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 CKS Reviews: IR Pogies

6. Whitewater Philosophy Book

If you're shopping for the seasoned kayaker, it can be hard to find them gear that they don't already own. Whitewater Philosophy is a meditation on, risk, adventure, and why paddlers do what they do. With this pick you can go beyond the every day paddling gear and get a gift that encourages reflection and includes some wise words from a kayaking legend.

More Great Options: Tales From A Mountain Town by Eugene Buchanan

More Top Gifts for Kayakers:

NRS Storm Hood	When you want to paddle but see snow and ice outside, a neoprene hat is a safety essential. Combine the NRS Storm Hood with pogies or Paddling Mittens and you can give the gift of year-round kayaking to the paddler in your life. We specifically like NRS's version as it is the warmest paddling hood we have used.
WRSI Trident Helmet	WRSI is an industry leader in safety, and the Trident helmet offers paddlers maximum protection in a style that looks fresh on the water. A carbon composite shell with a plush breathable liner makes this helmet a high end choice for someone you want to keep safe this holiday season.

 

To Help you Shop for Kayakers:

5 Things Kayakers Should Keep In Their Life Jacket We've all heard about a watch, a whistle, and a knife, but what else should you store inside your rescue vest? (Aside from sunscreen, chapstick, and extra snacks?)

 

Top Accessories for Kayakers If you are searching for gifts kayakers will love any time of year, think about the following list of accessories and the condition of your favorite kayaker's gear. You might just walk away with some epic gift ideas.

 

Are you a kayaker? It's time to treat yourself:

Things to Consider When Buying your First Kayak	Quick Tips to Make Any Kayak More Comfortable
It can be hard to know how to buy your first whitewater kayak: what matters, what doesn't, and what you need to take into consideration before getting your feet wet.	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.