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 Unless you live directly on a beach or the bank of a river, you will need a way to transport your kayak to the place you want to kayak, or to take it with you on a vacation. Kayak racks are a good way to transport your kayak on the roof of your car – some will even carry multiple kayaks. Beyond the rack, you will want to buy certain other accessories to keep your kayak attached properly to the kayak rack. Here are the basics to buying a new kayak rack and securing your kayak.
Why should you buy a kayak rack in the first place? It is the cheapest way to store and transport your kayak. When you store your kayak in the garage, you want to keep it off the ground – which a kayak rack helps you do. You could carry your kayak in a trailer hitched to your car, but then you would have to rent or purchase a trailer for your trips. On the other hand, a kayak rack simply attaches to the top of your car and you can carry your kayak easily for long trips.
A rooftop kayak rack only needs a base rack system. This system is made up of two horizontal metal bars that are attached to the top of the vehicle – they attach to factory-installed roof racks, raised side rails, and even bare rooftops with no racks or rails. You will want to shop around for a rack that will fit well on your car: some allow clearance for side gutters on vehicles, and others are made specifically for your car model.
Saddles and j-cradles are extra equipment needed to secure your kayak to its rack. Saddles are small padded platforms that the kayak sits on to be stabilized. J-cradles are paddle bars in the shape of a j that hold the kayak from the sides so that it won’t be warped, and can carry multiple kayaks. Buying a roof rack and the accessories offers you a cheap and safe way to transport your kayak to wherever you want to go.
 When you head out onto the water in your kayak, you will want to have the right safety gear. You will especially want to have the right life jacket to keep you safe and comfortable in your kayak. However, it can be hard to find the proper jacket when you look through a large selection in a store or online. You need to understand some of the basics of a good life jacket so that you will be able to choose one that will suit your kayaking needs.
You should know that kayak life jackets are made specifically for kayaking and canoeing. They have a short torso so that the boater will be able to sit down comfortably while he is paddling. They also have a thinner floatation device in the front that allows the paddler to have free range of movement with his arms across his body. Life jackets are intended to keep their wearer floating, but they are now being made to help their wearer be more mobile while wearing them.
Life jackets are certainly important to your survival while kayaking, but they are also made to be comfortable. A good life jacket will have adjustable straps so that it can be tightened or loosened for a snug fit. It will have thinner foam or mesh in the lower back for the kayaker seated in a small seat in the kayak. It will also have reflective tape on the top and front so that the kayaker can be seen from the air. Many jackets also contain storage pockets.
When you shop for a life jacket, make sure that you are looking for one made for the correct gender. Life jackets are not unisex, but are built with the gender in mind so that there is a good vest-to-body fit. This tight fit will keep the life jacket really effective when the wearer has fallen into the water. Look carefully at all your options before choosing your new life preserver – it will be well worth it.
 Your great kayaking trip is not complete without a kayak and paddles, but you will need to bring along some safety gear for yourself as well. Wearing a kayaking helmet and a personal floatation device aren’t just good habits for beginning kayakers – you skilled kayakers will want to bring them along also. If you use just a little kayak gear on your trip, you will be able to have a fun trip while avoiding any dangerous situations.
Anyone who wants to enjoy a water sport needs to know the proper gear for their sport – and kayaking is no exception. Using the correct gear keeps beginners safe in case they make mistakes – allowing them to still have fun while they are learning the sport. Experienced kayakers need to use the correct gear, too. As you get into more dangerous (and more exciting) waters, the proper safety gear actually becomes even more necessary than before.
The kayaker needs, first of all, a good helmet. The helmet will prevent the kayaker from hitting his head on any sharp jagged edges and being injured. It also keeps him safe from any mild bumps he might get if his kayak tips. When you buy your helmet, make sure it follows the proper safety standards for kayak helmets: ANSI (American National Standards Institute) has a good set of standards.
You will also want to wear a person flotation device – also known as a life vest. You can rent or buy one from your kayak outfitter. Be sure to get a life vest with a floater in it, as opposed to the inflatable life vests; it is also good to find one with storage compartments for other kayak accessories. Some life vests also have lights and reflectors to make your presence known in the dark. Life vests are also great as warm jackets in cool winds or cold areas. Make sure you are wearing a proper life jacket and helmet before you jump in your kayak – and then shove off to have a great time.
 Kayaking is a fun and relaxing sport, but before you head out, you will want to have the right kinds of equipment, especially safety equipment. Not only will you need safe paddles on your kayak, you will also need a few more accessories beyond your craft and your paddle. These accessories will keep you safe, and allow you to have a great time without getting into any dangerous situations. Let’s look at the basic items you need to bring with you on your kayak adventure.
If you are really enthusiastic about the sport of kayaking, you will have no problem bringing along the proper equipment. This equipment is, in fact, the only way you will be able to have a safe and fun trip. Having the proper equipment has meant the difference between life and death in some extreme cases, and has helped people stay out of truly dangerous situations.
The paddles are your most important piece of equipment after the kayak itself. Be sure to choose the right blade length and shape for your kayak and the area in which you plan to kayak – your outfitter should be able to help you decide this. Your paddles can be feathered or non-feathered, and have a wood or aluminum shaft. When you head out to go kayaking, you will want to remember your paddles – otherwise you won’t be able to navigate your kayak at all. In case you lose yours, you will probably want to bring along a spare set of paddles.
There is other safety equipment you will want to make sure you have, as well. A spray skirt covers the area where you will be sitting and keeps water from entering – this will keep your kayak from sinking. If you do start taking water onto the kayak, a bailing device will pump water out of the kayak for you. It is good to be sure you have the right equipment for your kayaking trip, so that you can have a safe and exciting trip without any dangerous emergencies.
 When you plan to take your kayak out on the river, you will want to make sure that you have a good array of proper kayak accessories with you. However, you need to take the right accessories for the weather and activities you will be doing in your kayak. You will also want emergency and safety accessories. Let’s look at a basic list of the different accessories you might need on your kayak.
There are a great many different kind of kayak accessories, all with different functions. So that you don’t weigh down your kayak too much, you will want to make a short list of the necessary accessories. These will vary depending on whether you are storing things or going kayak fishing, and what the weather will be like where you are. The area you kayak in will also be important in making your decision.
Be sure that you have accessories to keep you safe and in case of emergencies. A Swiss Army knife and marine compass can be helpful in different circumstances. If you are in turbulent waters, you may want a spray skirt, a bilge pump, and float bags to keep you from sinking if you fall out of the kayak. A rope bag, which holds spare rope and bungee cords, an air horn, and a first aid kit will also be absolutely necessary if you have any emergencies.
You may also want to bring along some electronic accessories. A hand-held marine radio may be useful if you are lost at sea or in bad weather, but be sure it has a waterproof cover. It will give you immediate weather information and allow you to send out distress calls. A GPS unit can also be helpful if you want to kayak through unfamiliar stretches of water. Bring extra batteries for both devices. Finally, you will probably want to make a short list of the accessories you want to bring with you when you go kayaking so you will be sure to have everything you need when you go on your kayak trip.
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