Holiday Gift Guide for Whitewater Kayakers - 2018
Ty Skoe
With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start thinking about the whitewater kayakers on your list. Kayakers demand technical and high performing gear and it can be easy for both paddlers and non-paddlers to be overwhelmed while shopping for the boaters on their shopping list. Here is a list of some of our top picks for 2018 gifts!
One of our top selling kayaks over the last few seasons, the Jackson Kayak Antix is sure to make any paddler ecstatic come Christmas Day. The Antix is oneof the best river running boats on the market, featuring a high volume bow that rides high and dry over features of all types and a low volume stern that can easily be engaged for squirts, splats and pivot turns. Whether you are shopping for a beginner, intermediate or expert paddler, the Antix is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
A long time favorite of top paddlers around the world, the Astral Green Jacket is the industry’s premier type V rescue vest. The Green Jacket features all of the necessary safety equipment for expedition kayakers and is a great tool for kayak instructors thanks to the easy to use quick-release belt. The GreenJacket comes standard in three colors; red, blue, and black, but is also available in a limited edition model designed by kayaking legend Rush Sturges. The Limited Edition is incredibly stylish, so get them while they’re hot!
Another long time favorite of top paddlers, the Sweet Protection Wanderer helmet makes for an excellent gift. The Wanderer is made using a combination ofstrong ABS plastic and carbon fiber inlays to create an ultra safe helmet. The helmet is vented, making it perfect for warmer days on the water. For colder days, the Wanderer can be outfitted with optional Ear Pads (sold separately).
Since their entry into the world of whitewater in 1997, Immersion Research has made a reputation of producing the best skirts on the market. The Lucky Charm is no exception. Using a proprietary tri-fin rand design, the Lucky Charm locks onto cockpits of all shapes and sizes, forming a dry and bomber seal.The reinforced Supratex construction is strong and durable, helping the skirt last for season after season. The For the class V paddler on your list, the Lucky Charm is a no-brainer.
Though the 2018 race season may have come to an end, it is never too early to start training. For the competitive whitewater racer on your list, look no further than the race-inspired Werner Odachi. The Odachi has an offset blade that helps grab extra water with each stroke generating more power than traditional paddle. Though it is considered a race paddle, the Odachi can easily be used as an everyday day paddle.
Revamped for 2018, the Astral Rassler 2.0 is the perfect shoe for the expedition kayaker in your life. Using Astral’s proven Gss rubber sole, the Rasslerprovides unmatched grip on wet surfaces. The padded ankles offer enhanced support and help lock the shoe onto your foot while the shoe’s balanced geometry levels out the heel and ball helping with agility and balance in tough spots.
Part dry-bag, part float bag, the Watershed Futa Float is an incredibly useful piece of gear. Whether you are loading it up with gear for a self-support trip down the Grand Canyon or just using it to store extra necessities for the day, the Futa Float provides reliable, dry storage that easily fits in the stern of many different whitewater boats. Once packed and stuffed in the stern, it can be inflated to provide flotation in the event of a swim.
Gifts for Kayakers
Jackson Kayak Antix
One of our top selling kayaks over the last few seasons, the Jackson Kayak Antix is sure to make any paddler ecstatic come Christmas Day. The Antix is oneof the best river running boats on the market, featuring a high volume bow that rides high and dry over features of all types and a low volume stern that can easily be engaged for squirts, splats and pivot turns. Whether you are shopping for a beginner, intermediate or expert paddler, the Antix is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Astral Green Jacket LE10
A long time favorite of top paddlers around the world, the Astral Green Jacket is the industry’s premier type V rescue vest. The Green Jacket features all of the necessary safety equipment for expedition kayakers and is a great tool for kayak instructors thanks to the easy to use quick-release belt. The GreenJacket comes standard in three colors; red, blue, and black, but is also available in a limited edition model designed by kayaking legend Rush Sturges. The Limited Edition is incredibly stylish, so get them while they’re hot!
Sweet Wanderer Helmet
Another long time favorite of top paddlers, the Sweet Protection Wanderer helmet makes for an excellent gift. The Wanderer is made using a combination ofstrong ABS plastic and carbon fiber inlays to create an ultra safe helmet. The helmet is vented, making it perfect for warmer days on the water. For colder days, the Wanderer can be outfitted with optional Ear Pads (sold separately).
Immersion Research Lucky Charm Spray Skirt
Since their entry into the world of whitewater in 1997, Immersion Research has made a reputation of producing the best skirts on the market. The Lucky Charm is no exception. Using a proprietary tri-fin rand design, the Lucky Charm locks onto cockpits of all shapes and sizes, forming a dry and bomber seal.The reinforced Supratex construction is strong and durable, helping the skirt last for season after season. The For the class V paddler on your list, the Lucky Charm is a no-brainer.
Werner Odachi Paddle
Though the 2018 race season may have come to an end, it is never too early to start training. For the competitive whitewater racer on your list, look no further than the race-inspired Werner Odachi. The Odachi has an offset blade that helps grab extra water with each stroke generating more power than traditional paddle. Though it is considered a race paddle, the Odachi can easily be used as an everyday day paddle.
Astral Rassler 2.0
Revamped for 2018, the Astral Rassler 2.0 is the perfect shoe for the expedition kayaker in your life. Using Astral’s proven Gss rubber sole, the Rasslerprovides unmatched grip on wet surfaces. The padded ankles offer enhanced support and help lock the shoe onto your foot while the shoe’s balanced geometry levels out the heel and ball helping with agility and balance in tough spots.
Watershed Futa Float
Part dry-bag, part float bag, the Watershed Futa Float is an incredibly useful piece of gear. Whether you are loading it up with gear for a self-support trip down the Grand Canyon or just using it to store extra necessities for the day, the Futa Float provides reliable, dry storage that easily fits in the stern of many different whitewater boats. Once packed and stuffed in the stern, it can be inflated to provide flotation in the event of a swim.