Nothing is more exhilarating than kayaking through challenging inland waterways – if you have the proper equipment and the right accessories. Kayaks are believed to be over 4,000 years old, but the latest advances and accessories bring this adventurous little boat into the 21st century.
Whether you’re planning a breathtaking trip through white rapids, or a relaxing fishing expedition on the lake, you’ll appreciate these latest bells and whistles to make your next kayaking experience a pleasure.
A Double-Sided Paddle Keeps You On The Move
The double-bladed kayak paddle is a hallmark of the kayak enthusiast. The best kayak paddles are light, strong and comfortable, but an ultra-light super-strong paddle will set you back a couple of hundred dollars, so you should shop around in a sporting goods store to find the best combination with a hands-on evaluation. Paddles can be feathered, meaning the two blades are offset at different angles, and many models come in two pieces and screw together like billiard cues.
When choosing the right kayak paddle, make sure it fits your hands. Avoid shafts that are too thick to grip properly, and always choose oval shafts over round ones to avoid fatigue. Here are some of the many kayak paddles available today:
– Whitewater paddles
– Flatwater paddles
– Carbon paddles
– Fiberglass paddles
– Wood paddles
– High angle paddles
– Fishing paddles
– 4-piece paddles
– River running paddles
– Hand paddles
For adventurers on a budget, Shoreline Marine offers an aluminum and plastic 96-inch paddle for under $50 that comes with drip guards, foam grips and contoured blades. The aluminum makes it light as a feather, but sturdy enough for whitewater kayaking, which is exactly what novices need to get ahead.
The pros seem to prefer the Manta Ray Carbon Paddle with its high-angle blade design and 100% carbon shaft for the ultimate in power and control. The carbon-reinforced nylon blades are extra stiff and won’t squeak or wiggle. The Manta Ray costs about $175, and it’s worth every penny.
But if you have $300 burning a hole in your pocket right now, you might want to consider buying a Werner Camano, the Rolls Royce of kayak paddles. With a lightweight carbon shaft and sturdy fiberglass blades, the Camano lets you power through touring strokes with a relaxed grip. The swing weight is incredibly light and provides smooth forward strokes. To customize your movement, an adjustable ferrule system allows you to change the feather from left to right in 15-degree increments.
Stay Dry With a Quality Spray Skirt
A spray skirt covers the cockpit opening and extends around the kayaker, so naturally you’ll want a material that is durable, stretchable and impervious to the elements. The best kayak spray skirts are made of a combination of fortified nylon and neoprene, usually coupled with latex reinforcement. Some skirts are equipped with removable elastic shoulder straps to keep them secure and tight, and those favored by professionals use double-stitched construction and sealed seams for optimum water resistance. Although most kayak spray skirts and cockpit covers come with some sort of elastic or bungee rim-hugging system, only the more expensive models have webbed grab-loop handles for easy access.
Spray skirts range in price from about $30 for a basic denier nylon skirt to hundreds of dollars for a more tailored neoprene model. For example, Delta makes a great latex-sealed neoprene skirt with elastic shoulder straps and a drawstring waist, designed to fit larger Delta kayaks, but compatible with any cockpit coaming up to 32.5 x 18.5 inches. The cinched waist and form-fitting tube keeps waves and deck wash out of the cockpit, and will keep you dry in all conditions.
On the lower end, you can pick up an Attwood Universal Fit Kayak Spray Skirt for one-size-fits-all polyurethane-coated 210 denier nylon cover with PVC-sealed seams that does a good job of keeping the cockpit dry, but offers less protection for the occupant.