Kayaking is one of the most popular outdoor activities you can do on a river or lakeside vacation.
Most lake resorts offer kayaking to their guests to let them experience the thrill of rowing on a slender kayak and enjoy it as much as everyone else.
Taking all necessary accessories along with you while kayaking is very important. But many people are confused which are the best kayak accessories.
If you have a kayak, this buyer’s guide will assist you in selecting the best kayak accessories that should add more fun and safety on your next kayaking trip. It includes a comparison table of the featured accessories needed when kayaking and a short overview of every product included in this list.
This article also has a guideline in selecting and buying kayak accessories online. It will help you choose the best accessories worth your money and time, so you can enjoy this fun outdoor activity without worrying about using substandard accessories for kayaking.
Comparison Table: Top Rated Best Kayak Accessories
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Best Kayak Accessories Product Review
These products are listed as among the Best Kayak accessories that are rated according to the reviews and number of sales. While this list is not a promotion of any brand or manufacturer, they are ranked in honor of the manufacturer’s credibility of producing kayak accessories.
01- Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag Combo
Dry bags are necessary when you’re kayaking. They are essential containers for all your items, which protects them from getting wet and accidental splashes. This dry bag combination product from Earth Pak includes an IPX8 waterproof phone case that should keep your phone dry and usable while kayaking on the river or lake.
Features
- Detachable Shoulder Strap included in every bag
- Made with 500D PVC material that can last up for years.
- IPX8 Certified Waterproof Phone Case included in every purchase of this dry bag
- Comes in various capacities (10L to 55L volume)
02- Booms Fishing Kayak Pad Eye Kit
If you want to fix your fishing or filming equipment in place when kayaking, you should have some eye kit handy. This kayak pad eye features injected molded plastic that should allow you to customize your kayak to how you wanted it to be.
Features
- Made from injected molded plastic
- ½” across and 3/8” high attachment points
- The material used is ABS loops and aluminum rivets
- Rubber washers for a stronger grip on the kayak
03- Essential Marine Kayak Scupper Plug Kit
This universal scupper plug from Essential Marine is designed to fit the scupper holes of most kayak brands. It is made with a durable rubber component that fits in the hole perfectly and avoids water coming into the hollow of the kayak.
Features
- Modeled to fit all scuppers/scupper holes of any kayak.
- Durable rubber material for easy plugging in and plugging out.
- Compatible with all major kayak brands
- Rope hoop included for easier plugging out and hanging storage
- Can fit ¾” to 1.5” scupper holes
04- GYM TOP Waterproof Kayak Canoe Cover-Storage Dust Cover
This kayak cover features the best polyester material that protects it from sunlight, snow, rain, and dust damage. It also has an easy-on and easy-off drawstring to hold the cover in place and fits seven (7) sizes of kayaks and canoes.
Features
- Waterproof polyester material, sunray reflecting cover made from the best oxford fabric.
- Roll and clip closure available, adjustable up to 18ft length
- Suitable for seven kayak or canoe sizes, from 2.6-3m/7.8-9ft up to 5.6-6m/16.8-18ft.
- Excellent storage material for off-season and transport cover.
05- Shoreline Marine Kayak Lightweight Design Carry Handles
These carry handles make you carry your kayak with ease. Its one-size-fits-all feature allows anyone to attach it to their kayaks and canoes without any problem. The grip of the handle is ergonomic and keeps the comfort while carrying your kayak from your car to the water and vice versa.
Features
- Easy to attach to kayak side, with 9 or 16” center-line to center-line distance.
- Durable plastic material with rubber handles
- Lightweight handles but strong enough to withstand reactive force.
- It has four fastener points for a stronger grip on the kayak surface.
06- Scotty Kayak/SUP Transducer Mounting Arm with Gear-Head
This mounting arm is excellent for Scotty transducers, and other related accessories, that are useful for kayaking and SUP anglers. The product is made from high-quality and durable composite material and has a 360 degrees’ swivel capacity.
Features
- This mounting arm is built with high-strength composite material, with telescoping arm and 4” usable track for its dimensions.
- It has 360 degrees of swivel capacity.
- Easy-to-install transducer makes it less technical for beginner anglers and kayakers.
- 438 track Adapter included that works in combination with Scotty sidetrack and allows the attachment of the Scotty sounder mount as well.
07- OLIVIA & AIDEN Folding Kayak Anchor
This kayak anchor is designed to be portable and durable for use at the same time. This folding kayak anchor is crafted with a lightweight galvanized sheet with a small, pop-up fluke hook design. It also weighs only 3.5 lbs. that makes it a perfect portable anchor for your kayak.
Features
- Ultra-portable boat anchor makes it a transportable component for your kayak.
- Galvanized steel anchor keeps it durable even when exposed underwater for a longer time.
- Dragline and buoy ball included in the product purchase.
- It is an easy-to-store anchor with its bag included.
08- BEST Marine Throw Ropes Rescue Bag
If there is one thing that stands up on this dry rescue bag, it is the longer rope. This rescue bag is excellent storage for all your stuff and should serve as your emergency buoy bag in case of sailing accidents.
Features
- 70 feet rope included for emergency rescue use
- Bright orange color makes it noticeable right away during rescue operations
- High-quality nylon material for durable and long-lasting rescue bags
- 12”-5” length-to-diameter dimension holds a massive volume in its compartment.
- Flotation insert included keeping it floating above the water surface
09- Shoreline Marine Propel Kayak Pull Handle
This kayak pull handle is made with a durable polymer material that features an ergonomic design. It also has a slim look for secure storage of the handle when not in use. The cord assembly is strong enough to pull heavy kayaks with ease.
Features
- Easy to attach design makes beginner kayakers and enthusiasts use it without any technical difficulty.
- Heavy-duty polymer material keeps the handle durable even when pulling heavy kayaks.
- Its 3.6” full handle is a slim and ergonomic design that makes pulling strain-less.
10- Yakgrips Paddle Grips for Solid Shaft Kayak Paddle
These paddle grips keep you comfortable while rowing on your kayak. Its material conforms with your grip that makes it steady yet enjoyable. It is easy to install the grips and keeps itself in place no matter how extensive the paddle edge can be.
Features
- Hand-conforming material for comfort on grip pressure.
- Easy to install paddle grips on any handle.
- Easy to wash and maintain paddle grips.
- Adjustable grips for any paddle thickness.
Things to Consider when Buying Best Kayak Accessories
Sailing on a kayak is an activity that is available to everybody. While many are using kayaks for their shallow river fishing trips, most of them are into recreational kayaking. When looking for kayak accessories, it is best to ask this question first. What sort of kayaking activity are you doing?
There is a difference between technical and recreational kayaking when it comes to the need for kayak accessories. For one, professional kayakers prefer more on adjustments or upgrades with their kayaks. They want more accessories that upgrade their kayaking game. On the other hand, recreational kayakers want more on experiencing the thrill and capturing moments by installing mounting arms for sports cameras, waterproof bags for their valuables, and good paddle grips, so they won’t hurt their arms.
Knowing who you are as a kayaker will determine your need for kayak accessories and limits you to what you buy and what you don’t buy. If you wanted to explore technical kayaking, you can purchase those needed accessories but ask supervision from kayaking experts that you know to help you set it up.
Why Should You Buy Kayak Accessories?
The main reason why kayakers buy accessories for their kayaks is to enhance their experience. Customizing and upgrading their kayak’s exterior, function, and mobility makes kayaking more enjoyable, more manageable, and less of a hassle when putting it in or pulling it out of the water. If you are looking towards upgrading your kayak experience, then you can start researching accessories that can get up your kayaking game. For starters, you will want to have a mounting handle and a paddle grip for a better start and a memorable kayaking experience.
What Should You Look Out When Buying Kayak Accessories?
When buying kayak accessories, always look for trusted brands. Scotty, Shoreline Marine, and BEST Marine and Outdoor are the best stores on Amazon that sell sailing accessories. They have accessories that are specially-made for kayaks and are offering dedicated products for the different levels of experience in this watersport.
If you’re not sure whether the brands meet your preference, you can read customer reviews. They will help you decide on your next kayak accessories purchase. Most of them feature their experiences with a specific kayak accessory during their receipt of the product up to the moment they’ve used the attachment. You can tell from their reviews right away whether the product is trustworthy or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all kayak accessories available and usable for all experience levels?
Not all kayak accessories are useful for all experience levels. Though this is available for everyone, the use of every accessory depends on your level of knowledge in sailing with your kayak or canoe.
Is it better to buy kayak accessories from physical stores than online shopping sites?
If you want to ensure the quality and do not trust online products, physical sailing stores are open to welcome your inquiries. For first-time kayakers, or if you just had your first kayak, store clerks can answer your questions right away than online store managers.
What are the essential accessories a beginner kayaker should buy?
Start with paddle grips and some rescue bags. They’ll be helpful for one who has recently started kayaking.
Do I need to buy kayak accessories?
It depends on you. If you plan to take your kayaking experience to the next level, it will surely help you have your mounting arm, transducers, or your pad eyes in possession. Plus, it makes your kayak look way more relaxed and more pro-looking than regular kayaks.
How do these kayak accessories upgrade my kayaking?
It depends on the technique you are learning with kayaking. If you want to angle-fish with your kayak, a sounder and transducer on a mounting arm will help. Fishing rod holders on your kayak will also keep it in place while waiting for something to bite on the bait.
Rapid river kayaks would benefit on added pads fastened with pad eyes and some pull handles for maneuvering.
Important Notes
Kayaking is both a recreational watersport and extreme watersport. If you are looking for accessories that would upgrade your kayak for excessive levels, look for durable accessories. Durability is one of the essential qualities of a kayak upgrade. Lake water corrodes plastic faster than saltwater, so you would want any upgrade or accessory attached or used with your kayak more durable to handle rapids, currents, and oxidation.
If you are kayaking for relaxation, have a rescue bag in handy. You can put in your phones, cameras, some fishing books, and other things you want to bring while rowing down the lake currents. A sports camera can add some documentation on your kayaking, which you can post on social media and share it with your friends. Overall, it is best to get kayak accessories that suit your level of kayaking.
Bottom Line
The best kayak accessories are more than the brand and reviews. It is all about making your kayaking experience thrilling and enjoyable. You do not even need to buy these recommended accessories. All that matters are what you need and how it should add to your kayaking activity.
If you know the ins-and-outs of kayaking and understand what you’re getting, then you know which accessories to buy or not. However, if you are new to sailing kayaks, you should take some time in reviewing, understanding the use of every fixture, and knowing what you want to achieve or experience with this watersport.
Kayaking is a fun water activity. You can do it alone or with your family and friends. If you are willing to take it to the next level, it will teach you a lot of lessons in sailing and life and, with the right accessory in place, it will become the most thrilling experience you’ll ever have.
Additionally, if you are confused about which kayaks will be best for you, we have written a buyer-friendly guide for making your purchase easy and convenient. Check out the Best Fishing Kayaks Under $600.
