12 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Avid Kayaker


Christmas is around the corner and most of us have probably started searching around for gifts for those dearest to us. Sometimes it can be hard to gauge what gifts a loved one may enjoy and get the most use out of, especially if they’re outdoor-inclined. 

If you have someone special that loves the water, enjoys kayaking, or that you simply can’t keep indoors then a kayaking gift may be the right way to go. Alternatively, you may be looking to treat yourself to some new kayaking gear this Christmas. 

In this article, we’ll be looking at 12 awesome Christmas gift ideas for the avid kayaker. Whether you’re playing kayak Santa for yourself or someone close to you this year, you’re sure to find something in this read that you, a family member, or a friend will enjoy and use regularly. Enjoy!

Why Should You Get Your Loved One Kayaking Gear for Christmas?

If one of your loved ones is obsessed with the outdoors and is constantly looking for new ways to explore nature, then a kayaking gift is a great idea. You may also be here because someone close to you is already obsessed with kayaking and you’re looking for something to add to their extensive collection of gear. 

Kayaking gear can be a great gift option if you’re buying for someone that’s extremely difficult to buy for. Getting a gift that involves someone’s passion and/or hobby is a great way to ensure that your gift is enjoyed and used regularly. Receiving a gift that you find value in is an excellent feeling and giving a gift that someone gets value from is even better. Kayaking gear could be the perfect replacement for that generic bottle of whiskey or perfume selection box this Christmas. 

Kayaking is a great way to get out into nature exercising. This hobby keeps you fit physically and mentally. Giving a gift that keeps someone physically and mentally fit is far better than giving someone a bottle of booze, a fancy box of chocolates, or an expensive bottle of perfume in our opinion. 

Best Kayaking Gifts for Christmas 2021

So, if you’ve figured out that you want to gift someone special to you a kayak-related gift this Christmas you may be wondering what exactly to get them. It can be hard to find the perfect gift for someone that loves kayaking if you yourself don’t share that same passion.

In this section, we’ve listed 14 great gift ideas for the outdoorsy type. We’ve got six kayak ideas for the person that’s been talking about starting the hobby but hasn’t got round to purchasing a vessel. We’ve also got seven gift ideas to add to the avid kayakers collection on our list today. 

There really is something for everyone on this list, so here’s the perfect place to start your search for the perfect gift this winter season.

Kayak Gift Ideas

1. The SkipJak Sit-On-Top Kayak


The SkipJak Sit-On Kayak is a great gift for someone that wants to start kayaking. Sit-on-top kayaks are perfect for beginners. They are versatile crafts that are easy to get in and out of and control on the water. 

The SkipJak Sit-On Kayak is a hard-bodied 8ft 9” kayak that weighs only 17.6kg and can support up to 93 kg. This makes it perfect for those with limited transport options and solo paddlers. It comes with a paddle included as well as a padded seat rest. This kayak package is perfect if you want to gift your relative, friend, or partner a kit that has everything they need to start kayaking (minus a buoyancy aid).

Features of the SkipJak Sit-On Kayak:

  • Front Toggle Handle and Molded-in Side Handles for Easy Transport
  • Front and Rear Tankwell with Bungee for Storage
  • Built-In Front Self-bailing Cup Holder
  • Built-in PE Padded Seat Provides Comfort and Fold-Down Convenience
  • Molded-In Freedom Footwells for Comfort and Secure Foot Bracing 
  • Easy Roll Skeg Wheel for Enhanced Tracking and Easy Transportation
  • Self-Bailing Scupper Holes to Drain Water from the Tank well
  • Hull Design Provides Ultra Stability and Great Tracking
  • UV-Protected High-Density Polyethylene Construction

2. The SkipJak Reflection Sit-On-Top Kayak


The SkipJak Reflection Sit-On Kayak is perfect for the person that has a bit more experience on the water that would benefit from a craft with more space, comfort, and features. This kayak balances comfort and functionality with excellent value.

The SkipJak Reflection is an ideal leisure kayak that’s versatile enough to use in a variety of situations. Measuring 9ft 6” and weighing only 33 kg, this kayak is built for speed, traction, and stability. It has a weight capacity of 130 kg which provides the user with more capacity for camping, touring, and fishing expeditions. A deluxe padded seat increases comfort, plenty of tie-down points make transporting luggage easy, and an included swivel fishing rod holder gives the user the opportunity to fish from the vessel.

If you’re looking to gift a versatile kayak that can be used on a range of waters in a variety of different situations, then the Reflection is the ideal vessel to purchase. It comes in a variety of designs fit for all genders and styles. If you’re unsure of which type of kayak will suit your spouse, friend, or relative this one is a safe choice.

Features of the SkipJak Reflection Sit-On Kayak:

  • Included black tie-down bungee
  • Included drain cover
  • 6 waterproof scupper plugs
  • A round waterproof storage hatch
  • Included paddle
  • Extra padded deluxe seat
  • Included swivel fishing rod holder

3. The SkipJak FishJak Fishing Kayak 


The SkipJak FishJak Kayak is another sit-on-top kayak that is tailored to the keen angler. If you’ve got a friend or loved one that’s obsessed with fishing but can’t seem to land anything decent from the bank, then this kayak may be the perfect gift for them. Joking aside, this kayak is perfect for people that have angling as a passion. It’s specifically designed to accommodate the fisherman, all his or her gear, as well as made-up rods and tackle. 

This kayak balances comfort and usability with plenty of storage and the perfect angling position that provides the user with plenty of casting opportunities. The kayak measures 9ft 8”, weighs 23 kg, and has a load capacity of 150 kg. This is a great gift for the angler that wants to start fishing from a kayak and needs an all-in-one solution that’s easy to use and transport. It’s also a great all-round option for someone that prefers a more upright sitting position and increased comfort while paddling.

Features of the SkipJak FishJak Fishing Kayak:

  • Marine or green camo options
  • Upright elevated sitting position
  • Rear tie-down compartment
  • Front waterproof storage compartment
  • Flush rod holders & swivel rod holder

4. The SkipJak 14 Fishing Kayak


The SkipJak 14 Fishing Kayak is another fishing kayak perfect for the keen angler. This is the perfect gift for someone that buys fishing gear non-stop. It has more room than the FishJak which makes it perfect for supporting more gear. The increased capacity of this kayak also makes it perfect for those that enjoy heading out all weekend on fishing expeditions. It has plenty of room for an angler’s fishing gear as well as camping provisions and enough food and water for a week-long expedition.

This kayak is packed with features that make the angler’s life much easier. Flush rod holders, a swivel rod holder, plenty of storage, a fish-finder mount and hole, as well as an adjustable seat are just a few of these. The foot-controlled rudder allows full hands-free steering control, so the kayak can be controlled while playing and landing fish. The SkipJak 14 measures in at 14ft 1”, weighs 34 kg, and has a massive load capacity of 300 kg! This is the ultimate gift for the passionate angler.

Features of the SkipJak 14 Fishing Kayak:

  • Included tie-down bungees
  • Round waterproof storage hatch 
  • Oval-shaped waterproof storage hatch
  • Foot-controlled rudder system 
  • Fishfinder mount and hole
  • Two flush rod holders
  • One swivel rod holder
  • Dulux tubed aluminum adjustable seat
  • Included water tank

5. The SkipJak Apollo Sit-In Kayak


The SkipJak Apollo is a sit-in kayak that’s perfect for beginners looking to jump into the world of kayaking as well as more experienced kayakers that want a reliable and versatile sit-in kayak. Sit-in kayaks are harder to get the hang of but they are far more versatile in terms of the environments they can be used in. 

The SkipJak Apollo is our best-selling sit-in kayak because it’s perfect for use on waters of almost all proportions. This kayak can be used on gentle lakes, coastal waters, rough rivers, and even some stretches of whitewater (within reason). It measures in at 10ft, weighs only 20 kg, and has a surprising weight capacity of 120 kg. This makes it great for paddlers of all shapes and sizes. 

If you’re looking for a gift for someone that wants to start kayaking and has ambitions of tackling rougher waters in the future, the Apollo is an excellent choice. 

Features of the Apollo Sit-In Kayak:

  • Moulded to handle rougher waters
  • Extremely versatile
  • Included paddle
  • Built-in spraydeck
  • Choice of eight patterns & colours
  • Moulded seat
  • Rear storage rack

Kayak Accessories for Christmas

1. Waterproof Phone Holders


If you’re looking for stocking fillers or small gifts for a group of kayaking friends, an actual kayak won’t fit in a stocking and wouldn’t be cost-effective to buy for everyone! So, with that in mind, something small such as our waterproof phone holder is a great gift idea.                      

Our phone holders come in an array of colours and feature a duel-seal locking mechanism which makes them 100% waterproof. With an included detachable lanyard, these phone holders can be secured to a person or their kayak. If you’re looking for something small, cost-effective, and most importantly, useful, then a waterproof phone holder is the perfect Christmas gift option.                          

2. Aluminium Kayak & Canoe Roller


Have a friend that loves kayaking but also adores their car? A kayak and canoe roller may be the right Christmas gift for them. Not only will a kayak and canoe roller make life 10 times easier when loading a vessel up onto the roof of a car, but they also help protect the vehicle from knocks and scrapes during the loading and unloading process. 

Mounted through a single suction cup on the back window of a car, our roller is easy to use and fast to mount. This is an extremely useful gift for almost any kayaker that doesn’t have included rollers on their roof rack system. Gone will be the days of messing about putting a towel on the rear of the car to slide the kayak up onto the roof rack!

3. Lightweight Folding Kayak Trailer


If all you hear your partner, friend, or family member rattle on about is how much of a pain it is to get their kayak down to the bank every time they want to head out on the water, then a folding kayak trailer could be a great gift for them this season. Folding kayak trailers make life easy once you get to the car park and need to walk down to the water’s edge. 

With a folding design, our kayak trailer can be stored in the footwell of a vehicle and then unfolded to support your kayak on a long walk down to the water. Once at the water, they can be folded up and easily stowed on the kayak for the duration of the excursion.

If you want to gift something useful to your kayak-mad accomplice this year, then a folding kayak trailer from Lakeland Kayaks may just be the right option.

4. Lakeland Waterproof Dry Bag


If you ask any kayaker what item they can’t have enough of, they’ll likely answer, “dry bags”.

Dry bags are useful for any type of kayaking. Used for storing daily essentials on leisure trips, tackle on fishing trips, or camping equipment on long tours, dry bags are extremely useful. 

If you’re stumped for gift ideas because your friend or family member seems to have every piece of kayaking equipment under the sun, then getting them a dry bag or two is a safe bet. With a choice of five colours to choose from, you can ensure you match your loved one’s style or purchase different colours to colour-code for touring trips.

5. Deluxe Anti-Slip Kayak Seat


Have a friend that loves complaining about comfort as much as they love kayaking? Our Anti-Slip Kayak Seat will give you some peace and quiet over the coming kayak season. 

Our Dulux Anti-Slip Kayak Seats are made of neoprene with ergonomic padding that keeps the paddler both comfortable and supported throughout the duration of an excursion. These seats will fit most sit-on kayaks and some sit-in kayaks but check with us to ensure it will fit the kayak you or your giftee has. 

This is the perfect gift for someone that wants to improve their kayak’s comfort and gain better support while in the kayak.

6. SkipJak Kayak Fishing Rod Holder

The SkipJak Fishing Rod Holder is a universal swiveling rod holder that will fit most kayaks. This item is a great gift for someone that has a kayak and enjoys fishing. If you know of someone that seems to be constantly out fishing in their kayak but doesn’t have a means of trawling or storing a made-up rod effectively, then this is the perfect gift for them.

Having a rod holder on the kayak makes life on the water much simpler. It allows you to quickly stow the rod with the end tackle in-tact and reposition the vessel quickly. If you know someone that’s ended up in the bushes while sight fishing big predators, they’re probably lacking a decent rod holder!

7. Double-Soft Kayak Roof Rack


The Double-Soft Kayak Roof Rack is a temporary roof rack that can be used to transport your kayak from A - B using a car. These are great if you don’t want a permanent roof rack on a vehicle for aesthetics, fuel consumption, and aerodynamics. 

They are easy to set up, collapse, and store when not in use. They help support your kayak while in transit and protect your car from damage. If you know your friend is struggling with kayak transport and doesn’t want permanent roof bars, this could be an extremely useful gift for them.


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