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Paddle into Paradise | Kayaking Through Nature's Beauty
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items Kayaking is one of my all time favorite things to do outdoors! I have spent lots of time paddling the river for day, trips, and overnight trips. So being prepared is key.
Sections
4
Kayak | Paddles
Kayaking Accessories
Places To Kayak | North Carolina
Clothes
Kayak | Paddles
Built on the trusted hull of the Bite Angler and adhering to Jackson's high standards for paddling and stability, the Jackson Bite is an affordable kayak that upholds superior hull quality, performance, gear organization, and comfort.
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This kayak is crafted for maximum comfort and convenience. Its multi-chine hull design provides superb stability, and the carry handles ensure easy transportation.
Quest Outlands 100 Kayak
This kayak delivers outstanding stability and performance, enhanced by additional features and upgrades. The increased length boosts speed and tracking while preserving superb stability. It comes equipped with our Triple Threat Fishing Configuration ...
Lifetime Stealth Angler 11 ft Sit-on-Top Fishing Kayak, Sandstone (90514)
After extensive research, I purchased two of these paddles and couldn't be happier! They are high-quality, durable, and superior to the paddles that came with our kayaks. We've tested them in various conditions—from fast-moving rivers to calm lakes a...
SeaSense Xtreme 2 Kayak Paddle, 96” - 2-Piece
I bought two Quest carbon fiber paddles because they are lightweight and sturdy, without the vibration found in other paddles. Although they were pricier, they were definitely worth the investment. Regarding size, it's important to select what feels ...
Quest KHOR Angler Carbon Fiber Paddle
At first glance, these paddles are stunning and perfectly match my Tamarack Pro Fishing Kayak, which is exactly what I wanted. They assemble easily, are lightweight, and feel strong. I am slightly concerned about some small bubbles under the decal on...
Best Marine Carbon Fiber Kayak Paddle, 220-250cm
I have enjoyed kayaking for several years without paying much attention to our paddles. We've kayaked with others who use pricey brands. The price is incredibly reasonable for such high-quality paddles. They're lightweight, easy to handle, and well-d...
Hornet Fiberglass Kayak Paddle, 90.5in, Adjustable
Setting up this kayak was straightforward. We tested it on a windy day on the lake. It remained stable and did not tip over even in rough waters, although it wasn't heavy enough to effectively slice through the waves. The interior stayed mostly dry, ...
Bestway Hydro Force Inflatable Kayak Set
This kayak cart is solidly built and easy to set up. I really appreciate how it simplifies moving my kayak around on my own.
RAILBLAZA C-Tug Kayak Cart with Puncture Free
If you're seeking a beginner kayak for your children, this is an excellent option! We purchased two of these when our kids were very young, and the kayaks adapted well as they grew. It's effortless for them to exit if they tip over or need to disemba...
Lifetime Cadet Youth Kayak, Paddle Included
This is another great kayak to check out!
Lifetime 10 ft. Spitfire 10 Sit-on-Top Kayak
Kayaking Accessories
I've been using this bag several times a week for the past six months, and it's been performing excellently. There are no signs of cracking or damage. It's easy to use and keeps everything dry. The straps don't have padding, so it might not be ideal ...
HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag, 5L-40L, with Phone Case
I purchased this because I wanted to go snorkeling, and it worked flawlessly. My phone stayed dry, and I could take clear underwater photos using my iPhone's volume button. It includes a strap, which allows me to securely attach it to my shorts. I'm ...
Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch ...
This cushion is a great addition to my kayak. I often go on all-day paddling trips, so I'm eager to test it out on my next adventure. I also appreciate the grip on the bottom, which prevents it from sliding around the seat area in the boat.
NEW-Vi Anti-Slip Kayak Seat Cushion - Waterproof
These whistles are typically seen as marine tools, but they are also excellent for attaching to my safety harness during tree stand hunting. They offer a reliable way to summon help or alert others in an emergency. Additionally, their safety orange c...
LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard 2 Pack
I was searching for a first aid kit to include in my emergency backpack and, after extensive research, I chose this one. It offers a greater variety and well-assorted selection of items at an excellent price compared to others.
deftget 163 Pieces First Aid Kit Waterproof IFAK
Very soft, comfortable, and true to size. While I'm unsure about its longevity, it's an excellent value for the price and perfectly suits its intended purpose.
Yakhacker Waterproof Kayak Seat Back Cooler
I've owned this backpack cooler for three years now, and it remains one of my favorite bags to take anywhere. It's perfect for carrying a large Yeti ice pack, water, juices, sandwiches, grapes—anything you need to keep cold. On hot beach days when ph...
Maelstrom 35 Can Leakproof Cooler Backpack
This PFD offers a good range of motion for paddleboarding and is comfortable to wear. While no life jacket is cool in terms of temperature, the venting and design of this one make it cooler than most.
Ascend Deluxe Kayak Paddling Life Jacket for Ladies
I'm thrilled with this vest purchase. It's easy to adjust and has made kayaking a breeze. Previously, a regular vest would chafe my arms, but this vented one keeps me from sweating. The zippered pocket is a great feature too; I don't have to worry ab...
Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports CGA Life Vest
I used this on my last trip when I hit some rapids and flipped my kayak. It quickly and easily helped remove water from the kayak while I was still in the water. I'm thankful I had secured it to the kayak with a line and carabiner, preventing it from...
NRS Kayak Bilge Pump | REI Co-op
This item is both flexible and enjoyable to use. It can adjust in size, expanding when your bottle is full and shrinking down as you drink. At the end of the day, when it's empty, you can easily tuck it into your purse for the journey home.
Nefeeko 26oz Collapsible Silicone Water Bottle
This is an excellent solution for storing my water bottle in my kayak. It feels secure and is tucked out of the way yet remains accessible.
Wilderness Systems Magna Tech Bottle Strap
I adore this water bottle. Whether I opt for a straw or a screw-on lid, I'm grateful for its versatility. It's ideal for our kayaking adventures, keeping our water refreshingly cold throughout the day.
CIVAGO 32 oz Insulated Water Bottle, Black
We consistently choose this sunscreen because it's quite easy to apply, particularly compared to other zinc oxide sunscreens. However, one drawback is the lid's quality—it tends to leak, so I always need to transport it in a separate bag.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 50+ - 5 fl oz
I chose this product because I'm a fan of CERAVE, and living in Florida, I use sunscreen frequently. However, despite reapplying after just two hours outdoors, I experienced severe sunburn on my face and forehead.
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion with Sheer Tint SPF 30 - CeraVe | Ulta Beauty
It appears to be excellent and functions properly. While I hope I never need to use it in an emergency, it will be invaluable if the situation arises. I believe every kayaker should have one in their boat!
NTR Water Rescue Throw Bag with 50/70/98 Feet Rope
This is an excellent waterproof first aid kit that's compact enough to fit in my waterproof bag during kayaking trips. I appreciate having a kit on board to handle any minor injuries or scrapes.
Mini First Aid Kit - 120 Piece Waterproof Hard Shell
I purchased this helmet hoping it wouldn't look overly bulky on my head, and it didn't disappoint! It fits snugly all around without the large, awkward profile seen in other helmets. It's comfortable and versatile, and I like the ear flaps. The matte...
Vihir Adult Water Sports Helmet with Ears
Having a headlight on your kayak is always a great idea. You never know when you might just need one.
LHKNL 1200 Lumen LED Rechargeable Headlamp, 2-Pack
As a woman, you can greatly appreciate this bilge pump on your boat. It's much easier and you don't have to lift your boat out of the water to get water out of the boat. It's a must-have!!
Pelican Paddlers Bilge Hand Pump - PS1374-2
If you prefer to have gloves when you are kayaking these would be a great option. Sun proof and help you from getting blisters.
KastKing Sol Armis UPF50+ Sun Gloves Fishing
Got to be able to get those kayaks around. If you don't have a truck or trailer these kayak roof rack kayak holders are perfect!
PIRIPARA Kayak Roof Rack 2 Pairs J-Bar Carrier
Places To Kayak | North Carolina
Here are some of my favorite places to Kayak in the beautiful state of North Carolina
Embark on a self-guided kayak tour on the calm waters of Bent Creek near the Biltmore property in Asheville. They provide kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, so just come prepared for an adventure. After you're done kayaking, relax at the Outpost with...
2024 Beautiful Self-Guided Kayaking by the Biltmore
Experience your Dirty Dancing fantasies with this kayak tour of the iconic Lake Lure. Guided by a naturalist, you’ll navigate the vibrant blue waters, learning about the local plant and animal life. When you’re ready, dive in for a swim and have the ...
2024 Kayak Tour at Lake Lure provided by Hike Bike Kayak Asheville
Embark on a semi-private kayak tour down the French Broad River, led by a naturalist. As you paddle through the town, you'll glide past notable landmarks like the Biltmore Estate. Your guide will offer insightful narration and answer any questions yo...
2024 French Broad River Kayak Tour in Asheville
The Black River winds over 60 miles through parts of Sampson, Bladen, and Pender counties before merging with the Cape Fear River, 14 miles upstream from Wilmington. Upstream, the waters move more swiftly, flowing past vast forests of oaks, other bot...
Black River Preserve
This route is dedicated to whitewater excitement. On this stretch of the Cheoah River, you'll encounter continuous Class IV and V rapids, making it suitable for experienced paddlers only. As a dam-controlled river, the flow varies, but with the TVA a...
Cheoah River Rafting - Ultimate Southeastern White Water Rafting
This location is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting 1,300 acres next to the Catawba River. Here, you can engage in kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, deep-water solo rock climbing, biking, and more. There's truly something for everyone...
Whitewater- Charlotte, NC
Fontana Lake, the largest in Western North Carolina, is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Fontana Dam, towering at 480 feet, is the highest dam east of the Rockies, comparable to a 50-story skyscraper. You can walk or drive across the dam and...
Fontana Lake & Dam | RomanticAsheville.com
This five-mile stretch features several significant Class 3 - 3+ rapids, including Powerhouse, Roller Coaster, Lost Guide, Double Reactionary, and Accelerator. The river also boasts popular play spots within the first mile, such as Snap Dragon and Lo...
American Whitewater
Lake Julian Park features a scenic 300-acre public lake with amenities including fishing, picnic areas, disc golf, outdoor games, a playground, paddleboats, venues for special events, and water access.
Lake Julian Park: Picnicking, Canoeing, Family Fun, Boat Rentals, Boat Storage, Walking Trails, Festival of Lights - Buncombe County Parks & Recreation | Asheville
Both locals and visitors from out of state can enjoy a fantastic playground for water activities and appreciate the serene waterways.
12 Beautiful Spots for Kayaking in North Carolina -
I adore kayaking, and Dan River Co. is one of my favorite spots. It offers stunning views and a wide-open river. I truly love being immersed in nature!
Dan River Co
Clothes
Very soft, comfortable, and true to size. While I'm unsure about its longevity, it's an excellent value for the price and perfectly suits its intended purpose.
Water Shoes Quick-Dry Aqua Socks Swim Beach
I wore these both in water and on shore; they were very comfortable and provided good protection for my feet. They're lightweight, comfortable, and offer solid sole protection. I really liked them, and interestingly, so did an iguana—I think it was e...
WateLves Water Shoes for Men Women Quick-Dry
This is a nice hat that provides good sun coverage for your face. It offers great value and is well-made. The only significant downside for me is that the hat is a bit "floppy," so it doesn’t hold its shape if you try to bend any part of the brim or ...
Columbia Unisex Bora Bora Booney Fishing Hat
The stand-up collar and center-front half-zip allow you to adjust ventilation or simply alter your look. This semi-fitted piece features adjustable drawstrings at the side seams to slightly modify the length, along with UPF 50+ sun protection.
Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard - Women's | REI Co-op
This fitted design is crafted from soft, stretchy fabric made with recycled polyester elastane jersey, offering UPF 50 sun protection. It features a large collar binding and a screen logo on the left sleeve and front.
Roxy Whole Hearted Long-Sleeve UPF 50 Rashguard - Women's | REI Co-op
Good shorts. The quick-dry feature stems from a high plastic content, which is fine but might not be the most comfortable for wearing outside of the pool.
Men's Hawaiian Swim Trunks with Pockets
I really appreciate the design and feel of this item. The waistband sits perfectly at my natural waist, which is often difficult to achieve due to my long torso. The fabric is gorgeous, and the craftsmanship appears to be of high quality.
Blouty Women's High Waisted Swim Board Shorts
This baseball cap is ideal for those who love spending a day kayaking on a lake or river. It features a one-size-fits-all design with an adjustable strap for comfort. The cap is comfortable to wear and made from high-quality material. It's also affor...
HHNLB Kayak Hair Don’t Care Embroidered Cap
I often lose or break glasses, so these were attractively priced for me. They're well-constructed and fit snugly on your face without being too tight. You can even push them up into your hair without stretching them or worrying about them falling off...
DUSHINE Polarized Sunglasses Women Classic Retro
These mirrored sunglasses offer a wide range of color options at a great price. They fit comfortably and feature no-slip rubber on the bows to ensure a secure grip on your head. They stay in place without pinching your nose, and are both comfortable ...
KALIYADI Polarized Sunglasses for Men, UV Protection
The Lightweight HyproTex™ material offers waterproof and breathable protection, maintaining flexibility for paddling and easy storage. Its half-zip hoodie design allows for quick access and effective ventilation. The hood is adjustable at three point...
Paddling Jackets | REI Co-op
I love these towels. The size is great for kayaking and over the size is perfect.
2pk Striped Sharks Beach Towels Aqua - Sun Squad™