Your 2024 Paddling Holiday Gift Guide
Your 2024 Paddling Holiday Gift Guide
With the holidays approaching and online deals in full effect, now is the best time to hunt down the perfect gift for the paddler in your life. Often, the hardest part about shopping for a paddler is finding the perfect item at the perfect price point. Paddling gifts can range from a few dollars to several thousand, which makes sorting through all the options a daunting task.
Instead of giving yourself a headache searching the internet blindly for the perfect gift, we have consolidated the offerings and selected some incredible and unique gift options. The list below has gifts separated into five different price categories, which means regardless of your budget, you’ll find an incredible gift for the paddling lover in your life.
Important Holiday Shipping Deadlines
- Order from Retrospec by 12/15 to get it by 12/25
- Order from REI by 12/20 to get it by 12/25
- Order from Backcountry by 12/17 to get it by 12/25
- Order from Bass Pro by 12/20 for free express delivery by 12/25
The Best Paddling Gifts For Under $20
Nalgene Sustain Graphic Narrow-Mouth Water Bottle (32 fl. oz)
It’s essential to stay hydrated while you paddle, but it isn’t always easy. Having a lightweight and easily accessible water bottle like this Nalgene is a great way to get your water intake. With a 32-ounce capacity, this is a great size for casual paddling adventures.
Waterproof Phone Case
Hardly anyone is caught without their phone, even when paddling on open water. After all, a cell phone often acts as a navigation, communication, and camera while paddling. Therefore, a reliable phone case is essential. Most paddlers have a waterproof phone case, but they could probably use an upgrade.
Check out Our Picks For Waterproof Phone Cases.
Chums Glassfloat Classic Floating Sunglass Retainer
It’s important to have eye protection while paddling. This eyewear isn’t always cheap, as many top paddling and angling sunglasses cost well over $100. Make sure you have a sunglasses retainer like the Chums Glassfloat classic floating retainer.
This inexpensive gift will help keep sunglasses secure on a paddler’s body and will float on the off-chance your glasses fall into the water.
Thinksport Clear Zinc SPF 50 Sunscreen
No matter the weather, the paddler in your life needs sun protection. Sunscreen must be worn even when it’s cloudy, as harmful UV rays can damage skin at any time, especially when you are as exposed as a paddler on the water.
This Thinksport zinc sunscreen is a broad-spectrum and effective sunscreen, and tends to cause fewer allergic reactions. This clear zinc sunscreen is great for active paddlers and makes a great lower-priced or stocking-stuffer gift for a paddler.
Fox 40 Classic Safety Whistle
A paddling whistle is a small piece of equipment that costs very little, takes up hardly any space, but can save a paddler’s life. A paddler must include a whistle or noise maker of some kind in his or her paddling safety essentials kit. Show the paddler in your life you care about his safety on the water by purchasing this very inexpensive Fox 40 safety whistle.
The Best Paddling Gifts Under $50
Sea To Summit Lightweight Dry Bag
Paddlers should always have a dry bag, and pack it with essentials. Without a quality dry bag, items like first aid, clothing, electronics, and food, can get destroyed if the paddling vessel takes on water or capsizes.
Sea To Summit makes great dry bags. The paddler in your life likely has a dry bag, but with so many sizes to choose from, you can likely find at least one sized bag he or she doesn’t have yet.
Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized and UV-protectant sunglasses are another paddling essential. Not only do these sunglasses protect your eyes, but polarized lenses make it much easier to see on the water. Without them it’s easy to hit rocks or coral just beneath the surface or get blinded by glare.
To find the perfect style of sunglasses for the paddler you are shopping for, try looking at the many polarized options on Backcountry, including various frames from Goodr and Knockaround.
Check Prices at BackcountryBOTE Coiled Leash
Most SUP boards come with some sort of leash, but the included leashes aren’t always the best and they don’t last forever. If you notice that your loved one’s SUP leash is always getting in the way, or dragging in the water, then it’s time for a coiled leash. BOTE makes this great and durable coiled leash that will keep your leash from dragging in the water and on land.
Sun Protective Shirt
Sunscreen isn’t cheap, and it can get annoying having to re-apply it every few hours. One great way to reduce the amount of sunscreen you need to wear without sacrificing sun protection is SPF clothing.
REI has a great selection of sun-protective shirts and hoodies that will keep the paddler in your life looking great and sunburn-free at the same time.
Sea To Summit DryLite Towel
Every paddler needs a good quick-dry towel. It’s inevitable that a paddler eventually gets wet on a paddling route. Quick dry towels, like this option from Sea To Summit, are great because they don’t take up much space in your dry bag. Furthermore, these towels dry so fast you can use them more than once a day - making it great for those who take frequent all-day paddling excursions.
The Best Paddling Gifts Under $100
NRS Kinetic Water Shoe
Paddling footwear is essential, especially when you plan on launching or landing your kayak in unknown locations. These lightweight NRS kinetic water shoes have soft rubber soles that provide traction and support. The limestone-based neoprene provides warmth on cold days with an eco-friendly touch.
Kokatat X-Jacket
This Kokatat X-jacket is ideal for the paddler who likes venturing out before and after the peak summer months. It provides warmth from cool winds as well as splash protection.
The lower back zipper pocket transforms into a hip-pack, providing easy-access storage, which is perfect for kayakers and SUP boarders who need easy-to-reach storage. This jacket even blocks the sun with its 50 SPF UV protective material.
NRS 2.0 Shorty Wetsuit
A wetsuit is essential for paddling in colder waters, but they aren’t always comfortable to wear when paddling. You can even overheat and find it difficult to paddle. This 2.0 shorty wetsuit from NRS is ideal for paddlers who need some added warmth but don’t want to overheat or sacrifice their ability to paddle. It’s a shortie, so it allows your legs to breathe, and you will still have a full range of motion when kayaking or paddling on a SUP board.
Packtowl Changing Poncho
Changing in and out of paddling gear can be tricky and downright annoying. If the paddler in your life is often shimmying in and out of wet clothes in parking lots, then it’s time to give the gift of a changing poncho.
This changing poncho from Packtowl comes in various sizes and designs, making it a great gift for paddlers of all sizes. Its fibers dry fast, making it great for wet paddlers on the go, and it even has odor control so it won’t stink up the car like your other paddling towels.
REI Co-op Cool Haul 12 Soft Cooler
If the paddler in your life likes all-day or multi-day paddling adventures, then a reliable cooler is essential. Coolers keep perishable food and drinks cold and allow for refreshing cold beverages after a long day of paddling.
This soft cooler from REI is easy to store in front of most SUP boards, as well as kayaks and canoes. It can keep up to 12 beverages cold, or a combination of beverages and food.
The Best Paddling Gifts Under $200
HydroSkin 0.5 Long-Sleeve Shirt
This hydroskin is the perfect shirt for cooler paddling weather, especially when a wetsuit feels like too much. This long-sleeved NRS HydroSkin locks in body warmth and repels water. It’s comfortable yet form-fitting.
This is the perfect item for people who like paddling in early spring and late fall but don’t like wearing a full wetsuit when paddling.
3.0 John Wetsuit
If the paddler needs a high-performance paddling-friendly wetsuit, look no further than this 3mm John wetsuit from NRS. Priced affordably under $200, this suit’s high-stretch neoprene provides great flexibility and warmth.
The armholes are generous so you have complete freedom of movement when paddling. It’s the perfect all-around wetsuit for maintaining body heat in colder conditions without feeling hindered by a bulky wetsuit.
A New Canoe, Kayak, or SUP Paddle
If the paddler in your life has a paddle that doesn’t quite match his or her passion for watersports, then you may want to give the gift of a new paddle. Make sure you know how to pick the perfect paddler based on size and paddling interest. REI has a great selection of SUP and kayak paddles for $200 or less.
A New PFD
A new PFD can cost anywhere from $30 to well over $400. If the paddler you are shopping for has a worn-out or ill-fitting life jacket, consider splurging on a new one. Opt for a PFD that fits, has some useful pockets, and doesn’t hinder your loved one’s paddling stroke.
BOTE Aero SUP Paddle Seat
If the person you are shopping for has a great SUP board but no kayak, then this BOTE Aero SUP paddle seat is the ultimate holiday gift. This inflatable seat is compatible with any Travelink and KULA-compatible boards and is easy to clip in.
In just moments, the paddler in your life can transform a sup board into a sit-on-top kayak vessel. The seat is elevated and angled for premium comfort and support.
The Best Paddling Gifts When Money Is No Object
If you can’t decide whether you should buy your loved one an inflatable SUP or a kayak, then opt for the Retrospec Weekender Plus. This two-in-one paddling vessel from Retrospec works great as an iSUP and also as a sit-on-top kayak.
This hybrid board comes fully equipped with a kayak seat, hybrid paddles, a pump, a leash, and everything else you need to have a great time SUPing or kayaking.
GPS Sports Watch
When paddling you should have accurate GPS navigation equipment on you at all times. This helps you stay on your paddling route and prevents you from getting lost. While many devices use GPS, a smart sports watch is ideal for paddlers.
GPS watches are waterproof and easy to access, with tons of features. They also allow you to check important navigation and activity details without having to rummage through your dry bag. REI has a ton of GPS watches, and several top models are on sale well below $200 for the holiday season.
GoPro HERO13 Action Camera
Any avid paddler can tell you that there’s no better way to document a water adventure than with a GoPro. If you want to wow the paddling lover in your life, then consider splurging on the latest and greatest GoPro model - the HERO13.
This Go Pro has HB-Series Lenses with Auto-Detect, allowing for crisp video that’s always in focus. It is also ready for magnetic latching, with new slow-motion technology, and extended battery potential.
Dry Suit
If the paddler in your life would love to paddle in the snowy winter months but doesn’t have the funds for a dry suit, then consider gifting one this holiday season.
Dry suit prices start at around $800 to well over $1,000, so it’s wise to find out the exact measurements and style of dry suit the paddler in your life desires most. Backcountry has lots of top brand options to choose from Level Six to Kokatat.
A Bucket-List Paddling Trip
Lastly, if you are shopping for a paddler who seems to have everything, and has a vacation budget you are looking to spend, consider booking a paddling trip for you and the paddling lover in your life.
There are incredible bucket-list paddling destinations in the United States and some iconic locations around the world. If you are looking to escape the cold, you can book a trip somewhere warm where the paddling is incredible and unique. This is a gift that might be costly, but will live on forever in photos and fond memories.
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