If you’ve ever been out on a kayak—just you, your paddle, and the open water, you already know how good it feels. But once you start adding smart, practical kayak accessories, that good feeling can become great. Whether you’re in it for the peace, the fishing, or the thrill of exploring, the right gear makes a huge difference.
Comfort First: Why Your Seat Matters
One of the first upgrades most kayakers make is the seat. Basic moulded plastic just doesn’t cut it on longer paddles. A padded, high-back kayak seat is a total game-changer, especially if you spend hours out fishing or touring. You’ll paddle longer, hurt less, and actually enjoy your time without constantly adjusting your position.
Looking to gear up? Skipjak’s kayak accessories collection features padded seat options built for both comfort and support.
Keep Your Gear Dry and Organised
Space is limited on any kayak, especially a sit-on-top. Dry bags and waterproof storage boxes are must-haves to protect your phone, snacks, keys, and spare clothes. Want to level up even more? Kayak-specific coolers fit perfectly in the tank well and double as both storage and a place to keep your catch cold if you’re fishing.
A well-packed kayak is safer and way more enjoyable. Skipjak stocks dry bags, soft coolers, and more in their accessories section.
Fishing on the Water? You’ll Want These
If you're into kayak fishing—or thinking about it—you’re going to need more than just a rod. Rod holders are essential to free your hands. Anchor systems let you stay in one place without drifting. Even bait containers and tackle storage bags help keep things neat and efficient.
For anglers, pairing the right kayak (like the Fishjak 14 Deluxe) with the right accessories makes all the difference between a frustrating outing and a great catch.
Explore Skipjak’s kayak accessories collection
Small Add-ons That Make a Big Impact
Ever dropped a paddle into the water and watched it float away? Enter the paddle leash—one of the simplest and most underrated kayak accessories out there. It keeps your paddle attached to your kayak so you’re never stuck drifting without it.
Other tiny upgrades with big benefits include cup holders, paddle clips, and even simple deck padding to reduce noise and wear.
PFDs That Are Actually Comfortable
Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are mandatory in most places, but let’s be honest—not all life jackets are made equal. Kayak-specific PFDs are designed for better arm mobility and breathability. Bonus if they come with built-in pockets for tools, snacks, or sunglasses.
Check out Skipjak’s lineup of kayak-ready life jackets—lightweight, well-fitted, and safety-compliant.
Stay Safe and Seen on the Water
If you’re kayaking at dawn, dusk, or in low-visibility areas, visibility is critical. Mountable LED deck lights, clip-on strobes, and even high-vis flags help ensure you’re seen by other watercraft. Safety whistles and signal mirrors are also smart to keep onboard—small, light, but incredibly effective in emergencies.
Tech Upgrades: Capture and Navigate
Want to document your trip? Add a waterproof phone mount or GoPro mount to your setup. Prefer to explore new areas? A kayak-compatible GPS or compass can help you navigate larger lakes or coastal routes without worrying about getting turned around.
Skipjak’s accessory collection includes mounts, brackets, and other tech-ready add-ons to keep your hands free while recording your trip.
Transport and Storage Tools
Getting your kayak to and from the water can be a challenge, especially alone. Kayak carts make it way easier to roll your boat down to the launch site, and roof rack pads or cradles protect your kayak during transport. At home, consider a wall mount or hoist system to store it off the ground and out of the way.
Check out our entire range of kayak accessories
Build Your Perfect Kayak Setup
The best part about kayak accessories is how customisable everything is. Whether you’re into fishing, touring, or relaxed paddling, there’s gear to suit your style. You don’t have to get everything at once—just start with the upgrades that fix your biggest pain points. Then, over time, add more to fine-tune your setup.
If you're not sure where to start, browsing curated collections like Skipjak’s kayak accessories makes the process easier. They’ve handpicked durable, high-quality gear that’s actually useful on the water, not just fancy add-ons.