A Great Day on the Water
A great day on the water is what we all expect when we gear up, get in the kayak, and start paddling around on our favorite waterways, but that great day can be far from the end result when we cut corners and ignore advice from pro staffers everywhere. We here at The Yak Shak want to make it easy for newcomers to the sport along with seasoned veterans to know what to bring with you on your adventures. If there is any common misconception in the paddlesports industry, then the idea of only needing a boat and a paddle may be the most common of them all.
Whether you are planning to be on the water for a few minutes or for a few hours, there are certain accessories and features for your watercraft you need to consider. Some of them may seem luxury, but in some cases are extremely necessary. The goal of any recreational outing needs to be safe, smart, and enjoyable all at the same time, and it is our mission to provide these experiences every time we help gear any individual of any skill level before they go kayaking. With safety in mind first and foremost, we cannot stress enough the importance of your apparel and other carry-ons for your kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
The sun is a burning ball of fire doing everything it can to harm us and the earth itself. If it were not for the ozone layer and the skin on our bodies, then the sun would succeed very easily and there would be nothing we could do to stop it. Now that we have your attention, please remember to take care of your skin and hydrate your body when you are out battling the elements throughout the year. AFTCO and Heybo provide incredibly reliable apparel options to stay comfortable under the sun, and since Feelfree Kayaks have molded-in cup holders on almost all models please do not forget to stock plenty of extra water and bring sunscreen onboard during your trips as well.
Other common paddlesport staples to keep in your boat might include leashes for your paddle and fishing rods, one or two dry bags of various sizes, tackle and nautical storage containers such as a first-aid kit, a cooler for snacks and extra water, and other go-to fishing and kayaking accessories. These latter items include sunglasses, headwear, a fishing net, Line Cutterz, fishing tackle, a digital camera, fish attractant, and maybe an anchor system. We are here to help provide where we can, and if we do not have it then we will tell you where to find it!
Since the paddle may be your first accessory to consider, keep in mind Bending Branches is our paddle dealer. We want you to have the best in the business for this crucial accessory, and these paddles have a lifetime warranty and are made here in the USA. Also, a PFD (personal flotation device) is a requirement by law, so take a look at the lineup we have from NRS online and in the Shak as well. Our floating sunglasses from Rheos are polarized and are incredibly affordable, so come try on a pair in the store or take a look online to protect your precious eyes from the sun. Lastly, there are other strategic and high-ticket items such as trolling motors, fish finders, and LED lights that can certainly increase a kayak’s value, but we do not consider these upgrades vital out on the ocean, lake, river, creek, or pond.
Practice makes perfect and everyone has their own routines and preferences when it comes to a day on the water, so rentals are a great alternative to buying your own boat. They give you that needed time to truly learn your style, and rentals help to start figuring out what ideal luggage you want to bring with you next time. Please make sure to ask any and all questions you can think of before going out or trying to do too much on your own. This sport is growing, and it will continue to get better and better. Our organization will focus on keeping everyone informed and equipped while keeping up with the latest trends in our industry. Be safe, be smart, and as always please enjoy the great outdoors responsibly!
