Watersports gear

For any day out on the lake, river or ocean you want to make sure you’ve got all the essential watersports gear to keep you safe, dry and having fun on the water.

Safety gear

Safety gear like lifejackets and PFDs, paddling helmets and maps and navigation are key for any paddler from beginners setting out on their first canoe trip to expert level white-water kayakers. These are the number one, must-pack essentials for days on the water and you should always make sure you’re trained up on how to use your watersports safety gear before pushing off.

Canoe trip essentials

Is there anything more Canadian than paddling lake links and portaging remote routes? Here are some canoe essentials to add to your packing checklist before you load up your canoe.

• Canoe paddles – Make sure your paddle is fitted properly at the correct height
• PFDs – A lifejacket or PFD for everyone on your trip
• Dry bags – Keep your gear and food dry even in a downpour
• Gear barrels – Bear proof, weather-proof and easy to haul or string up a tree for a bear cache
• Navigation essentials – Map out your route and always make sure you share your plans with others before you go

Kayaking gear

Oceans, lakes, rivers and white water – kayaks can be some of the most versatile boats for every level of watersports enthusiast. Want to find which kayak is right for you? Take a look at our quick breakdown of different types of boats for different uses.

Recreational kayaks

Recreational kayaks are perfect for quick day trips and casual paddles on lakes and calm ocean waters. With sit-on-top options with extra seating for kids or pets to join, these are great options for family excursions.

Touring kayaks

Touring kayaks are great for beginner to expert paddlers looking to go out for multi-day kayaking trips, open ocean play and cottage paddlers. With storage for gear and a high capacity for control and maneuvering, these are a great option for those of us who get out on the water often (and have the space to accommodate these long nose boats).

Folding and inflatable kayaks

Apartment dwellers rejoice! If you’re short on space or don’t have the roof rack to transport a full touring kayak, folding kayaks and inflatable kayaks are an excellent option. Suited for cottage kayaking or calm ocean inlets, these boats are easy to transport and store without sacrificing performance out on the water.

Paddleboarding

Paddleboards and SUPs have had a major boom in popularity over the last few years, and if you’ve ever visited a campground lake or coastal shoreline, you’ve definitely noticed these boats out on the water. Extremely versatile and suited for all levels of paddlers, SUPs and paddleboards are great for beginners learning to love the water, carrying pets and kids out on a slow-moving adventure or even paddling remote inlets with gear strapped to the front and rear of the board.

Since so many styles are inflatable, always make sure you have boat repair gear in your pack before you head out on the water – the last thing you want is to find a leak while you’re skirting the coasts.