Despite the advances made in kayaks and canoes over the past several decades, paddling remains a rugged sport. This timeless appeal draws enthusiasts who love not only the thrill of being out on the water but also the raw, natural challenge it presents. 

Unfortunately, that challenge can sometimes take a toll on a paddler’s body. From minor discomforts like blisters to more debilitating injuries like back and shoulder pain, a paddling injury can quickly shorten your time on the water or even keep you on the shore for days or weeks at a time.

However, the ARC staff collectively has more than a century of paddling experience with plenty of days both good and bad, and we’ve learned a few things – sometimes the hard way. In no order, paddlers should do the following to stay injury free, or as close to it as possible:

• Take care of your hands.
• Dress and gear up comfortably.
• Limit repetitive motion stress and injury from paddling.
• Beat the heat.

Luckily for today’s paddlers, there’s a wealth of gear and accessories to enhance your comfort (and safety) on the water. Here are some of our top picks:  

1. The Right PFD
Even though personal floatation devices (PFDs) come in a ton of colors, your choice should emphasize fit and feel, not fashion. First and foremost, the role of a PFD is to keep you safe in the water — especially in the event of an unexpected challenge like cold water shock, strong currents or injury. Luckily, modern PFDs are also designed with comfort and mobility in mind. They allow for full range of motion while paddling and provide additional features like pockets for sunscreen and snacks and/or tabs to attach important equipment. 

What to Look For:

• Fit. While a PFD should fit snugly, it shouldn’t restrict breathing or movement. Pro-tip: If your PFD is riding up over the chin or grazing your ears, it’s too loose.
• Buoyancy: Make sure the PFD provides enough buoyancy to keep you afloat based on your body weight and water conditions. 
• Material: Look for durable materials that can withstand wear and tear. Also, consider the climate you’ll be paddling in. Some materials offer more breathability than others.
• Type: There are different types of PFDs (Type I, II, III, IV, V). Type III is the most common pick for kayakers due to its balance between buoyancy and comfort.

Top Picks:

1. Astral Greenjacket PFD - Best for whitewater/sea kayaking. PVC-free gaia and polyethylene (PE) foam with nylon shell and liner. 
2. Stohlquist Fit PFD - Top pick for affordability (and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard) while still offering high mobility for boaters. Lightweight PE buoyancy foam with a 200D nylon outer shell.
3. NRS Chinook PFD - A top pick for kayak anglers featuring attachments like a rod holder loop and five front pockets for fishing accessories. Outer fabric: 400-denier ripstop nylon.
4. Stohlquist Piseas PFD - “Full metal jacket cool” with a variety of pockets for convenience and open sides for ventilation. 420 denier Cordura® outer shell with 210 denier oxford liner.
5. Astral Layla Women's PFD - Designed to provide a comfortable — and super soft — fit for women, featuring organic kapok, PVC-free gaia and PE foam with a denier ripstop nylon shell.

2. A Quality Paddle

On average, it takes a stroke rate of 60 strokes per minute to move a kayak three miles per hour. That means for just 10 minutes on the water, the average paddler swings their paddle 600 times, moving about 6,000 gallons of water. Doing that with a heavy, oversized or improperly fitted paddle can make for a miserable day on the water and many sore days after. High-quality paddles offer control and stability in various water conditions, prevent strain and (even better) reduce the amount of energy expended per stroke. 

What to Look For:

• Length: Paddle length should be determined based on your height, the width of your kayak and your paddling style. 
• Blade shape and size: Symmetrical blades are good for whitewater, while asymmetrical are better for recreational kayaking. 
• Material: A paddle’s construction can affect performance and price. Aluminum and plastic, while more affordable, are heavier. Carbon fiber is the lightest (but most expensive). Fiberglass offers a good balance between cost and weight. 

Top Picks:

1. Bending Branches Angler Navigator Hybrid Paddle – A favorite of some of the ARC staff due to its light weight (28 ounces!), performance and looks. 
2. Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid Kayak Paddle - Ideal for flatwater, racing and kayak fishing. Fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades — oversized for better horsepower and control. 
3. Bending Branches Loon Canoe Paddle - Love canoeing? This one comes close to being a perfect canoe paddle, featuring a classic palm grip and solid basswood shaft. 
4. Bending Branches Sunrise Kayak Paddle - Best value you’ll find for a fiberglass shaft. Plus, it’s super lightweight at only 35 ounces!
5. Old Town Standard T-Grip Canoe Paddle - Super durable, low-maintenance canoe paddle with a high-impact polypropylene blade and full-clad aluminum shaft. 
6. Werner Desperado Cf Whitewater Paddle - Designed for efficient paddling and better for the environment! Carbon fiber reinforced injection molded blades are made with recycled material.

3. Gloves
For all the work paddlers do with their arms, legs and core, their hands may take the worst beating. As the last point of contact between the body and paddle, a paddler’s hands are subject to blisters, calluses and fatigue — especially for those who are just getting started. High-quality kayaking gloves offer improved grip on the paddle (even in wet conditions), warmth and cushioning. So remember: There’s no shame in using gloves  — and there’s a reason most veteran paddlers have a favorite pair! 

What to Look For: 

• Material. Neoprene is warmer and ideal for cooler conditions. Warmer weather? Try synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which dry quickly and offer breathability. Leather (sometimes incorporated in the palms of gloves) is durable and offers excellent grip.
• Fit: Gloves should fit snugly without cutting off circulation or restricting movement. Too tight, and they can cause discomfort. Too loose, and they reduce paddle control and efficiency.
• Grip: Look for gloves with textured or rubberized palms to enhance grip on the paddle, especially important in wet conditions.

Top Picks: 

1. NRS Men's Hydroskin Gloves - A good pick for spring and fall, when it’s too cold to go gloveless. Silicone palm pattern, ThermalPlush inner lining and durable water repellent coating. 
2. NRS Women's Boaters Gloves - Designed specifically for women’s hands with H2Core™ Rashguard material, synthetic leather palms for extra protection and silicone accents for grip. Open-finger design allows for maximum dexterity.
3. NRS Castaway Gloves – Specifically designed for anglers, they’re open finger to help with dexterity and grip. These things do it all.  
4. NRS Hydroskin 2.0 Forecast Glove - Great for kayak fishing! Deliver the warmth of neoprene with convertible thumb and finger tips to give you extra dexterity for knot tying.
5. Immersion Research Microwave Handwarmers - Keep these on hand for extra cold weather!

4. Seats & Seat Cushions
The rotational forces of moving a paddle travel up and down the spine and tailbone, meaning the quality of a paddler’s seat can make the difference between a good day on the water or a week of agonizing recovery. If you’re not in the market for a high-end seat, or if your kayak doesn’t allow for an easy swap, a seat cushion is a worthwhile investment, offering not just comfort, support and insulation but also increased endurance. 

What to Look For: 

• Material. Closed-cell foam is buoyant and waterproof. Gel cushions provide superior pressure relief (but may absorb water if not properly covered). Inflatable cushions mean you can adjust for firmness but are susceptible to punctures. 
• Thickness and Density: The cushion should be thick enough to provide real comfort without being so bulky that it affects your center of gravity or paddling posture.
• Attachment Features: Some cushions come with straps or hooks to secure them to the seat, which can be beneficial to ensure they stay in place during vigorous paddling or when entering and exiting the kayak.

Top Picks: 

1. GCI SitBacker Canoe Seat - The SitBacker straps onto your canoe bench to provide a back rest and added cushioning. As a bonus, it folds and locks, and it's versatile enough to use in another unforgiving sitting situations.
2. Native Watercraft Kayak Kushion - Lightweight, durable and secure, the Kayak Kushion does exactly what you want it to. Just throw it in your kayak seat and paddle away. Your back will thank you later.

5. UV Protective Gear
You can’t out-paddle the sun. And while 30+ UPF sunscreen is the best way to protect yourself from getting burned, stopping to reapply can break your flow. Thankfully, paddlers have other sun-proofing options like specially made shirts that do the same thing as sunscreen while also offering benefits like cooling fabric. Investing in UV protective gear will ultimately enhance your comfort, endurance and long-term skin health.

What to Look For: 

• UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) Rating: While 30+ UPF blocks out a significant percentage of UV radiation, the higher the UPF, the better the protection! UPF 50+ is ideal for long hours under direct sunlight.
• Coverage: Choose gear that covers as much skin as possible. Think: long sleeves, high necks, hoods and long pants.
• Material: Fabrics like polyester, nylon, wool and silk are better at blocking UV rays than bleached cotton. Some materials are specially treated with UV-absorbing chemicals during manufacturing, which enhances their protective properties.

Top Picks:

1. Kokatat Destination Paddling Shirt - Lightweight and perfect for warm weather paddling and kayak fishing. UPF 30+ with full front zipper and ventilation.
2. ARC-Branded Huk Waypoint Hoodie – In addition to being swagged out with the ARC logo, our Huk Waypoint Hoodie is rated UPF 50+ and has a hood to keep your neck and scalp protected.
3. Kokatat X-Jacket - Versatile enough to be worn alone or with a base layer. Features four-way stretch nylon and UPF 50+ protection. 
4. Immersion Research Thick Skin Pants - Keep you warm and dry with a soft double-sided fleece baselayer and a 40+ UPF rating. 
5. Immersion Research Women's Thick Skin Pants - The same awesome performance and construction as those above, designed specifically for women’s bodies. 

All of this is to say: Prioritizing comfort can make all the difference. The items listed above aren’t just accessories. They’re necessities that ensure safety and endurance. By choosing the right gear, you can focus more on the kayaking and less on the discomforts that can come with it. Remember: A comfortable paddler is a happy paddler. 

Ready to gear up properly? Stop by our store or give us a call. We’ll get you set up with gear that complements your boat and your paddling goals — all while offering the expert paddling advice we’ve been known for over the last 47 years. 

For the love of paddling, since 1977.