I have been kayaking for 5 years now and I love it. I don't do anything crazy. I mainly enjoy the peace of being solo in nature. This is a curated list of my favorite kayaking supplies.
Sections
5
Kayak & Oars
Clothing
Safety
Misc
Upgrades
Kayak & Oars
I have super simple paddles. They work for me.
Quest Chute Aluminum Kayak Paddle
I have two of these kayaks, one where I live and one where I visit family. I bought it because the price point was great for a novice, it was light so I could handle it on my own.
Pelican Mustang 100X Kayak
Clothing
I love these. They are light. Quick dry if I were to fall in the water (which has never happened) and they keep me from overheating or burning in the summer.
Women's Quick Dry Lightweight Hiking Pants
I only wear minimalist shoes so those fit the bill. I wear this pair only to kayak and without socks. They do get wet on entry and exit of the water but they dry super quick for my feet are still comfortable.
Minimalist Barefoot Shoes
Last but not least, these gloves are really helpful to avoid calluses and blisters.
Women's Design Series Rowing Gloves
Since I am rather fair and stay on the water for a few hours, I protect my arms with this shirt.
Women’s UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection Long Sleeve Tee
I like to wear a hat rather than sunglasses. I enjoy being to see the colors as is while not having the sun in my eyes.
Scala Women's Medium Brim Cotton Hat
Safety
I have a couple of these babies. One is on my vest at all times. Better to have it and not need it.
Emergency Whistle with Lanyard f
I carry a small bag with me with a change of shirt, my phone, car keys, and a change of undies.
Dry Bag Waterproof
I used to wear a regular life vest and that was not comfortable at all. A kayak vest is s must IMO.
Yukon Sport Paddle Life Vest
An insulated bottle for water is also a must.
Water Bottle Insulated
Misc
Depending on where I go, I like to listen to nature but on occasion, I listen to a good book. I either use these or a waterproof speaker.
Swimming Headphones, Bone Conduction Bluetooth
Depending on where I go, I like to listen to nature but on occasion, I listen to a good book. I either use these or a waterproof earbuds.
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Since I often have to handle my kayak alone. I splurged on this system and I absolutely LOVE it.
Thule Hullavator Pro Rooftop Kayak Carrier
I like to protect my hands and my face as I can easily burn on the water. BUT I only use natural SPF (made with zinc) and the fact no plastic is involved in this one is even better.
Sunscreen Stick 30 SPF, Tropical
Upgrades
Now that I am 5 years into kayaking, I am upgrading some things and I will list them here.
I needed a new lifevest this year (2025) and I decided to upgrade with this one.
Onyx Adult Kayak Fishing Nylon Life Vest
I learned that a paddle makes a bit of difference. While the ones I first bought did their job, now that I go longer distances I wanted to upgrade my paddle. This is it. It makes being stuck on front wind MUCH easier.
Aqua Bound Sting Ray Hybrid 2-Piece Posi-Lok Kayak Paddle
