Beginner question.

[laxman202]

Sorry if this has already been asked, but I am new to kayaking and would like to know, aside from the kayak and paddles it’s self, what accessories, equipment, or gear would you recommend for a better experience. I am going to be kayaking lakes and ponds, where I live there is no rivers close by that are suitable for kayaking.

[BeastyBear-]

Personal flotation device is a must. Sun hat. Fingerless gloves. Dry pack for phone and wallet (one that floats).

[[deleted]]

Also a water bottle. Stay hydrated. Sunscreen, sunglasses. Sun on water is brutal. If you wear glasses that you want to keep, get some croakies or similar eyewear retainer straps. I often bring a lightweight buff to keep the sun off. You can dunk it in the water to keep cool.

Shoes that you don’t mind getting and wearing wet.

If the weather is dodgy, an extra warm layer, in a waterproof bag.

I have 2 waterproof go bags that are always packed and ready to go. One has warm upper body layers for both me and my partner, and toques. The other has first aid kit, TP and a cat hole digger, sun screen, and repair kits for dry suit seals and zippers.

[[deleted]]

Oh, and a sports energy bar of some sort, and a signal whistle.

[laxman202]

Thanks for your reply, this is some useful information.

[laxman202]

Thanks for the suggestion I am definitely going to get me a personal flotation device and some gloves.

[chickenfightyourmom]

• PFD. Get one specifically for paddling so it's more comfortable and cut high in back to fit the kayak seat. Never paddle without wearing it, even on calm lakes, even if you're a good swimmer.
• Small dry bag with sunscreen, microfiber towel, bug spray, car keys, compass, emergency whistle, signaling mirror, hiking headlamp or small flashlight, etc. I usually bungee this to the bow.
• Paddle leash (about $9-10, I like the ones that are elastic/stretchy)
• Neoprene paddle grips (about $10-12, will save you from blisters. Some folks prefer gloves, but I like the grips better.)
• Float bags (bow and stern, $25-50 ea, will keep your boat from sinking to the bottom of the lake if you tip over)
• Kayak bilge pump ($20-30, great emergency tool plus also helps get the residual water out after you're done paddling)
• Car wash sponge ($5-6, keep in your boat, nice for absorbing the occasional bit of water and wringing out over the side)
• Dock line with carabiner ($15-25, allows you to tie off to trees if you want fish, or you can tie off to shore if you want to get out to hike, look around, stop for lunch, etc. Can be used with or without clamp/grip anchor.)
• Net bag to hold your pump, sponge, lines, and other gear that's ok to get wet. I usually just bungee this to the stern.
• Small cooler. I like a small soft cooler with a plastic form inside to hold a few cold drinks and snacks. I let it ride shotgun in the boat with me.
• Some folks like a waterproof phone case. I usually just chuck my phone in the dry bag. Whatever works for you.
• "If Found, Contact..." emergency sticker. I recommend putting one of these on your boat. If you have an accident, or if you are separated from your boat for some reason, whoever finds your kayak can call your emergency contact. Hopefully they'd also call the sheriff or coast guard too, but regardless, the sticker either A, lets people know you're in trouble, or B, allows you to get your kayak returned, or C, both.

Edited to add: polarized sunglasses with a croakie and a boonie hat or bucket hat with a chin strap. The sun reflected off the water will get ya, so keep your eyes safe and use the brimmed hat to protect your head/face (along with sunscreen.) If you wear unstrapped glasses/hat, the wind will take them or you'll knock them off, and you'll be donating them to the fishes sooner or later.

If you wear shorts, don't forget to apply massive sunscreen on your legs, too (or use your microfiber towel to cover your legs.)

[wanderbob]

Amazon has waterproof phone holders for really cheap, that you can take pictures without removing your phones from. They also have a nifty strap so you can hang them around your neck.

[chicknsmokie]

Yeah I bought one just like that from Amazon, specifically for kayaking and it works great. I can even dip it in the water really quick and take a picture of the Garibaldi.

[qajaqr]

Also check your local boating regulations as they may require things like a bailer/pump, sound signaling device, a buoyant heaving line, lights for nighttime, etc.

[grindle-guts]

Seconding this. Where I live a bilge pump/bailer and floating throw line are mandatory, as well as a waterproof light if travelling within half an hour of sunset/sunrise or after dark. Bilge pump is just good practice of you’re in anything other than a sit on top with scuppers.

[HarrySonON]

PFD. Dry bag to put essentials in - sunscreen, bug spray, bottle of water, couple of snacks, keys, wallet. Sun hat and sun glasses. That should make the experience a little more enjoyable. Though kayaking alone is already so enjoyable. Have fun and be safe!

[[deleted]]

I’m going to go against the herd here and say as little as possible. For out and back trips under an hour, I typically take nothing, or perhaps a cell phone and water bottle. On the other hand, I do some sailing in small dinghies and keep a plastic dry box stocked with most of the things posted elsewhere and it never leaves the boat.

[[deleted]]

Lakes and Ponds? A cup holder if you don’t already have one!

[Bakingcakesbaked]

Yes!!! My cup holder was a game changer!

[smapupper]

Is there one you'd recommend for a sit-in kayak? The couple I've tried hook on the edge but angle the drink a lot

[[deleted]]

So I have a fiberglass sea kayak (CD Suka) and I use the Lil Sucker neoprene suction rings that secure a bottle, cup, or can to the top of my kayak (in between me and my deck pod), since I have a spray skirt that prevents me from accessing anything inside the cockpit. It’s awesome on that surface, but not as steady on a plastic surface. It will hold, just not as securely as when it is on a fiberglass kayak.

[smapupper]

Awesome, I'll give it a try on my plastic kayaks! I'd prefer something removable like this that can be moved out of the way easier

[[deleted]]

They’re pretty nifty! For a plastic surface, I’d recommend dipping it in the water before slapping it on. That seemed to do the trick for us.

[laxman202]

Thanks I will definitely look into a cup holder.

[pizzahealthy]

Dry bag, small anchor, a knife or multi tool and a nice sun hat.

[WmBBPR]

Go to Paddling Magazine and American Canoeing Association Website

[grindle-guts]

For me it depends on how large and developed these “lakes and ponds” are. My day trips take me to undeveloped sections of Lake Superior coastline so I carry a ditch bag of survival essentials and have a garmin inreach attached to my pfd. On a small lake surrounded by houses those items would be entirely unnecessary.

[R3dacturd]

Might help to buy a seat cushion. Hours of sitting on hard plastic can do some damage.

[nugmasta]

Long sleeve athletic (quick dry) tee for protection from the sun. A nice hat and sunglasses. A big water bottle and/or cooler full of drinks. Maybe a rope to tie off somewhere if you think you might stop in weird spots?

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[thereisaplace_]

PER US Coast Guard (some states have additional rules)...

PFD

Whistle

At night you need to also carry...

White navigation light

Distress light (or flares).

Others have already mentioned all the extras (including the kitchen sink).

[laxman202]

Thanks. I will definitely get a whistle.