Onyx Paddle Sports Life Vest
I love my Onyx life vest, and I wear it. Bought another one just like it for my wife. She stuffs hers behind her seat. It’s lightweight and comfortable with a single breast pocket to store your phone and a whistle. The sides are mesh for breathability in Florida’s warm weather. Packs easily in my kayak gear box along with my kayak seats, dry bags, etc.
- Soft, lightweight flotation foam
- Mesh in lower back fits high back seats
- Attached whistle for safety
Sea to Summit Dry Bag
Sea to Summit is a premier maker of dry bags for kayaking, boating, hiking and camping. Available in multiple sizes, the top rolls down and clips to seal out water. The D-ring allows you to clip it on your kayak so it doesn’t roll off and float away. Larger sizes are perfect for keeping sleeping bags bone dry on overnight kayak adventures.
- Lightweight 4-liter roll-top dry sack is a do-it-all dry storage and organizing option for backpacking, hiking, camping, sea kayaking, ski…
- Manufactured from lightweight PU-coated 70D nylon; 10,000mm waterhead (the higher the waterhead rating, the more waterproof the fabric)
- Waterproof seams are tape sealed; secure hypalon roll-top closure with D-ring for easy attachment
Kayak Tie-Downs
I bought these for tying down my kayas to my truck bed as a safety net in case my tie-down straps loosen on the highway. They are super easy to snap into place, and the lines easily ratchet down to tighten. I like them so much, I just ordered a second pair to replace the tie-downs on my second kayak.
- EASY & SAFETY & MORE PRODUCTIVE：Without stretch rope or tie it in knots, just simply attach the two hooks on the anchor points and pull…
- ZERO STRETCH ABRASION-RESIST ROPE: The Super tough braided polypropylene rope is high strength, low stretch, UV resistant and adjustable…
- CONVENIENT THUMB LEVER RATCHET SYSTEM: Never worry about stretching, snapping back or lossening, the rotating spool with interior die cast…
Yakgrips Paddle Grips
Perfect stocking stuffers. We are big fans of these cushioned paddle grips and have them on all our paddles. Designed for use on two-part paddles, they are a tight fit and don’t slip while paddling, and they are really easy on the hands, especially effective at preventing blisters on longer paddles.
- CONFORMS TO THE CURVE OF YOUR HAND: This high-quality, patented design cushioned paddle grip makes paddling more enjoyable because it…
- CONFORMS TO THE CURVE OF YOUR HAND: This high-quality, patented design cushioned paddle grip makes paddling more enjoyable because it…
- QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION: At Cascade Creek, we know you’re eager to get on the water and minimize setup time. Yakgrips are a breeze to…
Florida Keys Paddling Guide
Our long-time favorite guide for kayaking and paddle-boarding in the Florida Keys, compiled and written by Keys kayaking guru Bill Keogh, who is based on Big Pine Key. From Key Largo to Key West, Keogh identifies 67 kayak launches with detailed descriptions of 47 kayaking adventures. Hands down, the bible of Keys kayaking. Buy it new for $22.95 or used for $4.50 and up.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Keogh, Bill (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 224 Pages – 02/01/2004 (Publication Date) – Countryman Press (Publisher)
Basic Recreational Kayaks
These kayaks are excellent choices for most people, but buying a kayak is personal. We recommend visiting a local kayak dealer, where you can try before you buy. Independent dealers often offer discounts on accessories when you purchase a kayak from them. Your dealer will also explain the whys and wherefores of wide and narrow beams, lengths, color choices, etc. For more information about buying a kayak, read Buying a kayak: It’s personal
Perception Flash 9.5 Kayak
Perception is one of the most popular manufacturers of roto-molded recreational kayaks. We purchased a similar version of this 9.5-foot model more than 20 years ago, and it still rides great and looks new. This newer model has welcome additions: a storage port and fishing rod holders. Weighs 41 pounds. (Ships free with Amazon Prime.)
- Experience Premium Performance: The Perception Flash 9.5 Sit Inside Kayak delivers an exceptional blend of stability and quick, nimble…
- Lightweight for Ease of Use: At a weight of just 41 lbs, this kayak is easy to carry and maneuver. Its compact size doesn’t compromise its…
- Versatile and Ready for Adventure: Built-in rod holders make this kayak an angler’s dream, while the rear storage compartment provides ample…
Wilderness Systems Pungo
This is my next kayak. Right now, I own a 12-foot sit-on-top Hobie kayak that I love, but it has its limitations. I kayak often in alligator-infested waters, and while I’m not bothered by my reptilean friends, I would feel more secure and better balanced if my butt were lower in the water and better protected. Sit-insides like this Pungo are more comfortable, and I love the dashboard for keeping drinks, phones and gear in reach. (Ships free with Amazon Prime)
- A best-selling sit-inside Recreation kayak for larger paddlers
- Best-in-class speed makes the Pungo the easiest to Paddle and most efficient kayak in its class
- The renowned hull offers reassuring stability without sacrificing performance
Basic Kayak Paddles
Kayak paddles come in a wide range of materials and an even wider range of price points. The paddles listed here are excellent choices for casual recreational use, but they may not be the best choice for everyone. Again, your local kayak dealer will give you the best advice.
Carlisle Day-Tripper
Carlisle paddles are good quality and moderately priced, designed for the casual recreation paddler and suitable for that purpose. This paddle is superior to those you will find in big-box retailers and should last for many years.
- Carlisle’s asymmetrical polypropylene blades are shaped to produce smooth, efficient strokes, perfect for an afternoon on the water.
- A lightweight anodized aluminum shaft features an oval construction for quick hand placement and firmer gripping.
- Use the pushbutton takedown to feather the blades at 60 degrees or inline for right- or left-handed control.
Perception Outlaw
This is a versatile kayak paddle that can also be adapted for stand-up paddle boards. The length is adjustable to your comfort zone. I don’t own this paddle, but it’s highly rated and made by a respected kayak manufacturer.
- Three-piece design allows paddler to easily convert from kayak to SUP paddle – so that Outlaw owners can more easily paddle their boat from…
- Comes with grip/shaft that can be exchanged with one of the blades for the standup paddling mode
- 230cm base paddle with up to 20cm of additional length adjustment
Bob Rountree is a beach bum, angler and camper who has explored Florida for decades. No adventure is complete without a scenic paddle trail or unpaved road to nowhere. Bob co-founded FloridaRambler.com with fellow journalist Bonnie Gross 14 years ago.