Kayaking gear is super personal, and what works great for me might not be your cup of tea. There’s a huge variety of equipment out there, and a lot of it is really good! It’s all about finding what fits you best and makes your time on the water enjoyable.
I’m going to share the kayaking gear that I love and use all the time but remember, it’s important to try stuff out for yourself. Head over to a local shop and test out different items to see what feels right for you. This way, you’ll find the gear that suits your style and needs perfectly.
You can use the links below to skip to a specific section you are interested in.
Whitewater Kayaks
Different whitewater kayaks are good for different things – if you tried to go playboating in a creek boat you are not going to have a good time! I’m lucky enough to have a range of different boats to use for different things.
Pyranha Scorch M
My medium Pyranha Scorch is in the best colour possible – minion yellow! You can read more about my thoughts on it here. I also wrote an article about outfitting a whitewater kayak which featured the scorch.
Pyranha Firecracker 232
The newest addition to my fleet! I’ve recently written a full review of the Firecracker which you can read here.
Pyranha Ozone S
Also in minion yellow is my small Pyranha Ozone! I wrote an article with my thoughts on the Ozone which you can read here.
Pyranha Z-One S
I love my small Pyranha Z-One! Whilst it is an older kayak than my Ozone or Scorch it is great fun on a sunny day at the Tryweryn.
Exo / GuiGui Helixr S
The Helixr is brilliant for playing around at HPP when it is warm. I’ve written an entire article about why playboating is helpful to build your paddling skills which you can read here.
Whitewater SUP
McConks Go Wild
The McConks Go Wild is a beginner-friendly whitewater SUP that I love using at HPP, particularly in the summer!
Whitewater Kayak Paddles
Paddles are how you connect with the water, so are one of the most personal choices in paddling.
VE Paddles Creeker
I’m currently using the VE creeker paddle, with glass blades and a carbon shaft.
Personal Kit
Drysuit
Getting a drysuit for kayaking is one of the best investments you can make. It will keep you warm and dry and increase your enjoyment massively on cold days.
I currently use the Palm Equipment Atom women’s specific drysuit.
Drytop
Sometimes it is too warm for a drysuit, but not warm enough for nothing! When this is the case I wear a Palm Equipment dry top for kayaking.
Buoyancy Aid
I use the Palm FXr BA for whitewater paddling, as well as the Palm Ace when I’m at the whitewater course here in Nottingham. The FXr is great as it has space for all the rescue kit etc you need when on real rivers!
Helmet
I use the Palm Equipment Shuck 2.0 – I find it is super comfortable to wear, and the ear protectors help keep me warm in winter!
Other Kit
It’s important to protect your ears when you do whitewater kayaking – I use surfears for this.
Staying safe on the river is very important. I carry a range of safety equipment (and have done the training to know how to use it) including a specific kayak throwline, whistle, tape, and carabiniers.
I like my Palm Equipment Neoflex top and leggings for paddling when the temperatures are too warm for dry kit, but not warm enough for just a rash vest!