So you pulled the trigger on a kayak. Congrats – you’re about to discover one of the best ways to spend a morning. But before you load up and head to the lake, there are a few things you’ll need that might not be obvious when you’re standing in the store staring at your new boat.
I’m going to walk you through everything from the absolute essentials to the nice-to-haves that make your time on the water way more enjoyable.
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The Non-Negotiables
A Paddle (That Actually Fits You)
This sounds obvious, but I’ve seen people show up to the ramp assuming a paddle came with their kayak. It doesn’t.
More importantly, paddle size matters more than most beginners realize. The wrong length will have you fighting your own equipment instead of enjoying the water. Your height, kayak width, and paddling style all factor in.
Use our paddle size calculator to find the right length before you buy.
I started out with a two-piece aluminum paddle that was too short for me, though I didn’t realize it at the time. I spent my first summer getting familiar with my kayak and assumed my struggles were just part of the learning curve. Then I noticed my wife navigating her boat with noticeably less effort, and it got me thinking. After some research, I discovered I needed a 240–250 cm paddle instead of the shorter one I’d been using. The difference was immediate. I also upgraded from aluminum to carbon fiber, and the weight savings alone made longer paddling sessions far less fatiguing.
A PFD (Life Jacket)
In Oklahoma, you’re legally required to have a personal flotation device on board. But beyond the law, wearing one just makes sense – especially when you’re new and still figuring out your balance.
Skip the bulky orange vest from the bargain bin. Modern kayaking PFDs are designed to stay out of your way while paddling. Look for:
- High back design (doesn’t bunch up against your seat)
- Adjustable straps at shoulders and waist
- Pockets for small gear
My first PFD was designed for kayaking, but it was a bit too bulky for my liking. What I did appreciate was the storage: plenty of pockets for light fishing tackle, a line cutter, and pliers. When shopping for yours, prioritize a comfortable fit that can be adjusted to your frame.
And here’s a tip I learned the hard way: test your PFD in the water when you first get to the lake. You don’t want to discover it’s not adjusted correctly during an unexpected swim.
A Way to Get It There
Unless you live on the water, you need to transport your kayak. Your options:
- Roof rack with kayak cradles – Most secure, works with most vehicles. J-cradles save space if you have a smaller car.
- Foam blocks – Budget option that works fine for short trips. Less secure at highway speeds.
- Truck bed – If you drive a truck, a bed extender or tailgate pad keeps things simple.
- Kayak trailer – Overkill for one kayak, but worth considering if you’re hauling multiple boats.
We use the truck bed to haul our kayaks, which works great for shorter trips. Before you hit the road, make sure your kayaks are properly secured with rope or ratchet straps. I prefer ratchet straps because they’re easier to tighten and hold tension better over long drives. Run the straps over the hull and through the tie-down points in your truck bed, then give everything a firm tug to check for movement.
A loose kayak isn’t just a risk to your gear. It’s a hazard to other drivers. At highway speeds, an unsecured kayak can shift, fly out of the bed, or cause you to lose control. Take an extra minute to double-check your tie-downs before every trip, and pull over to inspect them if you’re driving long distances.
Safety Essentials
Whistle
A safety whistle is required by Coast Guard regulations on most waterways, so this one’s non-negotiable. The good news is it costs just a few bucks and takes up zero space. Clip a small whistle to your PFD and forget about it until you need it. You can also wear it around your neck on a lanyard, which is what I prefer since it’s easier to grab in an emergency.
Paddle Leash
Drop your paddle in moving water or wind and watch it float away faster than you can react. A simple paddle leash tethers it to your kayak. Cheap insurance.
Comfort and Convenience
Dry Bag
Your phone, keys, wallet, and snacks need to stay dry. A basic roll-top dry bag handles this. Get at least a 10L size – you’ll fill it faster than you think.
Sunscreen and Hat
You’re a sitting target for the sun on the water. There’s no shade. Apply sunscreen before you launch (your hands will be wet after), and wear a hat with a brim.
Water Bottle
Hydration matters more than you’d expect, especially on warm days. Bring more water than you think you need. A bottle with a clip or carabiner attaches easily to deck bungees.
Appropriate Footwear
You’ll be stepping in and out of shallow water, walking on rocks, and possibly muddy banks. Options:
- Water shoes – Lightweight, drain quickly, protect your feet
- Sport sandals (like Chacos or Tevas) – Good grip, comfortable for longer trips
- Old sneakers – Work fine, just accept they’ll get trashed
I prefer water shoes because they shed water quickly and dry out fast. They’re also less bulky than sneakers or sandals, which matters when your feet are pressed against the sides of the kayak for hours at a time.
When I first started kayaking, I made the mistake of wearing old tennis shoes. They soaked up water like a sponge and stayed wet the entire trip. By the end of the day, my feet were pruned and uncomfortable. Flip-flops weren’t much better. They slipped off constantly and offered zero protection when I had to walk across rocky shorelines to launch.
Water shoes solve all of these problems. They’re lightweight, drain quickly through small holes in the sole, and provide enough grip to handle slippery boat ramps and uneven terrain. Most styles also have a snug fit that keeps them secure on your feet, even when you’re getting in and out of the kayak.
Look for a pair with a durable sole if you plan on doing any hiking to reach your launch point. Some cheaper options have thin soles that wear out quickly or don’t provide much protection from sharp rocks. I’ve found that spending a little extra on a quality pair pays off in comfort and longevity.
Nice-to-Haves That Become Essentials
Kayak Seat Upgrade or Cushion
Stock kayak seats range from acceptable to miserable. If yours isn’t comfortable after 30 minutes, look into a gel seat pad or upgraded seat. Your back will thank you.
Anchor
For fishing or just floating in one spot, a small folding anchor keeps you in place. Doesn’t need to be heavy: 3-5 lbs handles most calm water situations.
A small anchor is a game-changer for kayak fishing, especially when you’re out in open water with a breeze pushing you around. Without one, you’ll find yourself drifting away from your fishing spot after every cast, constantly repositioning instead of focusing on fishing.
My setup is simple: a 3-pound anchor attached to a diving reel, which I then clip to an anchor point on my kayak. The diving reel makes it easy to deploy and retrieve the anchor without dealing with tangled rope. When I find a good spot, I lower the anchor, lock the reel, and stay put. When I’m ready to move, I just reel it back up and paddle to my next location.
Three pounds is plenty for calm lakes and light currents, though you might want something heavier if you’re fishing in areas with stronger currents or wind. The key is finding the right balance between holding power and portability. You don’t want to lug around a heavy anchor, but you also don’t want one that drags across the bottom every time the wind picks up.
If you do any amount of fishing from your kayak, an anchor system is worth the small investment. It lets you work a spot thoroughly instead of constantly fighting the drift.
Cooler or Deck Bag
For longer trips, a small soft cooler or deck bag keeps drinks cold and snacks accessible. Some mount behind the seat, others fit in the tank well.
Before Your First Launch
A few things to do before you hit the water:
- Adjust your seat and foot pegs – Do this at home, not at the ramp. Proper fit prevents fatigue and improves control.
- Practice getting in and out – Find shallow water and practice entering and exiting your kayak a few times. It’s awkward at first.
- Learn to re-enter from the water – Flip yourself intentionally in a safe spot and practice climbing back in. Better to learn this on purpose than by surprise.
- Check local regulations – Some Oklahoma lakes require registration or have specific launch rules. A quick search saves hassle.
Your Starter Checklist
Here’s the quick version:
Must Have:
- Paddle (properly sized – use the calculator)
- PFD
- Transportation setup
- Whistle
- Dry bag
Should Have:
- Bilge pump or sponge
- Paddle leash
- Sunscreen and hat
- Water
- Water shoes or sandals
Worth Adding Soon:
- Seat cushion or upgrade
- Anchor
- Cooler or deck bag
Frequently Asked Questions
What size kayak paddle do I need?
Paddle size depends on your height, kayak width, and paddling style. Taller paddlers and wider kayaks generally require longer paddles. Most recreational kayakers fall somewhere between 220 cm and 250 cm. Use our paddle size calculator to find the right length for your setup.
Do I legally need a life jacket for kayaking?
In Oklahoma, you’re required to have a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) on board for each person. While you’re not always required to wear it, keeping it on while paddling is the safest choice, especially for beginners.
How do I transport a kayak without a roof rack?
You have several options. Foam blocks work for short trips and are budget-friendly. If you have a truck, the bed works well with a bed extender or tailgate pad. Just make sure to secure the kayak with ratchet straps or rope before driving.
What should I wear on my feet while kayaking?
Water shoes are the best option for most kayakers. They drain quickly, dry fast, and provide protection when walking on rocky shorelines or slippery boat ramps. Avoid flip-flops (they fall off easily) and regular sneakers (they stay wet all day).
Do I need an anchor for kayak fishing?
An anchor isn’t required, but it makes a big difference when fishing in open water. Even a light breeze will push you away from your spot between casts. A small 3 to 5 pound anchor is enough for most calm water situations.
What’s the most important safety gear for kayaking?
At minimum, you need a properly fitted PFD and a safety whistle (required by Coast Guard regulations). A paddle leash is also smart since a dropped paddle can float away quickly in wind or current.
Get Out There
The best way to learn what you actually need is to get on the water. Start with the essentials, pay attention to what you wish you had, and build from there. You don’t need to buy everything at once.
Start small on your first trip. Stay close to the bank while you get your bearings and paddle along the shore until you feel comfortable with how your boat handles. This gives you a chance to learn how your kayak responds to your paddle strokes, how your gear is positioned, and whether anything needs adjusting before you venture further out.
After each trip, take a few minutes to make notes about what worked and what didn’t. Maybe your seat needs more padding, or your paddle felt too short, or you wished you had a better place to store your water bottle. These small observations add up and help you fine-tune your setup over time. Some of my best upgrades came from thinking “I wish I had…” while I was out on the water.
Above all else, be safe and have fun. Kayaking has a learning curve like anything else, but that’s part of the journey. Every trip teaches you something new, and before long, you’ll feel right at home on the water.
Happy paddling!
