Choosing gifts for kayakers and canoeists isn’t quite as easy as you may think. There’s a lot of gear to be had, but much of it is super pricey or far too specific to be chosen by anyone but the user. On the other end of the spectrum there are a whole load of useless novelty items that won’t mean much to someone who gains so much from just being out on the water.
So to make buying the perfect present for the paddler in your life, we’ve put together a list of gifts for kayakers and canoeist that we think they’ll love, need, use and really appreciate. They’re also not so pricey that you’ll need to take out a bank loan to buy.
15 gifts for kayakers and canoeists
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SealLine Bulkhead View Dry Bag
There’s nothing worse than finishing a day on the river, looking (and feeling) like a drowned rat, only to find your ‘dry’ clothes are sodden. Packing gear in decent bags, that don’t leak, is essential. And no paddler can have too many dry bags in their life. Be a lifesaver and give the gift of dry clothing with this SealLine Bulkhead View Dry Bag. Not only can its satisfyingly dry contents be seen through the transparent panel, but the waterproof valve also allows all the air to be squeezed out, making the bag more compact and packable. Take that soggy clothing!
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Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Grassracks Bamboo Kayak Wall Rack
Every paddler needs a safe way to store their kayak after a day on the water. And a wall rack is a convenient way to save floor space and keep dust and dirt out of the kayak. The Bamboo Kayak Wall Rack from Grassracks is a sustainable and stylish alternative to standard wall racks. Each bamboo rack can support up to 80 lbs, making it strong enough to hold most single kayaks as well as some tandem kayaks. The Grassracks Kayak Wall Rack is also available in a birch version which is not sanded or finished. Underneath, there are hooks for hanging a paddle, helmet or other kayaking gear.
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Grassracks
NRS Paddle Wetshoes
The only things worse than cold hands on the river is cold feet. And although these ‘wet’ shoes won’t prevent your tootsies from getting a soaking, they’ll sure keep them warm. The Terraprene neoprene has heat-reflecting titanium adhesive which does an exceptional job at warming up the water inside the boots. They also have a side zip for easy entry and tough rubber outsoles that wrap up around the toe and heel for extra protection. Jump into a pair to make sure the only thing that causes cold feet on your next river trip is that death-defying line you’re considering!
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Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Take Me to the River Copper Mug
Featuring an etched canoe and paddle design, this 16oz mug is the ideal gift for paddlers who like a little campfire tipple at the end of a big day on the river. But because it’s crafted from 100% copper, it isn’t the sort of mug for sipping steamy hot coffee. Na-ah. This is for the cold, strong stuff only. Pair it with a bottle of homemade sloe gin for a thoughtful touch and you’ll have one very happy paddler on your hands.
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United By Blue
Creek Kooler
Lazy summer afternoons floating down the river just ain’t the same without an ice cold beer to keep you even more refreshed. But when space in the boat is limited (or non-existent if you are travelling by inflatable tube), then the beer vs food dilemma has to solved. OK, you can stop sweating now. There is a simple and very cool solution to this problem: tow along the floating Creek Kooler. Not only does the dual walled container have the capacity for 30 12oz cans and 20lbs of ice, but it even has four handy cup holders on top to keep your floating freshments safe from spilling overboard.
With foam insulation and a water tight lid, the floating Creek Cooler is the ideal accompaniment to any summer picnic out on the water with loads of space for beers aplenty and a feast for all.
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Amazon
Salamander Retriever Kayak Rescue Throw Rope Bag and Tow Tether
A rescue rope is an essential piece of safety gear for every paddler. So if the kayaker in your life doesn’t already have one, then this is THE best gift you could possible choose. Designed to be worn around the waist, the tough Cordura bag, which contains 60 feet of floating rope, can be quickly released and thrown out to carry out a rescue. Yes, it’s kind of a serious sort of gift, but it’s a must-have for anyone paddling on whitewater.
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Amazon
Aquapac Waterproof Phone Case
Staying in communication when out on the river or sea can be an absolute lifesaver should you get into trouble. And a water-damaged phone is no good for anyone. House it in this Aquapac Waterproof Phone Case, however, and you can confidently get help should the need arise. Touch-screens still function through the case, and you can hear normally too. Plus, there’s no need to miss out on action shots with the handy camera window on the backside. #kayakselfie
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Amazon
WRSI Current Kayak Helmet
Another one to go on the list of serious gifts for kayakers is a helmet. Paddlers who like to take on fast moving water are at the mercy of the river and all that lurks, unseen, underwater. We need not dwell on the details, so get the head of your kayaking pal protected in this WRSI Current Kayak Helmet. Its multi-impact shell has an EVA foam liner and polyurethane sub-shell to effectively dissipate impact. Plus, there are handy drainage holes to keep water flowing freely through it. Add to that the fact that it is made by WRSI (Whitewater Research and Safety Institute) and this really is a no-brainer of a gift.
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Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Malone SeaWing Car Rack Kayak Carrier
There’s no denying it: a car rack kayak carrier is certainly one of the more utilitarian gifts for kayakers and canoeist on our list. However, the heartache it will save, compared with struggling to secure your craft onto a regular car rack, makes this easy to set up, low profile carrier worth its weight in gold. It comes with bow and stern lines and the rack flexes gently to cradle your boat. So avoid unnecessary boat transporting stress and get your kayak carrier on!
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Amazon
Sea to Summit Solution Gear Paddle Leash
Losing a paddle on gnarly whitewater river runs is as bad as a swimmer losing an arm. And although leashing a paddle to oneself isn’t for everyone, using one will guarantee the avoidance of being the butt of all ‘up sh*t creek’ jokes for the rest of eternity! This Sea to Summit leash extends from 43 to 75 inches and stretches with movement so as not to interfere with paddle strokes. An excellent stocking filler for street-cred conscious kayakers.
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Amazon | REI
NRS Pilot River Knife
Every serious paddler should own a river knife. Not only does it make them look even more badass than they already do, but it’s also a rather useful safety net that can save the day in sticky situations on the river. The Pilot River Knife has a 3 inch blade with both smooth and serrated edges. Plus, the glass-reinforced nylon sheath firmly locks the knife into place when not in use, and is released easily by squeezing both its sides. And of course it wouldn’t be an proper outdoor knife without the compulsory built-in bottle opener — you know, for all those emergency drinking sessions!
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Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals
If nothing from the above list of gifts for kayakers and canoeists floats your boat, then a pair of Chaco sandals is sure to please even the most fussy recipient. The Classic Chaco Sandal is the shoe of choice for paddlers far and wide, and for good reason. They’re incredibly comfortable, the polyester webbing dries super quickly and can be adjusted for a customised fit, and the Vibram rubber outsole provides excellent traction in all conditions. Choose from a huge range of colours and patterns that somehow make outdoor sandals actually look great. Style and function at its very best.
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Amazon | REI | Huckberry
Sanborn Canoe Minnetonka Paddle
This beautifully crafted paddle is the perfect gift for paddlers who tend to spend more time dreaming of splashing around on the lake than actually getting out there! Hand-made in Minnesota, these made to order western red cedar, aspen, and dark walnut wood paddles certainly won’t look out of place on the wall of said dreamer. But when the time is right, and a canoeing outing is actually on the cards, the elegant shape of this Sanborn paddle blade has all the precision and efficiency needed for effortless gliding through still waters.
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United By Blue
Sea to Summit Eclipse Paddling Gloves
These Sea to Summit Eclipse Paddling Gloves don’t do much in the way of keeping hands warm and dry. But with tough synthetic leather palms that are reinforced for greater durability in all the hardwearing places, they do a cracking job at preventing blisters. And no blisters means no off days! They also have a UPF rating of 50+ for sun protection, and the lightweight, supple fabric doesn’t detract from the feel of the paddle. Another great stocking filler.
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Amazon | REI | Backcountry
IceMule Coolers Pro Cooler
As “the world’s coldest hands-free cooler” the IceMule Coolers Pro Cooler takes meals on the go to the next level. With mega comfortable, padded and breathable shoulder straps and back pads, there’s no excuse not to be eating great food on your adventures. The roll-top access and fully waterproof exterior makes this easy to carry cooler as at home on a sea kayaking mission around the Baja as it is on a summer picnic at your local park. Fill it with ice and the foam insulation keeps things icey cold for a full 24 hours! Fill it up with drinks and/or food of your choice, hike somewhere epic, and make your alfresco feast one to remember (or forget, depending on your tipple!).
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Icemule
