Gifts for Kayakers and Canoeists
A canoe used for gentle camping trips and a kayak used for short coastal outings need different equipment. Find out which boat they paddle, how much storage it has and whether they travel alone or with a club. The gifts here cover packing, maintenance and enjoyment ashore; anything that affects boat handling or safety needs a specific request.
Ideas prepared by WantThis
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How we chose these gifts
These are editorial ideas, not tested products. “Plan up to” is a suggested spending allowance, not a retailer price or a promise that every version costs that amount. Check the exact fit, current price and delivery before buying.
What makes a good pick
- Ask whether they use a canoe, closed-cockpit kayak or sit-on-top: storage and fittings differ.
- Match packed size to hatch openings rather than buying one enormous bag.
- Choose replacements for known consumables before adding equipment to the deck.
The ideas
- 1
A set of small labelled dry bags
Plan up to £40A good fit for: Touring paddlers organising clothing and food
Several small bags can fit around the available storage more easily than one large sack. Different colours make it quicker to find a spare layer or lunch at a stop without unpacking the entire boat.
Before you buy: Measure hatch openings and check the bag’s stated water protection.
- 2
A paddle storage sleeve
Plan up to £30A good fit for: A paddler transporting a split paddle
A sleeve keeps the separated pieces together and prevents them rattling against other luggage. Choose internal length and compartments for the exact paddle, especially when blades have an asymmetric shape.
Before you buy: Check that the paddle splits and that the sleeve allows damp parts to dry.
- 3
A waterproof map case
Plan up to £25A good fit for: Someone who already uses paper navigation
A clear case can make a familiar map easier to handle in damp conditions. Match the visible area to the map scale they use and check that the closure is manageable with the gloves they normally wear.
Before you buy: The case protects a map; it does not replace navigation skills or backup planning.
- 4
A boat-washing brush and sponge
Plan up to £20A good fit for: Paddlers who clean equipment after each trip
Soft cleaning tools make a practical addition to a rinse-and-dry routine. A long-handled brush can reach awkward areas while a separate sponge helps with the small amount of water left inside a boat.
Before you buy: Avoid abrasive materials and check the boat maker’s cleaning advice.
- 5
A compact shore-side sit mat
Plan up to £20A good fit for: Touring paddlers who stop for lunch
A folding mat turns a damp bench or rough bank into a more pleasant lunch stop without taking much packing space. It is a useful gift for someone who already owns the expensive specialist equipment.
Before you buy: Choose a size that fits their storage; secure it inside a bag during paddling.
- 6
A local paddling guidebook
Plan up to £30A good fit for: Someone exploring new routes with their club
A well-chosen regional book gives them places to discuss and research with paddling partners. Check publication date, the kind of water covered and whether the book describes journeys at their experience level.
Before you buy: Access, conditions and hazards change; a guidebook is a starting point for current planning.
Save your favourites
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Create your free listFAQs
Are kayak accessories interchangeable?
No. Cockpit, hatch, rail and paddle dimensions vary. Ask for the exact boat and accessory model before buying something that attaches to it.
What can I buy without knowing the boat?
A regional book or shore-side sit mat is usually easier to choose than a fitted accessory. Even dry bags should be checked against the space available.
Spotted a changed price or specification? Tell us which product needs a correction.