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Essential Kayak Accessories & Gear You Need - Kayak Accessories Buying Guide
Kayaking is a great way to get away from it all and get back to nature. It's fun, relaxing and helps keep you fit while exploring the wonders of beautiful ocean, river and lake views. But if you're asking yourself what accessories you need for your kayak, we're here to help.
When you first start kayaking you'll probably only want a kayak and a paddle, plus essential safety gear, food and water. There are a few other kayak accessories you may want, either straight away or once you've got the hang of kayaking, that will make going for a paddle more comfortable and enjoyable.
Quick Links
- Kayak Seats & Backrests
- Paddle Leashes & Holders
- Kayak Gloves
- Kayak Trolleys & Carts
- Kayak Anchors For Fishing
- Roof Racks & Ropes
- PFDs & Life Jackets
- Waterproof Bags
What accessories do you need for kayaking?
Having the right equipment for kayaking can make your time on the water safer and more enjoyable. From a life jacket for safety to a paddle leash for ensuring you don't lose your most important piece of kit, bringing the correct gear can make all the difference!
Kayak Seats & Backrests
Kayak seats and backrests make long paddling sessions much more enjoyable by providing extra comfort and support. A good seat helps reduce strain on your lower back, improves posture and allows you to paddle for longer without discomfort. Also, adjustable backrests offer custom support, letting you find the perfect position for stability and control, and padded seats add cushioning, that's especially useful for extended trips or rough waters.
How do you install a kayak seat or backrest?
If you're thinking about buying a backrest or kayak seat, you may be wondering how it attaches to the kayak. It's simple - all you need to do is:
- Fully loosen the two straps at the back (top and bottom), and the two side straps.
- Hold the backrest right at the back of the seat area.
- Clip both back straps to the kayak's attachment points (or the crisscrossed cord at the back).
- Clip the two side straps to the kayak's attachment points in front of the seat.
- Use your hand to push the bottom of the backrest right up against the kayak's seat back.
- Hold the backrest in this position with one hand while you tighten both back straps (at the top and bottom) until the backrest is vertical or angled slightly forward (not leaning back).
- Sit in the kayak with your knees bent slightly, and then pull the side straps tight.
Paddle Leashes & Holders
Kayak paddle leashes and holders help keep your paddle secure by preventing it from drifting away if you let go. A paddle leash connects your paddle to your kayak, ensuring it stays within reach even in rough waters or strong currents. Holders provide a convenient spot to rest your paddle when you need to take a break, fish or grab a drink. Both accessories add peace of mind by reducing the risk of losing your paddle.
Handy paddle holders
You can use handy clip-on and screw-on holders to keep everything within reach:
- Clear waterproof sleeves so you can check your maps or charts.
- Your compass so you can navigate and paddle in the right direction.
- A phone or camera holder (make sure it's in a waterproof case!)
- Drink holders so you can easily take a sip and stay hydrated.
- Fishing rod holders so you don't have to hang onto your rod the whole time.
- A paddle holder so your paddle's safe while you fish, snorkel or swim.
Where do you mount a kayak paddle holder?
When attaching your paddle holder, make sure you position it:
- Above or below the handle line on the side of your kayak (so you can still use them).
- Slightly in front of you near where your knees bend, so you can reach the paddle
Kayak Gloves For Comfort and Safety
Kayak gloves provide comfort, protection and better grip, making long paddling sessions more enjoyable. They help prevent blisters and calluses by reducing friction between your hands and the paddle. In colder conditions, they keep your hands warm and dry, while in hot weather, they offer sun protection. Many gloves also feature a non-slip grip, improving control and reducing hand fatigue, so investing in a good pair of kayak gloves can enhance your comfort and performance on the water.
Kayak Trolleys & Carts
Kayak trolleys and carts make transporting your kayak easier by reducing the effort needed to move it across different surfaces. With their sturdy wheels and lightweight frames, they help you navigate sand, gravel and uneven terrain without strain. Adjustable designs ensure a secure fit for various kayak sizes, keeping your craft stable during transport and saving time and energy, so you can focus on enjoying your paddling adventure.
How do you safely load a kayak trolley?
You only need to use a strap for a sit-in trolley. Simply:
- Feed both ends of the strap through one side of the trolley (between the seat and back of the kayak)
- Pull the straps up and over the top of the kayak (across its width, not length).
- Feed both ends of the strap through the other side of the trolley and tighten the strap.
Kayak Anchors For Fishing
Using kayak anchors for fishing helps keep your kayak steady, allowing you to focus on casting and reeling without worrying about drifting. They provide stability in wind, currents or tidal waters, helping you stay in the perfect spot for longer. Compact and easy to deploy, most kayak anchors come with a rope and float for simple retrieval. Whether you're fishing in deep water, near structures or in open bays, an anchor gives you better control over your positioning, improving your overall fishing experience.
Roof Racks & Ropes
Roof racks and ropes make transporting your kayak safer and more convenient. A sturdy roof rack provides a secure base, keeping your kayak stable while you're driving, while quality kayak ropes ensure everything stays in place. They help prevent damage to your vehicle and equipment by reducing movement and friction during transport. With the right setup, loading and unloading become easier, so you spend less time struggling with your gear.
How to tie a kayak to a roof rack
- Kayaks are longer than cars, so to transport your kayak you'll need:
- Roof racks to secure your kayak on top of the car and protect them both from damage. These can be:
- Hard racks with padding and a lock mechanism cover to prevent scratches.
- Soft racks, which make it quick and easy to get your kayak on and off the roof.
- Wide racks, which disperse the load more evenly across the roof.
- UV and water-resistant racks are best for handling the weather so they last longer.
- A rack with a grippy base works well because the kayak moves less and is more secure.
- Look at how easy they are to use and try using a few different racks in-store.
- Roof racks to secure your kayak on top of the car and protect them both from damage. These can be:
- Tie downs to tie the kayak to the roof racks for safe driving to and from the sea or river.
PFDs & Life Jackets
PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) and life jackets are essential for safety while kayaking. They offer peace of mind by providing buoyancy and ensuring you stay afloat in case of an accident. Well-fitted PFDs are designed for comfort, allowing for a full range of movement while keeping you secure. In rough waters or unpredictable conditions, wearing a life jacket can make all the difference, improving your chances of staying safe.
Waterproof Bags
You're bound to get a bit wet when you kayak, but if you use dry bags your gear, food and supplies won't.
Rather than going for one big dry bag, you're best off with a few different bags:
- Choose different sizes and spread the gear between them (so the weight's balanced across your kayak).
- Select multiple colours so you can group your gear and make it easier to find items quickly.
The material the dry bag is made from will determine how long it will last:
- Vinyl - This is the most basic kind of dry bag, usually used to make smaller, cheaper bags.
- Nylon - Tougher and more durable than vinyl, it's usually used to make larger bags. Some have a silicon coating for enhanced waterproofing and to help prevent tears.
- Fabric thickness - This is shown with a D number: a higher number means a tougher bag.
Play More & Pay Less For Water Sports Essentials at Anaconda
Make sure you have everything you need for your kayak adventure by exploring our entire range of life jackets, paddles, swimwear, roof racks and storage, and more online at Anaconda, or visit your local store! For more tips on kayaking and water sports, check out our articles below:
