Buying gifts for friends and family can be difficult, but there is a surefire way to get them something they will both love AND use. By using their hobby you can ensure you’re giving them a relevant gift that applies to what they enjoy.
So if you have a friend or loved one that enjoys nothing more than paddling across the water on a kayak or canoe and you feel a little lost as to what to purchase for them, with the help of this guide, picking the right gift may just be easier than you think.
Here are our top 15 picks for the best gift ideas for kayakers, and some tips on what to look for when choosing!
1. Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest
- MAXIMUM SAFETY: Dual U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada Approved, ensuring the highest standards of water safety
- SUPERIOR VENTILATION & COMFORT: Mesh ventilation panels in front and back for maximum airflow. Mesh panel in back accommodates most canoe and kayak seats for increased paddling comfort
- TAILORED FIT: Adjustable side belts and shoulder straps, with comfortable neoprene fabric, customize the fit to your individual needs. Sculpted soft foam design conforms to your body and keeps the...
- UNRESTRICTED MOBILITY: Large armhole openings provide a full range of motion for all types of paddling. The open sides allow for increased air flow
- CONVENIENT FEATURES: An expandable zippered pocket for essentials like keys, ID, or snacks. Includes a built-in whistle for added safety. SOLAS-grade reflective accents enhance visibility in low-light...
The Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest provides a comfortable solution to secure yet relaxing safety for kayakers. This life vest provides plenty of room for dynamic movement, still fits like a glove, and keeps cool through vented channels.
This life vest comes in three different sizes and four different colors. It has a useful drying loop for hanging, zipper pockets with drainage so users can store tools and accessories easily, and it even has a whistle for emergency situations if needed. What more could one want out of a life vest?
2. Yakgrips No-Slip Waterproof Kayak Paddle Grips
- CONFORMS TO THE CURVE OF YOUR HAND: This high-quality, patented design cushioned paddle grip makes paddling more enjoyable because it conforms to the curves of your hands. The padding reduces pressure...
- CONFORMS TO THE CURVE OF YOUR HAND: This high-quality, patented design cushioned paddle grip makes paddling more enjoyable because it conforms to the curves of your hands. The padding reduces pressure...
- QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION: At Cascade Creek, we know youâÂÂre eager to get on the water and minimize setup time. Yakgrips are a breeze to install. Simply wet the inside of the paddle grip and...
- SIMPLE TO WASH: These Yakgrips paddle grips require very low maintenance. WeâÂÂve made them washable! When they get dirty on the river or sweaty from your hands, the process is simple; all you have...
- MAKES PADDLING MORE EFFICIENT: If youâÂÂre a competitive kayaker, youâÂÂll love that these stretchy, adjustable grips will improve your performance . They can also act as a training aid to help...
The Yakgrips No-Slip Waterproof Kayak Paddle Grips are an essential tool for allowing easier, more enjoyable comfort when paddling. These grips prevent the hands from developing blisters, calluses or injuries thanks to their cushy design.
This works because the pressure is gently relieved from tendons and the palms without affecting the security of your grip.
These kayak paddle grips are very easy to install and are quick-drying, so they recover quickly from being wet. They are designed to perfectly fit the shape of a hand, reducing tiredness and fatigue so your kayaker can paddle for as long as they want!
3. GearLight LED Head Lamp
- SUPER BRIGHT - Experience powerful hands-free LED camping lights that generate a brilliant, long-lasting beam with daylight color and definition, boasting a runtime of up to 10+ hours on the low...
- ADJUSTABLE COMFORT - The removable, washable, and adjustable headband on this LED headlamp ensures a comfortable fit for both adults and kids. Weighing only 3 oz with batteries, it’s the perfect...
- VERSATILE DESIGN - Our premium headlamps feature a 45-degree adjustable head to direct light precisely where you need it. Choose from 7 different lighting modes, ranging from white strobe to red beam...
- WEATHER RESISTANT - With water resistance and shockproof capabilities, the S500 headlamp flashlight is suitable for use in rain or snow, indoors or outdoors and the perfect Father's Day Gift for Dad....
- VALUE PACK - Each order includes 2 S500 GearLight headlamps (AAA batteries not included). Keep one in your car and another at home for convenience. Like a head light for your forehead.
The GearLight LED Head Lamp is an extremely useful tool for kayakers for several reasons:
- Hands-free lighting: When kayaking, it is important to keep both hands free to paddle and maneuver the kayak. The GearLight LED Head Lamp allows kayakers to have a bright and reliable light source without having to hold a flashlight or lantern.
- Water-resistant design: Kayakers often face wet and humid conditions, and the GearLight LED Head Lamp is water-resistant, making it a suitable choice for use in these conditions. The lamp is also durable enough to withstand the wear and tear that comes with outdoor activities.
- Bright illumination: The lamp provides bright illumination, which is especially important when kayaking in low-light conditions or at night. The brightness can be adjusted to suit the user’s needs and conserve battery life.
- Versatile use: The GearLight LED Head Lamp can be used for a variety of tasks, including navigation, setting up camp, and fishing. It is a versatile tool that can be used for a range of activities, making it a valuable addition to any kayaker’s gear.
In conclusion, the GearLight LED Head Lamp is a useful tool for kayakers due to its hands-free design, water-resistant construction, bright illumination, and versatile use. Whether kayaking in the day or night, this lamp is sure to provide reliable and bright light.
4. Seattle Sports Kayak Catch Cooler
- KEEP YOUR CATCH FRESH - Deck Top Cooler Allows You to Keep Your Catch Fresh During a Day on the Water
- EASY TO CLEAN - Removable Internal Liner for Easy Cleaning
- EFFICIENT - Heat Reflective Body and Closed Cell Foam Insulation Keeps Your Goods Cool
- VERSATILE - Works Great for Food Items When Not in Use for Fish
- SPECS - Dimensions: 19" H x 12" W x 5" D, Capacity: 1140ci/18L
Perfect for the fishing kayaker, the Seattle Sports Kayak Catch Cooler provides an easy and convenient way to store their caught fish. It makes use of a heat-reflective outer body that is highly efficient thermally, and it is insulated with closed-cell foam.
This catch cooler is very easy to clean and contains a pull-out fish bag that allows for more versatility when kayaking and fishing. It has a large 18 liter capacity, allowing it to hold a huge amount of catches reliably. This cooler is also extra durable, resistant to wear and tear, and keeps fish fresh safely.
5. Såk Gear DrySåk Waterproof Dry Bag
- RUGGED ALL-WEATHER PROTECTION: DrySak is made from heavy duty 500-D PVC to seal out the elements. The watertight, welded seams and roll-down top provide IPX-6 protection for your gear in a variety of...
- QUICK ACCESS TO KEYS & ID: Splash-proof outer zip pocket safely stores small essentials. You'll easily reach your must-haves without having to rummage through your bag whether you are kayaking, hiking...
- KEEPS YOU SAFELY VISIBLE AT NIGHT: Reflective trim around pocket zipper helps ensure you'll be seen. Plus, it helps you spot & retrieve your bag if it ever falls overboard.
- REMOVABLE ADJUSTABLE SHOULDER STRAP: Sling the strap over your shoulder to easily tote your gear anywhere. Or attach the strap to your boat or kayak to keep your bag conveniently at hand.
- 10 LITERS & 20 LITERS, YOUR CHOICE: Both our 10L and 20L sizes feature our sleek, simple design - no tacky slogans or garish logos. Plus, both are fully guaranteed.
Ask any kayaker what they can never have too much of, and the answer will probably be a proper waterproof dry bag. The Såk Gear DrySåk Waterproof Dry Bag provides unparalleled protection in all forms of weather thanks to a highly heavy-duty PVC with a 500-denier make.
Its seams are welded shut and its entire purpose is to keep kayaking and boating gear well protected.
This waterproof bag even has a neat reflective trim in certain areas that allows a kayaker to be seen easily at night, keeping that safe. It comes in 10 liter and 20 liter sizes and all varieties come with a lifetime warranty!
6. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Waterproof Super Portable Bluetooth
Speaker
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The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Waterproof Super Portable Bluetooth Speaker is an FCC regulated device that provides IPX7-rated waterproof reachers. With 10 hours of battery life, this speaker can easily play audio while someone is kayaking without taking any water damage.
This waterproof bluetooth speaker can connect to a device up to 100 feet away and plays completely crisp and crystal clear 360-degree audio. It’s an easy way to keep a kayaker occupied and let them enjoy their music, podcasts, and more without worrying about getting shocked or damaging the device.
7. Waterproof Medical Kit
- Adventure Medical Kit: This lightweight medical kit is crafted for adventurers; it weighs only 5.8 oz so you can easily carry it whether you're biking, hiking, or kayaking
- Waterproof Design: Made with DryFlex bags and a water-resistant zipper, this durable first aid kit can withstand any water-centric activity
- Visible & Compact: The high-visibility bag makes this small first aid kit easy to find and carry on any outdoor journey
- Essential Supplies Included: Our compact first aid kit contains treatments for fractures, wounds, and blisters for a couple of people up to 4 days
- Emergency First Aid Kit: This kit includes bandages, wraps, and other essential supplies for allergies, wounds, and more
First aid is crucial in any form of sporting excursion, kayaking included. This waterproof medical kit is filled with valuable medical supplies which are all hospital grade.
Despite how much it holds, this first aid kit is still relatively small and compact, and it is also very lightweight (8 ounces), making it easy to bring along.
This 100% waterproof medical kit is fashioned from 70 Denier nylonl fabric and is very strongly water resistant. It has a bright yellow body that is easy to spot and also has a waterproof inner bag, making it perfect in most environments.
8. Kayak Keychain
- 5 Different colors to choose from. Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, and Orange
- Measures almost 3 inches long and 3/4 of an inch wide, not including the key ring
- Made of a flexible PVC plastic and made to last for years
- Very detailed with handles, seat, backrest, knee pads and other small details
- Attach it to any zipper
If it’s a small, simple trinket of a gift that you seek, then why not opt for a kayak keychain? With five different color selections available, you’ll be able to buy something relevant to your giftee that they will aesthetically enjoy!
This kayak keychain is made from a highly flexible PVC plastic that is extremely durable, allowing it to be used for years without suffering wear and tear. The amount of detail on this keychain is fairly impressive, too, as there is nothing it leaves out. It looks like a real, shrunken down kayak!
9. Leader Accessories Deluxe Kayak Seat
- DURABLE MODELD FOAM -- Made of durable EVA foam interior and 210D polyester exterior. Deluxe molded thick foam cushion can support long-term water sports and add more comfort for all day long.
- EXCELLENT HOOKS -- High-grade hooks are used in our kayak seats, which are dfferent from most of the hooks in the market. The excellent hooks are even more corrosion resistance, long service life.
- ADJUSTABLE STRAPS -- 2 straps in front, 2 straps in rear allowing the seat to be fixed in place according to different needs, give a wide range of adjustability to accommodate most any kayak, very...
- BETTER DESIGN -- High back desigh and padded supports your back and butt, it is in line with ergonomics and provides incredible comfort in your water trip.
- STORAGE BAG -- Coming with a waterproof detachable storage bag at the back, offering extra storage for other small things.
Sitting in one place for long periods of time can cause quite a bit of pain in the back and lower body, especially in older individuals. The Leader Accessories Deluxe Kayak Seat is a special seat made from molded foam.
It is designed with connecting snaps made from marine grade solid brass and has four straps: two in front and two in the back.
This kayak seat provides high levels of support and comfort for the back and lower body. With adjustable webbing and an adaptable form, there’s no way your giftee won’t be able to make use of this seat.
10. Bright Eyes Green & Red Portable Marine LED Boating Lights
- Portable Safety Lights: Provides a simple and effective boat safety lighting solution. 3 light modes, solid brightness, strobe, & slow blink.
- Rubber Casing: Extra durable and made to be ready for use at any time
- Water-Resistant: Perfect for the marine environment and rainy days.
- Versatile Use: Kayak, Canoe, Pontoon, Jon, Fishing, Skeeter, and other boats. Use for bow, stern, or running lights, especially for being seen by other boaters.
- Extra Batteries: Each light runs on 2 2032 coin batteries. 8 batteries included.
Visibility is crucial in ensuring the safety of a kayaker. The Bright Eyes Green & Red Portable Marine LED Boating Lights provides this with three extremely bright and reliable light modes. This includes a singular solid brightness, an emergency strobe light, and a slow blinking mode.
These boating lights are encased carefully in a silicone sleeve that allows them excellent water resistance. They are highly portable and lightweight, allowing for easy carrying and mobility so they can be easily brought around. Although simple, they are certainly highly effective in their function!
11. JOTO Universal Waterproof Cellphone Pouch
- Universal waterproof pouch case dry bag fits all smartphones up to 7" diagonal size, Certain big screen phones need to remove protective case. Credit card wallet money waterproof dry bag for beach,...
- Clear Window on both front and back sides, perfect for taking pictures, videos and checking emails
- 100 feet IPX8 Certified waterproof; Offers waterproof / snowproof / dirtproof protection for your device while maintaining full touch screen functionality
- Compatible with devices up to 3.35 x 6.69 inches (clear window 3.2 x 6.37 inches); Comes with a neck strap for convenient carrying
- Features a simple snap and lock access, easy to keep out water, snow, dust, sand, and dirt
Absolutely no one wants their phone to fall into the water and wind up completely dead. The JOTO Universal Waterproof Cellphone Pouch can help with that!
Thanks to its universal size, it fits a wide majority of different mobile phones measuring 6 inches diagonally or less.
This waterproof pouch ensures perfect waterproof function and allows for users to continue to interact with the phone from inside the bag. And it’s not just phones that can make use of it! Money, small wallets, and even credit and ID cards will be safely stored in here.
12. Airhead Complete Folding Grapnel Anchor System
- 3 1/3 pound 4 fluke folding anchor will hold in mud, sand, gravel and rock
- Designed for boats, sailboats, personal watercraft, inflatable boats, canoes, and float tubes
- Fits under most boat seats, in PWC storage compartments, or in PWC storage canisters
- 25 foot long marine grade rope
- Durable nylon storage case is padded for added protection
For a kayaker who stops to go snorkeling, fishing, or just to pause and read out on the water, a proper anchor system can be invaluable. The Airhead Complete Folding Grapnel Anchor System provides a 3 and a half pound folding anchor that easily keeps its grip and hold even in sandy, muddy, or rocky ground.
This anchor system is compact enough to fit in small spots and even under seats. Its storage case is made from rugged, durable nylon and the rope tied to the anchor is 25 feet long and of marine grade.
13. Palmyth Flexible Fishing Gloves
- Perfect convertible gloves for almost sports including fishing, photography, Motorcycling. Flip back thumb, index finger and middle finger caps with metal buttons free your fingers to tie a fishing...
- Breathable water-repellent and windproof softshell repels water and snow (Please note that the water resistance of these gloves were designed mainly for accidental water splashed, not for dipping into...
- Adjustable wrist Hook & Loop strap for any size wrist and fix your wrists will not fall off. Snug fit elastic neoprene cuffs keep the gloves tight to your hands and keep cold wind out. Finger tips...
- 3 cut fingers design means you retain manoeuvrability and dexterity so these gloves are suitable for fishermen, anglers, hunters, photographers, cyclists, motorcyclists, runners, shooters, hikers,...
- Please measure around your palm before selecting a size by using the sizing chart in the product image. If you are in-between sizes, please select the larger size for a more comfortable fit. If you...
The Palmyth Flexible Fishing Gloves are considered amazing for several reasons:
- Flexible material: The gloves are made of a flexible material that provides a comfortable and snug fit, allowing for maximum dexterity and sensitivity. This is especially important for fishing, as it allows the angler to feel even the slightest bite or nibble from a fish.
- Sun protection: The gloves also provide protection from the sun, which is especially important for anglers who spend long hours out on the water. The gloves are made with a UPF 50+ rating, which provides excellent protection against harmful UV rays.
- Durable construction: The gloves are made with durable materials that are able to withstand wear and tear from fishing, making them long-lasting and a good value for the money.
- Non-slip grip: The gloves have a non-slip grip, which is important for fishing, as it allows the angler to maintain a firm grip on the fishing rod, even in wet conditions.
- Versatile use: The Palmyth Flexible Fishing Gloves are suitable for a variety of fishing styles, including freshwater and saltwater fishing, fly fishing, and more.
These features make the Palmyth Flexible Fishing Gloves an excellent choice for anglers who want a comfortable, durable, and versatile fishing glove that provides excellent protection from the sun and allows for maximum sensitivity and dexterity.
14. Kayak Pair Cufflinks
- Features people in a kyack
- Brass construction with silvertone finish
- Comes gift boxed.
For a kayaking enthusiast who likes to get a little fancy, look no further than these Kayak Pair Cufflinks. Overlaid in a bright silver tone, they are perfect for French style cuffs and make great conventional gifts with a unique twist.
These cufflinks are stylish, fashionable and durable. It’s a great way for any enthusiast to flaunt their favorite hobby right on their sleeves! For easy gift-giving purposes, these cufflinks even come in a beautiful and sturdy presentation box, and they have their own special polishing cloth made from microfiber for easy cleaning.
15. Humminbird 410210-1 Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 Fish Finder
- 5-Inch Color WVGA Display
- CHIRP Dual Beam PLUS Sonar. Power Output RMS : 500 Watts. Power Draw : 615 mA
- Precision Internal GPS Chart plotting with built-in Anima cartography
- Micro SD card slot for optional maps or for saving waypoints
- Target Separation - 2.5 Inches
If you have the cash to spare and have a big gift budget, the Humminbird 410210-1 Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 Fish Finder is the perfect tool for a fishing kayak rider.
With a 5-inch color display, it reveals the locations of fish under water and can be easily interacted with to mark docks, hot spots, and waypoints.
This fish finger comes in plenty of different models and will guarantee that no fishing kayaker will ever return home empty-handed. It’ll boost the confidence of fish-loving giftee and allow them to easily find their way around a fishing spot without so much as a second thought.
Features That Make Good Gift Ideas For Kayakers
Waterproof Qualities
It goes without saying that a good gift for kayakers would be waterproof or, at the very least, water resistant. You’ll want a product that will stand up to harsh environments without suffering damage or becoming dangerous to use.
Safety
A gift that keeps a kayaker safe on their adventures is a good gift indeed! It sends a message that you are concerned for their welfare and want them to enjoy their travels and come back unscathed. Seeing as safety can never be taken for granted, even if a kayaker already has a certain safety tool, it won’t be long before they need to replace it with something new and undamaged. As such, safety tools are always a good option when gifting to kayakers!
Portability
When someone is heading out onto a lake with a small boat, they’ll need items that are compact, lightweight, and easy to bring along. No matter how cool an item is, if it’s too big, it’ll likely be left behind. Opt for something small enough for a compact backpack.
Or find out what your kayaker brings with them and choose something that will fit.
Hobby Specificity
Some people go out to kayak just for fun and to enjoy nature. Some do it to go fishing. Some do it to burn off steam. Some like to paddle out and go snorkeling. Find out what they go kayaking for and purchase items that fit well with their reason why.
Durability and Quality
At the end of the day, no matter who you’re buying a gift for, you don’t want to skimp on quality. Make sure what you’re buying feels sturdy and durable and will last them a long, long time to come. Opting for cheap and flimsy things never looks good, even if it’s the thought that counts.
