How to Make Simple Kayak Accessories

Attach a Velcro strip to a small, waterproof cling-top bag and stick it against the inside wall of the kayak. It's a sure way to store many essentials while kayaking. You can put together a small first aid and patch supply kit and store it in the bag. That way you have a waterproof stash of basic first aid essentials that is easily accessible and remains nice and dry.

Insert three baseballs into a tube sock, tie or sew off the end and then tie some thin nylon rope to the end of the sock. The length of nylon rope depends on the general depth of water you'll be kayaking in. This is a simple, small drag option for light kayaking in fairly shallow water conditions. Avoid using weights or squared-off anchor substitutes because they may damage the kayak and get caught up on something on the bottom of a pond or lake. The whole setup can be stored in the netting on top of the kayak.

Use a simple pair of garden gloves to prevent a day of kayaking from ending on a painful note. A day of kayaking can be rough on the hands. It can be even rougher if your drip rings--those rubber or plastic things attached near the base of the paddle--get lost, rip or break. Water ends up trickling down your paddle and the shaft stays wet all day. Garden gloves are made of thin, light cotton that absorbs little water compared to neoprene water-sport gloves. Most lightweight garden gloves also come with a slightly sticky rubberized palm surface, which helps keep a better grip on the paddle. Consider wearing the gloves later in the day rather than earlier. Your grip will be much firmer early on and palm rubbing is less likely to occur. Wait until you get a bit tired before using the gloves.