40 Essential Gifts for Kayakers and Canoeists

Make sure their belongings are safe and dry even when submerged in water with this incredible YETI Panga Airtight Bag. With a tried and tested backpack design, the bag comes with removable chest and waist straps, so if their adventure involves trekking, too, they can carry the pack comfortably.

Even a sedate trip down the river can end in an emergency situation, which is why it’s essential to have a few tools and equipment to hand. The NRS Co-Pilot Knife fits neatly to any PFD, and comes with both serrated and smooth edges to deal effectively with any eventuality.

If spending time on the water means a spot of fishing, too, the Portable Fish Finder will make an awesome gift. Small and lightweight enough to wear around the neck, the Fish Finder will not only tell them the location and depth of underwater fish, but also reeds and rocks, too.

Their feet will stay warmer for longer when they have a pair of these neoprene socks on under their shoes. Anatomically shaped for left and right feet and made with flatlock seams so there’s no painful rubbing, these socks are constructed with titanium adhesive, and will hold heat without making them too bulky.

They’ll be able to keep all their essentials in one place thanks to the GearLab Deck Pod. With internal and external pockets to keep the all-important gear together in one place, the Deck Pod attaches securely to the deck, and will hold a bilge pump, paddles float, and hydration bladder up to 3 liters.

Why give them any old crate for their kayak when you could be giving them the Flambeau Outdoors 455TK Tuff Krate, instead? Designed especially for a kayak, this crate comes with multiple mounting options, and features shock cord stays to ensure contents stay secure, even if the worst happens!

They’ll never be up the creek without a paddle again, thanks to the VNVM Kayak Paddle Leash. By attaching the leash to one end of the paddle, they can have total ease of movement while also enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they can get it back if dropped.

The ideal shoe for water sports, these come in a variety of colors to suit all tastes. The non-slip rubber outsole means that walking beside the water or on slippery boats is safe, while the bottom of each shoe is fitted with seven holes to ensure that water can flow freely from inside.

Sometimes shoes are needed when enjoying outdoor pursuits, but so is the unrivalled feel of being barefoot. Give them both with a pair of Racqua Water Shoes. Ergonomically molded with a non-slip rubber sole, these shoes feature drainage holes in the bottom which also stop stones and sand getting in.

Perfect for wearing in high back seats, the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest males a great gift for kayakers and canoeists who have safety in mind. With a mesh lower back and neoprene comfort pads in the shoulders, this vest features six adjustment straps for the ultimate, comfortable fit.

This ingenious device will totally revolutionize the way they sort their gear when travelling by car or truck. Fitting neatly and securely in a vehicle’s door latch, the MOKI Door Step allows easy access to the roof, so they can access canoes, kayaks, skis, or even just luggage that’s stowed up there.

Make their time on the water even more enjoyable with a pair of Ayaport Kayak Paddle Grips. Made from non-slip silicone to prevent blisters, these wraps are easy to fit to take-apart paddles with a diameter of 30mm, and they come with an instruction card to ensure the perfect fit.

Carrying a canoe any distance can mean there’s no energy left for paddling, so make sure the trek to the water’s edge isn’t too arduous with the Suspenz Smart Airless DLX Cart. Holding up to 125lbs, this aluminum and stainless steel cart makes moving kayaks and canoes a doddle.

Give them the means to anchor in shallow waters with the YakStick Floating Stake-Out Stick from YakGear. With an oversized grip to allow for better handling, the YakStick can be used for navigating a way through hard firm bottoms, and can also be inverted as a mud foot for murkier surfaces.

Canoeing doesn’t have to be a solitary sport, especially if they have this amazing 3 person inflatable canoe. Weighing just 26lbs, so it’s super easy to carry, this boat has a 650lbs capacity, and includes two movable seats, two paddles, and a foot pump, all packaged inside a handy carry bag.

Add a touch of comfort to their time on the water with the Yakpads Cushioned Seat Pad. Insulated against heat or cold seats, the YakPad will fit easily to any seat, even those at home or in the garden. Gel-filled and flexible, it will make kayaking and canoeing so much more comfortable and pleasurable.

Keep them safe and protected in the heat with the Sport-Brella Versa-Brella. Large and roomy, this umbrella comes with an SPF of 50+, and will protect them from 99.5% of UVA and UVB rays. Fitted with a handy clamp, it can be attached to any square or tubular surface to leave them hands-free.

Fishing or just moseying along the river, at some point they will need their ID. Help them to keep it safe and dry with this handy clear holder. Made with a crush resistant shell and provided with a lanyard and carabiner, this waterproof holder means ID is one less thing to worry about.

With a 275lb weight capacity, the Lifetime Triton Angler 100 will be a fisherman’s dream. With several foot rest positions to suit different heights, this fishing kayak features a stable hull design, self-bailing scupper holes, storage, and a color that will blend in with their natural surroundings.

Thinner, taller, and lighter than ever before, the YETI Roadie 24 Cooler is the ideal pack for taking on the road. Slim enough to slip behind the front seats, this cooler has added height so it can accommodate a standard bottle of wine, and can hold 18 cans with ice.

Whether it’s a couple of hours on the water or a few days away in the wilderness, this Dry Bag will come in super handy. Available in sizes 5 to 40 liters, this bag comes with both shoulder straps and a handle, and will keep their essentials dry and snug, even when it rains.

Sometimes, the best scenery can only be seen from the water, but it can be hard to still a canoe long enough to appreciate the view. This folding anchor weighs just 3.5lbs, yet will keep the boat still so they can contemplate nature, fish, or have a snooze for as long as they like.

Give them the pleasure of listening to their favorite tunes when out and about on the water with a JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker. Waterproof up to 3 feet and with 12 hours playtime on a single charge, this speaker is absolutely perfect for taking in a canoe or kayak.

Kayaking means travelling light, so make sure they aren’t taking up any unnecessary space with this fun and functional belt. Designed to fit waists up to 42 inches, this webbing belt comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and features a bottle opener buckle so they can enjoy a beer or soda.

Keep kayaks tidy and off the floor with this handy stand. Height adjustable to suit every need, this stand is fitted with two holders, but there is room for more should the collection grow! Strong and durable, it can hold approx. 175lbs, and can be used indoors or out.

Equip them with the means to see at night with the fantastic LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Camping Lantern. Rechargeable by USB or via the solar panel on top, the LuminAID will provide up to 50 hours of light on one single charge, and can also power phones and tablets, too.

Give a canoe or kayak the extra stability it needs with the Hydrodynamic Canoe Stabilizer Float Package. Available in a range of widths to suit most kayaks and canoes, the bar includes a float at either end, which causes minimal drag through the water, but superior stability when needed.

A life jacket is a must when boating, and this one is cool and lightweight, and won’t add bulk when they need the freedom to move. With automatic inflation upon immersion, this jacket is US Coast Guard approved, and includes a front zippered pocket for any small incidentals like sunglasses or sunscreen.

Any hobby or passion is greatly enhanced by an understanding of its history, and that is certainly true of canoes. ‘Canoes: A Natural History in North America’ is a wonderful book full of photos and insights as it details the boat’s evolution from fur traders to today’s enthusiasts.

Make sure they stay hydrated with the Osprey Katari 3 Hydration Pack. Small and lightweight, the pack is designed to carry water and just a few small essentials, and comes with a 2.5ml reservoir for even the thirstiest of paddlers. There’s even a Blinky Light loop for when darkness falls.

Lugging a pack full of survival gear isn’t great on a canoe, but it does pay to have a few survivalist items. The Atomic Bear Paracord Bracelet can be worn on the wrist so there’s no bulk, and incorporates a fire starter, whistle, compass, and 12 feet of military grade paracord.

If space is a problem when transporting kayaks and canoes, the Boonedox Groovy T-Bone Bed Extender can add an impressive 48” to the end of the truck bed. Covered in high density plastic to protect the load, this bar can also be used to accommodate ladders, lumber, and other long loads.

Made from recycled bottles, the BUFF CoolNet UV+ will serve many functions when they’re out in the sun. Bandana, beanie, neck gaiter, hair tie, and even a face mask are just a few of the ways it can be worn, and it boasts a 4 way stretch to provide the best possible fit.

It’s not just our skin that gets damaged from the sun, our belongings can, too, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. This UV Protectant and Conditioner Spray from Gear Aid protects plastic, vinyl, fiberglass, and neoprene from the damaging effects of sunlight, and keeps them looking better for longer.

Fitted with upgraded lumbar seats for hours of flat water canoeing, this inflatable touring kayak is ideal for solo or two person adventures. Puncture resistant and with an aluminum rib frame, this kayak is also easy to set up by unfolding, inflating, and attaching the seat or seats.

With a quick attach base, this compass can fit deck bags, deck rigging, or any other suitable surface, so they can see where they’re heading quickly and easily. Made for use on a boat, the easy to read markings mean they can keep an eye on their direction without having to squint or strain.

Easily fixed to a canoe seat or bench, this adjustable seat will mean spending time on the water is even more pleasurable. Fitted with special technology for adjustable reclining, this seat offers essential support to the back, and folds flat with a shoulder strap for easy transportation.

They won’t need to let the sun or the rain put them off taking to the water when they have this canopy to keep them sheltered. Robust, yet easy to attach and detach, this beige canopy can keep them from getting burned and soaked, and can be mounted to almost any canoe or kayak.

Sometimes, accidents happen, so it really does pay to have the means to alert others to whatever has happened. This pair of emergency whistles will do just that. With an extra loud 100 decibel+ sound and 9” lanyards, they’re ideal for attaching to bags, shoulder straps, clothing, or wrists.

Keep her feet fresh and free with a pair of Teva Women’s Olowahu Flip-Flops. Designed for outdoor pursuits, these sandals offer a contoured arch and cushioned sole, and feature a very open design, but at the same time will hug the foot and ensure they stay on, no matter what she’s doing.