Great Gifts for Kayakers
If there are two things kayakers love, it's upgrading their gear and talking about upgrading their gear. With that in mind, we've compiled the best whitewater kayaking gear updates so you can give the best gifts for your favorite kayaker.
The creekboater, playboater, or river runner in your life will want any one of these products on our lists. Guaranteed.
How do we know? We asked our very own favorite kayakers what they were hoping to get at our secret Santa swap this year.
Our Top Six Must-Buy Items
1. Jackson Kayak Rockstar V
Jackson Kayak announced their latest playboat earlier this year, the Rockstar V. It has quickly become our top-selling kayak of 2021. We sat down with two of the best freestyle paddlers in the world to get the scoop on the latest boat.
Check out our first look of the Rockstar V with Dane and Emily Jackson here.
2. Immersion Research Shittens Paddling Mittens
Shittens are the ideal paddling mitten to extend a kayaker's paddling season to the winter. Featuring a brand new and unique design, Immersion Research Shittens are lighter-weight than pogies and yet still let you feel your paddle, unlike gloves. Use these to keep a kayaker's hands warm and comfy all winter.
3. Noseplugs
Nose plugs not only keep your sinuses clear while paddling, they also help you hold your breath for longer when underwater – giving you the chance to try one more roll. Nose plugs make a great gift as they are small and won't break your bank. Some people like the style of the Cottonmouth Nose Plugs, while others prefer the security of the Salamander Squeeze Nose Clips.
![]() |
![]() |
Cottonmouth Noseplugs |
Salamander Squeeze Nose Clips |
4. Ultra-light Paddlers Medical Kit
An ultralight medical kit is a great gift because it's something everyone should cary when kayaking but is too often forgotten about when shopping for paddling gear. This kit is small enough to fit almost anywhere, comes in a waterproof bag, and has the essentials for shorter paddling trips.
5. Pogies
For kayakers, Microwave Handwarmer Pogies from IR are the most popular way to keep your hands warm all winter. The boxy design is comfortable gives you plenty of room for unrestricted hand movement while the 3mm neoprene will keep you warm in below-freezing temperatures.
More Great Options: Salamander Yampa Pogies
![]() |
See Why We Love Microwave Handwarmer Pogies
|
6. Whitewater Philosophy Book
![]() |
If you're shopping for the seasoned |
More Great Options: Tales From A Mountain Town by Eugene Buchanan
More Top Gifts for Kayakers:
NRS Storm Hood |
|
|
WRSI Trident Helmet |
|
To Help you Shop for Kayakers:
![]() |
5 Things Kayakers Should
|
![]() |
Top Accessories for KayakersIf you are searching for gifts kayakers will love |
Are you a kayaker? It's time to treat yourself:
![]() |
![]() |
Things to Consider When
|
Quick Tips to Make Any
|
It can be hard to know how to buy your |
Level up your whitewater kayak and make it a more confident + aggressive boat with these five quick outfitting upgrades that you might not know about yet. |