10 Clever Kayaking Accessories to Make Every Paddle Easier 🛶

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Whether you're heading out for a peaceful paddle on a lake, exploring a river or enjoying a day on the coast, having a few practical accessories with you can make kayaking more comfortable and organised.

From keeping your belongings dry to carrying your kayak more easily and protecting everyday essentials from splashes, useful kayaking gear doesn't have to be complicated.

Here are 10 clever kayaking accessories worth considering for your next paddling adventure. 🛶💦✨

10 Clever Kayaking Accessories Worth Adding to Your Paddling Kit 🛶💦✨

1. Waterproof Dry Bag

Water and personal belongings aren't always the best combination when you're out kayaking.

A waterproof dry bag provides a practical place to store clothing, snacks, keys and other essentials while helping protect them from splashes and wet conditions.

Roll-top designs are particularly convenient because they can usually be compressed when you're carrying less equipment.

Why it's useful: It helps keep important belongings organised and protected while you're on the water.

Clever Finds tip: Choose the capacity according to what you normally carry rather than automatically buying the largest bag available.

2. Waterproof Phone Pouch

Taking a phone kayaking can be useful for navigation and photographs, but keeping it protected from water is an obvious concern.

A waterproof phone pouch provides an additional protective barrier while allowing you to keep your phone close at hand.

Many designs have transparent panels that allow basic touchscreen use without removing the phone from the pouch.

Why it's useful: It gives your phone additional protection against splashes and wet conditions while paddling.

Clever Finds tip: Check the manufacturer's supported phone dimensions and waterproof rating before buying.

3. Kayak Paddle Leash

Dropping a paddle into the water can quickly turn a relaxing trip into an awkward situation.

A kayak paddle leash connects your paddle to the kayak, helping keep it attached if you accidentally let go.

Most designs are compact and take up very little room amongst your other kayaking equipment.

Why it's useful: It provides a simple way of keeping your paddle connected to your kayak.

Clever Finds tip: Look for secure attachment points and enough flexibility to paddle comfortably without the leash getting in the way.

4. Kayak Trolley

Getting a kayak from the car to the water can sometimes be harder work than the paddling itself.

A kayak trolley provides wheels underneath the kayak so you can move it more easily across suitable paths, car parks and other firm surfaces.

Many models also fold down for easier storage once you reach the water.

Why it's useful: It can make transporting a kayak over land considerably more manageable.

Clever Finds tip: Check the trolley's maximum load and whether its frame and straps are suitable for the shape and weight of your kayak.

5. Padded Kayaking Seat Cushion

Spending several hours sitting in the same position can make longer paddling trips uncomfortable.

A padded kayaking seat cushion adds an extra layer between you and the kayak seat and can make longer outings more comfortable.

Compact cushions can also be easy to remove, dry and store between trips.

Why it's useful: Extra cushioning can improve comfort during longer periods on the water.

Clever Finds tip: Choose a cushion designed to stay reasonably secure rather than one that could constantly move underneath you while paddling.

6. Kayaking Gloves

Repeatedly gripping and moving a paddle can sometimes leave your hands uncomfortable, particularly during longer outings.

A pair of kayaking gloves can provide additional grip and help protect your hands from repeated contact with the paddle.

Lightweight designs can also be useful when you want some protection without wearing bulky gloves.

Why it's useful: Additional grip and hand protection can make longer paddling sessions more comfortable.

Clever Finds tip: Look carefully at the manufacturer's sizing guide and consider whether you want full-finger or fingerless gloves for the conditions in which you usually paddle.

7. Water Shoes

Getting into and out of a kayak often means walking across wet ground, stones, sand or slippery surfaces.

A pair of water shoes provides lightweight footwear designed for wet environments while offering more protection than going barefoot.

Quick-drying materials can also make them more convenient once you're back on dry land.

Why it's useful: They provide practical footwear for moving between the shore and your kayak.

Clever Finds tip: Look for a secure fit and a sole with useful grip rather than choosing purely on appearance.

8. Kayak Deck Bag

Small items can quickly become difficult to find when they're scattered around a kayak.

A kayak deck bag provides accessible storage for useful items that you may want within reach while paddling.

Depending on the design, it can be useful for carrying snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen and other small essentials.

Why it's useful: Frequently used items can stay organised and easy to reach during your trip.

Clever Finds tip: Check how the bag attaches to your particular kayak and don't assume every attachment system will suit every model.

9. Portable Kayak Bilge Pump

Water can sometimes collect inside certain types of kayak through splashes, spray or normal use.

A portable kayak bilge pump provides a straightforward way of manually removing unwanted water from a compatible kayak.

Compact hand pumps can usually be carried alongside your other paddling equipment without taking up much room.

Why it's useful: It's a practical piece of equipment for removing accumulated water when necessary.

Clever Finds tip: This accessory is particularly relevant to suitable sit-inside kayaks, so consider your kayak design and paddling environment before buying.

10. Insulated Water Bottle

Even when you're surrounded by water, it's still important to take something suitable to drink on longer paddling trips.

An insulated water bottle provides a reusable way of carrying a drink and can help maintain its temperature for longer.

A robust bottle can also be useful for hiking, cycling, travelling and other outdoor activities when you're not kayaking.

Why it's useful: It provides an easy way to keep hydration close at hand during a day on the water.

Clever Finds tip: Check that the bottle fits wherever you intend to store it on your kayak and choose a secure lid that won't easily leak inside your gear.

Make Every Paddle a Little Easier

You don't need to fill your kayak with gadgets to enjoy being on the water.

A handful of practical accessories can help solve some of the everyday challenges that come with kayaking — keeping belongings dry, carrying equipment, staying organised and making longer paddles more comfortable.

Start with the accessories that solve the problems you encounter most often and gradually build a paddling kit that suits the type of kayaking you enjoy.

Our Top 3 Clever Finds

1. Waterproof Dry Bag — A versatile kayaking accessory for helping keep clothing and everyday essentials organised and protected from wet conditions.

2. Kayak Trolley — Particularly useful when there's a reasonable distance between your vehicle and the water.

3. Waterproof Phone Pouch — A compact way of giving your phone additional protection while keeping it accessible during a day on the water.

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