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Buying Guide: Canoeing and Kayaking — Products
Get a great workout, and glide along the water
 Old Towne Canoe Seranac 146 XT
$579, OldTowneCanoe.com
Canoeing is a team sport of sorts, and no boat supports the team like this one. “Padded seats with backrests, cup holders, fishing rod slots and a bench for a third with storage underneath. This is a man’s boat,” says Emily Davis, a guide at Maine’s North American Whitewater. “But its flat bottom, straight sides and moderate rocker make it more than a party barge. It’s perfect for circumnavigating your favorite lake.”
 Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11 (sit-on-top kayak)
$499, OceanKayak.com
“Perhaps the best entry-level kayak out there,” says Davis. “It’s affordable but doesn’t skimp on features, and it’s long for a sit on top, which means you won’t sacrifice much speed or tracking for comfort.”
 Wilderness Systems Pungo 140 (recreational kayak)
$949, WildernessSystems.com
Designed with big-guy paddlers in mind, this recreational kayak has a larger cockpit and a lower center of gravity for top-notch stability. It’s also fast and versatile. “I’ve seen it handle its own alongside true touring kayaks and even ride class II rapids,” says Davis. “Add a spray skirt, and there’s not much you can’t paddle.”
 Perception Kayak Carolina 14 (touring kayak)
$949, PerceptionKayaks.com
“If you want to cover distances, have enough storage for overnight camping and have the assurance that any capsize doesn’t mean swimming to shore, this is your boat,” says boat designer and open water instructor Cindy Scherrer. The Carolina’s bulkheads keep air in the bow and stern enabling self-rescue.
 Aire Sawtooth Inflatable Kayak
$775, Aire.com
An inflatable kayak lets you take to the water on a moment’s notice, without worry about how you’ll transport or store your boat. At over 13 feet long, this inflatable offers good stability and easy tracking. You can also add a second seat if you have a partner.
 Werner Paddles Skagit CF IM
$180, WernerPaddles.com
“A good paddle makes all the difference in the world. This Werner gives you a very lightweight carbon fiber reinforced shaft and blade, remarkable for the price,” says Scherrer.
 Carlisle Goldenlight Paddle
$30, CarlislePaddles.com
“The most reliable canoe paddle on the market,” says Davis. “They are standard issue for guides.” The Goldenlight comes with a foam shaft grip, good for shielding your hand from the heat-robbing aluminum on chilly days.
 NRS Vista PFD
$75, NRSweb.com
“Comfort and unrestricted arm movement for a great entry-level price,” says Jan Nesset, a veteran guide and paddle-sport journalist. “A true best buy.”
 Kokatat Bahia Tour Fishing Life Vest
$119, Kokatat.com
With reduced bulk in the front panels, this comfortable vest won’t interfere with your paddle stroke. Mesh backing will help keep you cool, and you can stow essentials in the two zippered pockets. If you’re an angler, it sports a fishing license window and a sleeve for pliers. Reflective strips on the front and back add safety.
 Pro-Tec Ace Water Helmet
$45, Pro-Pec.net
Sixteen vents drain water and let the breeze through on hot days, while the dual density EVA foam padding dries quickly when wet. “It’s a great price for a full-featured helmet,” says Davis. “The cut comes above the ear so you can communicate and be aware of your surroundings.”
 Harmony Gripper Elite Spray Skirt
$100, HarmonyGear.com
A great all-purpose touring skirt that fits boats — and more importantly, paddlers — of multiple sizes. The adjustable waist ensures a snug fit.
 Harmony High Volume Sea Kayak Pump
$27, HarmonyGear.com
This synthetic bilge pump uses short strokes to avoid fatigue, but it moves as much water per stroke as longer pumps. A foam sleeve keeps this puppy afloat if it goes overboard.
 Gerber River Shorty Knife
$34, GerberGear.com
“On most flatwater outings, you’ll just use this to spread the Jif,” says Davis, “But if you get into rivers or coastal debris, you can use this quickly deployed blade to free yourself from snags or to cut rope or entangled clothing.”
 Discovery Kayak Seat Cushion
$50, CascadeDesigns.com
If you’ve ever experienced soreness after a day of sea kayaking without a seat cushion, you know why this low-slip polyester piece is a must. This cushion provides added stability in rough seas, and self-inflating technology makes it easy to adjust for optimal comfort. It only weighs a little more than 8 ounces.
 Magellan eXplorist 710
$550, MagellanGPS.com
This waterproof handheld GPS will never let you lose your bearings on land or water. You can save tracks to easily find your way back to your car. Two AA batteries will typically give you 16 hours of use. Also shoots 3.2 megapixel photos and video.
 SealLine E-Cases
$20-$30, CascadeDesigns.com
These waterproof, protective cases will keep splashes away from your pricey phone, GPS unit or music player, and the urethane windows will still allow you to access the touch-based interface. Most paddlers use these cases as extra protection, and stow them and their precious cargo inside a larger waterproof bag (such as the Kodiak deck bag, below).
 SealLine Kodiak Deck Bag
$60, CascadeDesigns.com
The waterproof bag attaches to the deck of your kayak with D-rings and cords, making it perfect for stowing valuables you need to keep close at hand.
 NRS Dri-stow Dry Bags
$12-$24, NRSweb.com
These tough, transparent bags will keep your gear dry and easy to find. “This is essential equipment for any boater,” says Nesset. “For day trips, a capacity of about 1,200 cubic inches is perfect. I like vinyl dry bags which allow you to see the contents inside.”
 Waterproof Pro-Sport Arm Pack
$30, OverboardUSA.com
This arm pack is submersible to 19 feet and large enough to carry your phone, cash, keys and credit cards. It’ll float if dropped overboard, too. When you’re not using it on the water, strap it on during runs.
 20 Ltr Waterproof Pro-Sport Backpack
$80, OverboardUSA.com
This waterproof backpack is fully submersible and will float. A mesh back panel will help you avoid getting clammy. It has a top handle for easy maneuvering in tight places, and an internal zipper pocket to help keep your gear organized. Weighs 2.8 pounds.
 Thule Kayak Carrier 874
$250, Thule.com
The powerful straps and rubber pads ensure a safe journey for your canoe or kayak (or surfboard) and will also protect your vehicle’s paint job from scratches. If you have a canoe and want a cheaper transport option, try taking a look at Yakima’s Standard Canoe Foam Blocks ($25, Yakima.com).
 Chaco Z1 Sandal
$95, Chaco.com
For canoeing, nothing beats a rugged sandal. The Z1 has a grippy sole to latch onto soggy or rooty portage trails. With an open toe and adjustable straps, you can wear a wool sock under the sandal if you get chilly.
 Teva Sling Shoe
$50, Teva.com
“Booties are better than sandals for kayaking,” says Davis. “The thinner sole allows you to feel the foot pegs better, and there are fewer straps to get caught. Plus, the neoprene keeps your toes warm even when it gets wet.
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