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.