Small But Handy Gear for River Kayaking Trips

Whether you’re meandering through Missouri’s scenic waterways or running more challenging rapids, having the right gear can make or break your river kayaking and river paddleboarding experience. Here are a few small but helpful gear favorites that we highly recommend you use to plan trips, or take with you on rivers. Most are also helpful for paddling lakes as well.

• Paddler’s Guide to Missouri
  This book is your ultimate companion for navigating Missouri’s rivers. With detailed maps showing mile-by-mile features, launch points, and safety tips, it’s like having a seasoned guide by your side. Available online at the link, or at some local Missouri Conservation Department offices, REI in Overland Park, and other Missouri outdoor retailers and outfitters.
  

• River App
  Use this phone app to monitor river gauges in real-time, ensuring you’re informed about water levels and flow rates before you set off and also during your trip if you have cell phone signal.
  
• Waterproof Phone Case for Android or iPhone
  We see many people using the plastic pouch style of phone case, stowing their phone inside a dry bag while paddling, or leaving it in the car. A phone is safety gear that you can use to track your location and spot upcoming takeout options, check weather updates if you have signal, and contact emergency help if needed (although that may require hiking up to get signal). It’s also great for taking photos, as long as you protect it. Plastic pouch style cases almost always allow moisture after many uses, which ruins photos. This particular hard phone case stays completely dry as long as the port plugs are closed, and also enables you to attach a phone/camera floatie strap to ensure your phone floats if you ever drop it. With this case plus a phone floatie and quick-release neck lanyard, you can keep your phone handy for photos and for use while paddling.
  
• Phone & Camera Floatie
  Attach this to your waterproof phone case, or to your GoPro or action camera to help it float instead of sink if you ever drop it into the water. Choose bright colors like yellow or orange that really contrast with water and greenery – green, blue and red aren’t as visible under water.
  
• Paddlleboard Flexible River Fin
  Anyone who plans to paddle rivers on their SUP needs a flexible river fin like this one designed for river running. This fin helps you more easily navigate low water levels, submerged limbs, and things that your longer hard fin would catch on, Always check your fin’s attachment method to make sure it’s compatible. Our Paddle KC members who paddleboard on rivers will vouch for how important this “bendy fin” is! See tips on Choosing a River Fin for Paddleboarding.
  

• Folding Seat Pad
  This backpacking seat cushion adds a lot of comfort without being bulky on your kayak seat. At lunchtime, use it on a sandbar or gravel bar for a comfy seat. At your backpacking tent, use it by the door to cushion knees when crawling in or out.
  

• Mini Expanding Deck Bag
  This great kayak deck bag attaches easily and quickly to deck lines, and keeps your water bottle and essentials within reach without the bulk of other deck bags. The mesh side panels stretch to hold snacks, sunscreen and lip balm, etc.
  

• Splash Deck
  Block the sun on your legs and splashes coming from the front of your kayak. This excellent kayak splash deck provides shade on hot days, and keeps you drier on cool days of spring and fall. If your kayak combing (the lip around your cockpit) won’t hold the elastic band in place, a quick-dry towel is a good sun-blocking alternative.
  
• The Kayak Cart
  You’ll see a lot of these specific carts used in our club because they work great, they attach firmly, and they break down to store in most hatches while paddling. This cart makes it easy to get your kayak to the ramp and back without help.
  

• 2L Key and Wallet Bag
  Secure your keys, wallet, ID and small valuables in a separate and very recognizable waterproof bag or box with carabiner to attach it if needed. It’s a simple solution to avoid ending your adventure with a locked car dilemma.
  

• Emergency Rain Poncho
  Compact and lightweight, this combination rain poncho plus emergency blanket can be a game-changer in keeping you warm during unexpected chilly weather or in emergencies. It can also be used as a warming tent if someone capsizes.
  

• Kayak Repair Kit Patch or Tape
  Be prepared for the unexpected – we’ve repaired kayaks and paddleboards on several trips, far from access points. A repair kit can help you address minor damages on the spot, avoiding any interruptions in your adventure.
  

• Foam Blocks
  Keep this foam block carrier kit in your car to easily expand transport options for group shuttling. If you aren’t ready to buy racks for your vehicle, these are often a workaround until you choose a longer-term option. If you have crossbars but only one set of cradles, you can use these foam blocks to safely carry a second kayak which is especially helpful on river trips.
  

• Weather Radio
  This waterproof portable weather radio enables you to check weather forecasts when conditions change on a river or paddling expedition.
  

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Remember, the right preparation not only enhances your journey but ensures you can tackle any challenges with confidence. Happy paddling!