What to Bring Kayaking
Last Updated: September 2026
Bring water, sunscreen, and a towel for the lot. A phone only in a closed dry case. Leave valuables you cannot lose.
Quick Facts
- Water and sunscreen
- Towel / change of clothes in the car
- Dry bag nice, not required for a short lake loop
- Car keys: follow that shop’s lock / float plan
- Cash or card only if the shop needs it for deposits — ask
Can I Bring a GoPro?
If they allow a mount. Handhelds go overboard.
FAQ
**Do I need a dry bag?** Nice. Not required for a one-hour lake loop.
**Can I bring a cooler?** Usually no on a small rec kayak. Ask.
Ready to Find an Operator?
Search recreational kayak rentals near your ZIP (20 or 50 miles). Filter to Recreational / tandem kayak rentals. Start at /water. Independent directory, not a booking service.
Find this near you
Search a city, state, or ZIP. Set distance to 20 or 50 miles. Filter to Recreational / tandem kayak rentals. Or browse Water: /water. Independent directory, not a booking service. Book on the operator’s official website.
Related Kayak Pages
- Kayak Resource Center
- Can Anyone Go Kayaking?
- Is Kayaking Hard?
- Sit-On-Top vs Sit-In Kayak
- Can You Kayak If You Can't Swim?
- Can You Tip Over a Kayak?
- Tandem Kayak vs Single Kayak
- What to Wear Kayaking
- Is Kayaking Safe?
- How Much Does Kayak Rental Cost?
- How Long Should I Rent a Kayak?
- What Does Kayaking Feel Like?
- Kayak Rental vs Guided Tour
- Kayaking With Kids
- Lake vs Ocean Kayaking
- Common First-Time Kayak Questions
