Kayak Gear and Kayak Accessories: How to purchase my first set up

There are many people who feel that paddling is a very gear intensive sport therefore it must be expensive. However, purchasing the kayak gear you need may be much more affordable than you might think. Most people can get outfitted in a kayak and all the kayaking accessories head to toe somewhere between $1000 and $2000. Price will depend on the type of clothing required for your region and the type of kayaking you are interested in. Compare kayaking to other sports and you find that after the initial it is quite affordable.  Take golf for example: a set of new golf clubs runs roughly a $1000 dollars. However you must pay a green fee every time you want to play.

There are a lot of kayak accessory items out there so don't be overwhelmed. With a little research and guidance you will find that finding the correct equipment can be a fun and easy experience.

Start by focusing on the five essentials:

Whether freestyle, creek, river-running, touring, recreational or inflatable, your boat is the first and most obvious of the “Five Essentials".

Kayak Paddles: The equivalent of both the pedals and handlebars on your bicycle, a paddle provides your propulsion and steering.

Your sprayskirt needs to be sized correctly for both waist and boat (don't worry we can easily figure this one out for you or you can view sizing info links on each skirt item's display). The skirt is worn by the paddler, and attaches to the kayak cockpit to keep water out.  This allows a paddler to roll a kayak and paddle whitewater even when the boat is submerged.

While no one plans on hitting rocks and underwater objects with their heads, it's imperative to have a properly fitting whitewater kayak helmet. Think of a good helmet as an extremely affordable insurance policy.

Your Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or Life jacket as it is often called, is designed to keep you a float, and aid in self rescue. Considered a good thing by those that like to breathe.
Paddlers in all cold-water states have adopted an unofficial "sixth essential" to include gear that keeps us dry and warm, and  therefore able to paddle in varying weather conditions. A drytop is the most favored piece of equipment to stay dry, and often necessary to be safely protected from hypothermia. Stohlquist products continue to lead the industry in quality and innovation. Check out their well crafted PFDs, drytops, thermal wear, and gear bags