14 Thrilling Gift Ideas For Whitewater Kayakers

Whitewater kayaking is an adrenaline pumping thrill ride, so get your loved one a gift that can match this excitement.

Once you've got the whitewater kayaking bug, it's hard to turn back, as it's a thrilling, challenging, and super exciting white knuckle ride that makes you feel alive.

And it's fantastic exercise too, building strength and coordination as you fight against the strong currents and rips.

Not to mention the benefits of getting out into nature and enjoying some amazing scenery.

So if you have a loved one that is into whitewater kayaking, then how about getting them a gift that they can use while out on the water.

As the following list of gift ideas for whitewater kayakers includes most of the things that they would use and really appreciate.

1. A Paddle That Can Stand Up To The Task

Getting a whitewater kayaker a high quality paddle is a top gift idea, as using the right one can really improve their performance and capabilities.

However, this is a tough one to pull off, as there are many different sizes and types of kayak paddles, and which one they'd like may be down to personal choice.

But if you want to take a chance on one that is great for whitewater kayaking specifically, then the Werner Desperado paddle is a good choice.

2. A Spray Skirt To Keep The Water Out

A spray skirt is a vital piece of equipment for a whitewater kayaker, as without one their kayak would quickly fill up with water and sink!

So these make for a nice gift idea, especially for a kayaker who is just starting out with whitewater runs.

And for this you'll need to do some research, as you'll need to know the tube cockpit and deck size of their kayak to make sure you find one that fits it perfectly.

But once you do, a good spray skirt to look at is the Immersion Research Klingon.

3. Float Bags To Keep Them Buoyant

It's a good idea to add a float bag to your kayak, as this creates buoyancy and keeps water from filling it up if and when you flip out, which is common when navigating whitewater currents.

So these make for a great gift for any kayaker who hasn't already got one, with a popular option being the NRS Rodeo split stern float bags.

As these fit either side of the stern to give them the extra safety and peace of mind when out on the river.

4. A Kayaking Helmet To Protect Their Head

Whitewater kayaking is an intense and sometimes dangerous sport, as you fly down rivers and ravines with super strong currents that are flanked by rocks and other hazardous surfaces.

So it's essential that you wear a protective helmet when out on the water, as the last thing you want is to bang your head and lose consciousness.

And this means that a gift of a high quality kayak helmet such as the WRSI Current Pro is one that will go down well, and also give you peace of mind that you are helping to keep them safe.

5. A High Quality PFD Lifejacket

Another essential piece of safety equipment for a whitewater kayaker that would also make for a brilliant gift is a PFD lifejacket.

As this will ensure that the kayaker has buoyancy to stay afloat if they capsize out of their kayak, which is super important in waters with such powerful currents.

And one that is super popular among kayakers is the Astral Bluejacket PFD lifejacket.

6. A Full On Dry Suit For Comfort On The Water

Many whitewater kayakers swear by wearing a dry suit every time they go out on the river.

As these all in one suits are perfect for whitewater kayaking, as they keep you dry and warm, but are also loose fitting and super comfortable to wear.

So they aren't restricted in any way, and the water has no way to get in and make them feel uncomfortable.

And there are plenty of different dry suits you could get as a gift, ranging massively in price, with one of the best (albeit pricey) options being the Kokatat Hydrus Swift dry suit.

7. Hydroskin Clothing To Keep Them Warm

If your favourite kayaker goes out on the river during the winter months, then they'll need to keep themselves warm and protected against the cold water and weather.

And this is where the NRS Hydroskin range comes in, as these neoprene garments lock in their body warmth while also keeping them nice and dry.

So check out their pants, jackets, and short and long-sleeve shirts for a gift that every kayaker would appreciate.

8. A Pair Of Water Boots With Good Grip

Water shoes are also a good gift idea for whitewater kayakers, as the grip they provide helps to protect them when climbing over slippery or hard surfaces when out of the kayak.

And the good thing about water shoes is they are quick drying too, which means if they get wet it will only be temporary.

So check out the Astral Hiyak water boots for a pair that are ideal for kayakers.

9. A Pair Of Paddle Grips To Avoid Blisters

Gripping and working with your paddle for hours at a time while fighting through extreme currents and turns when whitewater kayaking can quickly lead to blisters, callouses, and fatigued hands.

So a great little gift idea to get them are the Yakgrips paddle grips.

As these padded grips fit onto any paddle to provide more comfort and less friction for hard working hands.

10. A Stylish Dry Bag For All Their Gear

Kayakers can never have enough dry bags, as these are essential items to take on kayaking expeditions so they can keep all their clothes and other items dry.

And there are plenty of good options to go for here such as Sealline, NRS, or Sea To Summit bags, which come in a range of shapes and sizes.

However, if you want to really treat them, then you can't beat the Watershed dry bags, with the 10L Watershed Ocoee duffel dry bag being perfect as a gift.

11. Dry Containers For Their Phone And Camera

As well as keeping their clothes and other items dry on the river, a kayaker also has to take care of their electronics too, such as their smartphones and cameras.

So getting them a secure dry container is ideal as a small gift for them, such as the Pelican 1060 micro case.

As this one will keep the water out, protect against any bumps and knocks, and can be attached to the kayak to prevent it moving around.

12. A Bilge Pump To Get Water Out Of The Kayak

If your loved one kayaks without a good spray skirt while whitewater kayaking, then they run the risk of being flooded with water when rolling and flipping out.

And when that is the case, they'll need a bilge pump, as these pumps work to clear the water back out of the kayak and into the river where it should be.

So for a super useful gift that should be part of every kayakers kit, check out the Best Marine manual bilge pump.

13. An Action Camera To Capture All The Thrills

Whitewater kayaking is epic, and there's no better way to capture all the action than with an action camera.

Which means a GoPro Hero 9 is a really special gift idea.

As this way they can enjoy their kayaking experience for a second time from the comfort of the couch, and also share it with their friends too.

14. An Illustrated Book On Whitewater Kayaking Techniques

A book about kayaking is our final gift idea here, as this is a fairly safe bet if you can't decide on anything else.

And one book I'd recommend getting them is 'Kayak:The New Frontier' by William Nealy.

As this is a classic book full of funny animations that detail many different whitewater kayaking techniques and skills, so it's both fun and educational.

Rounding Up

Whitewater rafting is a thrill a minute activity that tests your skill, fitness, and bravery levels constantly.

And once you've experienced it's delights, it's hard not to become hooked.

So if you have a friend who loves being out on the water, getting them a kayaking related gift they can get real use from is a great idea.

And I hope you've managed to find something suitable among our list of gift ideas for whitewater kayakers that I've given you here.