Essential Items for a More Comfortable Day on the Water
Despite the advances made in kayaks and canoes over the past several decades, paddling remains a rugged sport — and that's a big part of its appeal. But the challenge can take a toll on your body. From blisters to back and shoulder pain, an injury can cut your day short or keep you off the water for weeks.
The ARC staff collectively has more than a century of paddling experience, with plenty of good days and bad ones. Here's what we've learned — sometimes the hard way — about staying comfortable and injury-free:
- Take care of your hands.
- Dress and gear up comfortably.
- Limit repetitive motion stress.
- Beat the heat.
Fortunately, there's a wealth of gear designed to help. Here are our top picks.
1. The Right PFD
Your PFD choice should emphasize fit and feel, not fashion. First and foremost, a PFD keeps you safe — especially in the event of cold water shock, strong currents, or injury. Modern PFDs are also designed with comfort and mobility in mind, allowing full range of motion while paddling and offering useful features like pockets and attachment tabs.
What to Look For:
- Fit: Snug but not restrictive. If your PFD rides up over your chin or grazes your ears, it's too loose.
- Buoyancy: Make sure it provides enough flotation for your body weight and water conditions.
- Material: Look for durable, breathable fabrics suited to your paddling climate.
- Type: Type III is the most common choice for kayakers, offering the best balance of buoyancy and comfort.
Top Picks:
- Astral Greenjacket PFD — Best for whitewater and sea kayaking. PVC-free Gaia and PE foam with a nylon shell and liner.
- Stohlquist Fit PFD — Top pick for value. U.S. Coast Guard approved with high mobility, lightweight PE foam, and a 200D nylon outer shell.
- NRS Chinook PFD — Built for kayak anglers, with a rod holder loop and five front pockets. 400-denier ripstop nylon outer fabric.
- Stohlquist Piseas PFD — Multiple pockets and open sides for ventilation. 420-denier Cordura® shell with 210-denier oxford liner.
- Astral Layla Women's PFD — Designed for a comfortable, soft fit for women. Organic kapok, PVC-free Gaia and PE foam with a ripstop nylon shell.
2. A Quality Paddle
At a stroke rate of 60 strokes per minute, a paddler moving at three miles per hour swings their paddle 600 times in just 10 minutes — moving roughly 6,000 gallons of water. Doing that with a heavy, oversized, or poorly fitted paddle makes for a miserable day and sore days after. A quality paddle improves control, reduces strain, and cuts the energy cost of every stroke.
What to Look For:
- Length: Determined by your height, kayak width, and paddling style.
- Blade shape: Symmetrical blades suit whitewater; asymmetrical blades are better for recreational paddling.
- Material: Aluminum and plastic are affordable but heavier. Carbon fiber is the lightest (and most expensive). Fiberglass offers a solid middle ground.
Top Picks:
- Bending Branches Angler Navigator Hybrid Paddle — A staff favorite for its light weight (28 oz), performance, and looks.
- Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid Kayak Paddle — Ideal for flatwater, racing, and fishing. Fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades sized for power and control.
- Bending Branches Loon Canoe Paddle — A near-perfect canoe paddle with a classic palm grip and solid basswood shaft.
- Bending Branches Sunrise Kayak Paddle — Best value in a fiberglass shaft. Lightweight at just 35 oz.
- Old Town Standard T-Grip Canoe Paddle — Durable and low-maintenance, with a high-impact polypropylene blade and full-clad aluminum shaft.
- Werner Desperado CF Whitewater Paddle — Carbon fiber reinforced blades made with recycled material. Efficient and environmentally conscious.
3. Gloves
Hands take a beating on the water. As the last point of contact between your body and the paddle, they're prone to blisters, calluses, and fatigue — especially for newer paddlers. Quality kayaking gloves improve grip in wet conditions, add warmth, and reduce fatigue. There's no shame in wearing them — most veteran paddlers have a favorite pair for good reason.
What to Look For:
- Material: Neoprene for cooler conditions; polyester or nylon for warm weather (quick-drying and breathable). Leather palms add durability and grip.
- Fit: Snug but not circulation-restricting. Too tight causes discomfort; too loose reduces paddle control.
- Grip: Textured or rubberized palms are essential for wet-condition paddle control.
Top Picks:
- NRS Men's Hydroskin Gloves — Great for spring and fall. Silicone palm pattern, ThermalPlush lining, and durable water repellent coating.
- NRS Women's Boaters Gloves — Designed for women's hands with H2Core™ Rashguard material, synthetic leather palms, and an open-finger design for dexterity.
- NRS Castaway Gloves — Built for anglers with an open-finger design for dexterity and grip.
- NRS Hydroskin 2.0 Forecast Glove — Neoprene warmth with convertible thumb and fingertips for knot tying and fine motor tasks.
- Immersion Research Microwave Handwarmers — Keep a pair on hand for cold-weather days.
4. Seats & Seat Cushions
The rotational forces of paddling travel through your spine and tailbone with every stroke. A quality seat — or even a good cushion — can be the difference between a great day and a week of recovery. Seat cushions offer comfort, support, insulation, and improved endurance without requiring a full seat swap.
What to Look For:
- Material: Closed-cell foam is buoyant and waterproof. Gel provides superior pressure relief but may absorb water. Inflatable cushions are adjustable but susceptible to punctures.
- Thickness and density: Enough cushion to provide real comfort without raising your center of gravity or affecting paddling posture.
- Attachment: Straps or hooks keep the cushion in place during vigorous paddling or when getting in and out of the boat.
Top Picks:
- GCI SitBacker Canoe Seat — Straps onto your canoe bench for back support and cushioning. Folds flat and works in other seating situations too.
- Native Watercraft Kayak Kushion — Lightweight, durable, and secure. Drop it in your seat and go. Your back will thank you.
5. UV Protective Gear
You can't out-paddle the sun. While UPF 30+ sunscreen is essential, stopping to reapply breaks your rhythm. UV-protective clothing solves that problem — blocking rays while offering cooling fabrics and full coverage. Investing in the right sun gear improves comfort, endurance, and long-term skin health.
What to Look For:
- UPF rating: UPF 50+ is ideal for long hours under direct sun.
- Coverage: Long sleeves, high necks, hoods, and long pants maximize protection.
- Material: Polyester, nylon, wool, and silk block UV rays better than bleached cotton. Some fabrics are treated with UV-absorbing chemicals for added protection.
Top Picks:
- Kokatat Destination Paddling Shirt — Lightweight and ideal for warm-weather paddling and fishing. UPF 30+ with a full front zipper and ventilation.
- ARC-Branded Huk Waypoint Hoodie — UPF 50+ with a hood to protect your neck and scalp, plus the ARC logo.
- Kokatat X-Jacket — Wear alone or over a base layer. Four-way stretch nylon with UPF 50+ protection.
- Immersion Research Thick Skin Pants — Warm and dry with a double-sided fleece baselayer and UPF 40+ rating.
- Immersion Research Women's Thick Skin Pants — Same performance and construction, designed for women.
Prioritizing comfort makes all the difference. The items above aren't just accessories — they're the gear that keeps you safe, comfortable, and on the water longer. A comfortable paddler is a happy paddler.
Ready to gear up? Stop by the store or give us a call. We'll match you with gear that fits your boat and your paddling goals — backed by the expert advice we've been known for since 1977.
For the love of paddling, since 1977.
