaking. The seals around the wrist and ankles are made of latex, while the Smoothskin neck seal feels incredibly comfy. Furthermore, this is a back entry suit (really easy to get in and out). It does an amazing job in cold temperatures, fantastic for people who like to go kayaking year-round.

The Plusinno fishing rod and reel combo is ideal for kayakers who enjoy fishing. It’s a fantastic set that easily matches the performance of more expensive combos. Also, you can choose to get a set with additional fishing accessories included (a carry case, lures, and lines).

A blend of carbon fiber and fiberglass makes these rods responsive and very durable. Plusinno rods have medium power, so they are great for most fishing activities. The reel has a coiled bail spring and an aluminum spool. It’s very easy to wind, and the handle side can be changed. Considering all the features, you won’t be able to find a set like the Plusinno in this price range.

What’s the point of kayak fishing if you can’t find any fish? The Garmin Striker 4 easily solves this problem. If your friend is an avid kayak angler, the Striker 4 should rank high on your list of gifts for kayakers. This fish finder comes with a CHIRP transducer and a clear VÜ scanning sonar, clearly showing everything located under the boat.

We particularly like that the Striker 4 is easy to install and use. It has a simple keypad operation, with all the information on the display. Additional features like alarms, Ultrascroll, and A-scope makes finding fish even easier. Finally, it can create waypoints and mark locations, so the angler has an easier time moving around.

The Oakley Holbrook sunglasses provide top-level eye protection when kayaking on sunny days. Every kayaker needs a pair of quality sports sunglasses, so this is a safe bet when choosing a present. Plus, the Holbrook sunglasses look really sleek and cool too.

Since these are Oakleys, you can count on top-notch quality. The Plutonite lenses offer full UV protection, while the polarization eliminates uncomfortable glare on the water surface. The featured model comes with Prizm Ruby color with low light transmission – excellent for bright days. The frame is stress-resistant and very comfortable on the head. The Holbrooks excel on water and for everyday use, which ranks them among the best gifts for kayakers in terms of versatility.

If your friend likes fishing in choppy water, you should get them the Best Marine and Outdoors Kayak Anchor. This kayak anchor keeps the vessel in place and makes sure the currents don’t move it around. It allows the angler to stay where the fish are instead of floating around. It’s perfectly sized not only for kayaks but also canoes, jet skis, or paddleboards.

The combination of tough materials and good design makes this anchor very reliable. Its galvanized iron construction allows it to withstand very strong pulling forces. It comes with 4 retractable flukes that are very secure but can easily fold when it’s time to pack. The package includes a 40-foot marine rope that provides extra stability to the kayak. Overall, it’s a good present for anglers that already have most other gear.

The Comfort Tech kayak seat from Ocean Kayak is an excellent way to make every paddling session comfortable. It’s a great upgrade to most pre-installed kayak seats. This ranks it among the best presents for kayakers who spend a lot of time on the water. The kayak seat is easy to install and adjust and works well with almost all sit-on-top kayaks.

The secret is in its EVA foam core that gives excellent bottom and back support. Unlike many other kayak seat models, the Comfort Tech is 16 inches tall so the whole back is covered. Furthermore, it’s ergonomically shaped and provides excellent lumbar support too. The integrated mesh panels allow ventilation and prevent sweating, while the polyester shell guarantees it will be used for a long time.

When it comes to head protection, the Bern Watts helmet is one of the top options for kayakers. The reason for this is its construction – the ABS shell with the EPS liner makes sure the head stays safe even on harder impacts. This is especially useful if your friend enjoys whitewater kayaking, where the Watts helmet can really shine. The fact that it has several safety certifications proves this.

Besides the exceptional protection, this kayak helmet is very comfortable too. Its ZipMold liner controls moisture and sweating, while the vents on top allow the head to breathe. Bern equips it with the CrankFit adjustment system that allows the user to find the perfect fit. It comes in three sizes and several colors, so it’s easy to find the right one for your friend.

The Fishing Tree gloves will improve comfort on every paddling session. Whether your loved one enjoys kayak fishing or recreational paddling, a pair of gloves like this will keep their hands protected. The palm area is made of soft faux leather that makes grabbing and holding things a lot easier. Furthermore, the fingerless design improves dexterity when picking up smaller items.

Another great feature is the sun protection they offer. These kayaking gloves come with a 50+ UPF rating, so you don’t have to worry about sunburn on the hands. The elastic back and the Velcro wrist strap make them very comfy to wear. Because of all this, the Fishing Tree gloves are among the best presents for kayakers who often have blisters or get sunburns.

An efficient paddle is key for moving around swiftly while saving energy. The SeaSense Xtreme 2 paddle is well-made, durable, and works well in different conditions. The shaft is made from aluminum that gives strength to every stroke while reducing the strain on arms and shoulders. It breaks down into two pieces making storage a bit easier.

As for the blades, they are made of tough nylon filled with fiberglass. Their feathered shape moves the water easily and improves the kayak speed. The kayak paddle has foam grips in the middle for more comfort and remains floating if ends up in the water. It comes in two lengths and six colors, and offers performance that every kayaker will enjoy.

The CargoLoc roof rack is the perfect gift for kayakers who travel in search of new adventures. Transporting kayaks can be tricky because of their size, but the CargoLock roof rack makes things a lot easier. It installs to existing side rails on the roof and has clamps to keep it in place. Keep in mind that it fits a span of up to 46 inches.

The bars are made of high-quality aluminum, giving them plenty of strength. With their 150-pound capacity, they are able to support several kayaks, or even skis and mountain bikes. Their adjustable position allows you to easily strap the kayak to the roof. All this makes it one of the best gifts for kayakers who need a safe and convenient way to transport a kayak.

The Seattle Sports Paddleboy cart is a great gift for kayakers who go paddling on their own. Carrying the kayak from the car to the water can be troublesome while dragging it can damage the hull. This kayak cart allows your friend to roll the kayak down to the water regardless of the terrain.

With its steel frame, the Paddleboy is able to support heavier kayaks. The tires are flat-free and move easily even through mud and sand. The top bars are padded to protect the hull, and the included straps make sure that the kayak doesn’t slide off. We also want to add that it folds flat for easier storing. Overall, it’s a much better alternative to carrying a heavy kayak.

Storing the kayak is easy with the Best Marine wall rack. Many kayakers have storage troubles at home, especially if they live in a small space. If this is the case with your loved one, a kayak wall mount like this one might solve the problem. It protects the kayak from damage and keeps it off the ground.

The thing that makes it so popular among kayakers is its design. The steel bars are able to support even large kayaks, while the soft foam covers protect the hull from scratches. Of course, this wall rack has straps to tie the kayak in place. The mount is easy to install, and Best Marine provides all the hardware you need. It’s one of the best presents for kayakers who are looking to save some space.