10 Cheap Hacks For Kayakers 

Bought my kayak after your "5 kayaks under $500" video. None of which you carry in your store. Upgraded my paddle with an affordable paddle that you suggested that I don't believe you carry in your store. Did not skimp on the PFD, love that Chinook, it is so comfortable. Point is...you seem to care more about the sport than just making money. THANK YOU! Although I own a cheap Tamarack, it gets me on the water. Someday I will own a Top Water PDL 120. Anyway, the problem is, now that I have fished from a kayak, I REALLY dislike fishing from a bank. Seems I am always looking around and thinking, man, if I had brought the kayak....I could get to that spot, or that spot. A long winded way of saying thanks again Dan for getting me on the water.

We bought our kayaks after your video. We are in our 70’s, and really needed to find something to do that was out in nature, and get good exercise. We get a lot out of the kayaking tutorials that you have given. Since we are retired, we have left our kayaks on our truck, and take off whenever we want. We live in NC, so there are a lot of beautiful lakes to explore.Thanks for all the safety information and the cool hacks! We are having an amazing time 🚣🏼‍♀️!

The reflective tape for your paddle is a great idea!

Hey I thought up a good one as well, I used to go kayaking when I was younger, always ended up losing a big chunk of skin at the base of my thumb from the paddle, so I used to wear gloves, but then you get to have a big wet soppy mess on your hand all day. I went again for the first time in a decade, yesterday. I bought a pack of those athletic adhesive strips for $5 and just wrapped it around my thumb area loosely. It worked great, no blisters and it stayed on all day without cutting off circulation. If your not sure what I mean, it's the little colored patches pro athletes have on their arms and shoulders and whatnot. I got the idea from watching the Olympics.

Just wanted to say thanks for all the awesome advice for those of us just getting started! Just picked up our first 2 kayaks for my wife and I and we have been thoroughly enjoying your videos. Im 41 and can't believe I've lived this long without being out on the water!! Im hooked!!!

A Walmart hack is don't put your bare feet on the merchandise and put it back on the rack. 😂 Good suggestions though. I might be getting my first kayak soon.

I love love love the rachet pulleys tie down. Using them for years.

Wow, thank you! I'm a single mom, just bought my first kayak and I don't know anyone who does it so this was such a great video for me since I have basically zero guidance other than watching RU-vid videos. Such great tips, I can tell before even going on my first run.

"They got this fiberglass one here" whole rack falls :) Great video, boys (dads)!

Dan, thank you so much for your videos. I watched the 500 and under kayaks and got me motivated to get into it. I searched and search and there are no kayaks anywhere!!! Well, until today when I finally found one at a Walmart. I'm hoping to get into the water soon. I'm having health issues on top of depression and this will really help me. Thank you!

Ratchet straps have always worked fine for me, I dare say failures are caused by non experienced individuals failing to check and then re-check there strap job. Love your videos by the way, keep em coming.

Get a $0.97 long tubular squirt gun where you pull the handle and it sucks up water. I keep this on my yak and it's much better than a pricey bilge pump

Thanks for the hacks. Many I was doing, but the reflective tape on the paddles is golden.

Great!!! Especially tying down cords, sponge, and even laundry basket. I use my old swim equipment bag, but laundry basket seems ideal. I will learn that truck knot.

Great tips! I have that same reflective tape on the front of my kayak and all of my bags to find them better at night. 🤠🤙

Thanks for this video and all the tips! I see a lot of comments here about retail places being out of new kayaks, but I haven't seen anyone mention buying a used one. I'm on the west coast of Florida and there are lots of kayaks listed on various on-line marketplaces (e.g., Offer-Up, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.) in all price points. Experienced kayakers upgrade to better models and sell their used equipment. And lots of people buy kayaks, quickly realize they are never going to use them, and need to free up space in their garages. I just sold my tandem and bought a smaller, more manageable kayak that had only been used twice (the stickers were still on). And the seller threw in a wheeled dolly. As soon as this pandemic is over, I'm sure there will be a LOT of barely used kayaks for sale.

Took our new kayaks out for the first time today but stopped by Walmart first and picked up some mats. My feet were so happy. Thanks for the tip!

I just bought a kayak. Thanx for this, very helpful🙏🏾

Went on a thru paddle this weekend. Watched this video Friday morning. Went to Walmart after work…..OMG!! The sponge!!! The sponge was such a genius idea!! It kept our kayaks dry! It was a game changer!! Thanks for the advice! I will never go kayaking without my sponge now!! You the real MVP with that tip!!!

Thank you!!! Would love to see even more of these!! Thank you!

The sponge and basket are things I never thought of but are super smart! Thanks for the video.

Great tips and I second a lot of this. Several years ago I got a small umbrella to use on an Intex Excursion 4 as shade and it done a great job. I also used a spong inside my yak just as you all mention.

The bare foot basket shelf toss is so Walmart. I love it.

That is the EXACT PFD I got last year. Thank you for your advice.

I think my most expensive item so far has been my PFD, I invested in a fishing style vest that has tons of pockets and storage. I keep my pliers, knife, scale, phone in a waterproof case, whistle and flashlight in it. I also purchased one of those foam block car roof racks for transporting, the straps included work well in keeping it secure.

I always carry an umbrella, great shout. The sponge is a good idea too. I also have a small dry bag with a knife, lighter & torch permanently wrapped & clipped to the inside of the hull for emergency. Also a first aid kit is pretty smart.

Beach balls make good cheep float bags.

Love the sponge tip! Great idea.

Those adjustable Ozark Trail paddles were pretty impressive. Kudos to the Walmart buyer who made that happen.

Here in Florida the sound device “ whistle “ is mandatory along with floatation device “ life preserver “ That adjustable paddle is great! I bought one and a feature that I really like a lot is you can unlock it to make it longer but also you can twist orientate the opposite paddle blade to a very comfortable feel , I didn’t even know I needed this till I was out with my new paddle and found myself having to over rotate my wrist so I unlocked paddle and twisted one blade a few degrees and Boom 💥 much easier paddling for me 😁✌️🇺🇸

I run my straps through the drain holes in sit on top kayak. Never have an issue with them moving.

Great video I like the suggestions! New kayaker here and it was exactly what I was looking for!

This was a most useful and enjoyable video; thank you!

Awesome tip on using a laundry basket. The other tips were highly practical also.

Really appreciate this video, lot of great tips in here. Thank you guys.

I've been using the hook with the rope for years before I got my 1st kayak and they work great securing my new one in the back of my truck.

Awesome! Thanks for the helpful hacks!

This was very helpful. Thanks for the tips!

Glad Pop's taught me the ole' truckers knot way back when :D Great Video for a 'Yak first timer! Thanks!

I was surprised by all the ideas that are simple but very helpful, really You really are amazing sharing these ideas and also economic, greetings from California and thank you very much

I opted for a Sit In kayak. The seat where your buns sit is actually below the waterline. So as long as you keep your arms & legs inside the boat, it’s next to impossible to tip the yak over. Also, if it can fit in a Dry Bag, I highly suggest you keep it in one. Doesn’t matter what it is, if it fits, use them. Plus, if you Do tip over, a dry bag is a good floatation device and you can use them along with your paddle to re-enter your kayak. And as far as the umbrella is concerned, also bring a small one to act as a sail if a storm rolls in, the wind is traveling in the direction you need to go and you need to get there Fast. I brought along one just in case it rained, but ended up saving my bacon when a thunderstorm moved in and my vehicle was a half mile away. The wind hit and the sky got black, which is a direct indication of rough weather ahead. So I took the cue from Mother Nature and popped open the umbrella and made it back to shore at my car, loaded the yak on the trailer and pulled the car under the park’s recreational building and not even ten seconds later the shear winds and large hail hit. That one small umbrella saved both me and my car from damage and probably death itself. Because there was No Way I could have paddles hard enough to get back in time.

Great advice... I was familiar with some but learned a thing or two as well. Thanks!

I’m a single momma of 2 wonderful sons. We LOVE to kayak and fish. The sponge idea is pretty great. My eldest son and I went last Sunday. And it was SO cold. The first set of rapids was crazy lol. So that sponge idea is killer. Thanks for sharing. And totally gonna learn the trucker knot. My eldest son had strapped ours so tight he dented his so this will be handy

I have a SIT, and I typically wear slides during the warm season. The slides makes good heel cushions in your yak. Also, I've installed removable, adjustable rod holders behind the cockpit. I can adjust one of the rod holders to hold a deployed golf umbrella to give me shade, when the sun is directly above.

Thanks for the advice and video! My husband got a kayak for Christmas so this really helps! Thanks!

I've always been a huge fan of the truckers hitch over most other knots and certainly over ratchet straps

Why on earth does your walmart keep $1 items in a glass case?

Thanks for thinking of the new guys (like me) who are just getting into the sport.

Hi, I just bought my first kayak last week. I wanted one last year, BUT so did everyone else! 😏 I'm still goofing around with the PFD but I'm close to deciding. This video made me go to Walmart after work and man, I cleaned up! A few tidbits...a headlamp that was $17.76 now $7.76 (I bought 3!), 20 L dry bag $5.96 (!) and more! It was Clearance City tonight! 👍 I bought one of those $1 headlights and it's powerful for the price! I'm keeping it in my car emergency kit. Thank you so much! 😁 🐳🚢

The whistle is also a law in some places. Where I live, all small unpowered crafts must have a whistle along with their life jacket. I've never had to use mine, but glad I have it!

Absolutely great video! Usually kayak hacking videos are the "I spent the least amount of money possible!" type. As an experienced kayaker, there were a few hacks here that my partner and I had never even thought of and will be investing in!! Great ideas!!!

I like the simple green idea, I'll get some of that for my kayak.

Awesome ideas thanks much 🙌🏼

Thank you - from a new recreational lake paddler. Inexpensive unit purchase that i really like. Please, more videos on how to paddle straight! Thanks again.

I am BRAND NEW to yakkin' and I appreciate these cheap hacks.

Super useful! Thank you!

$34 for a paddle? Ain't nobody got an excuse not to always carry and extra paddle. The pad. I use 1/2" cheap yoga pads off Amazon for padding my kayak seats, usually two layers. A small doubled 'tube' makes a more comfortable back rest. I use 1/4" yoga pads on my foot brace and on the hull against the cold. I bought a 1" thick yoga pad that I haven't used yet. It's like memory foam but not as mushy. You probably wouldn't want to sleep on a 1" yoga mat, but you'd also not want to stand on a memory foam pad. My set ups keep changing until I don't have any aches or pains. Footbraces: I've used and broken the standard Yakimas for years. I think if you are fully connected to your kayak and paddling correctly you will break off a foot peg about once a year. In the meantime your feet are numb. Ever stand on a step ladder for twenty minutes or more? If you think I'm wrong, stand on a broom handle for ten minutes. Feet need a full footbrace. I make these out of plywood*, about a 25 degree off vertical angle, padded with 1/4" foam yoga mat. The one I've been using for the past three years is attached to my Yakima pegs with a drywall type screw, one on each side. (I've been doing this for about 8 years on different 'yaks.) I attach blocks to the rudder pedals so my toes on the brace can operate them. My feet don't get numb and I've never broken off another peg. * 1/8" luan plywood with a layer of carbon fiber and epoxy on both sides. Stiffens and strengthens it. Just being a busy body. I should just be coming home from a paddle, not annoying people on the internet.

Great video guys, I learned a lot about kayak hacks. Keep up the good work and you and your family continue to stay safe.

Amazing tips guys. Thank you!

2:45 until we build our rack for 2 kayaks, we have been using 1 ratchet strap to tie them together then 2 to to strap it to the car with foam on the roof, then I go through the handles of both on the front and back separately and tie a bowline quick release then a truckers hitch to the car. Works great, even was able to drive 3 hours with alot of highway 70+ mph and held great. But like you said its easy to overtighten, thats why we can't wait to build a rack to avoid permanent damage

The pad for your feet is a very good tip. Thanks!

Great tips. Just bought our kayaks today!

Nice, that hamper hack is the best idea. Especially in a sandy or muddy area. Going to grab a hamper next time I think about it.

I love those little 1 dollar ballcap brim lights. Always have one clipped on, or in the car. Trying to get the wife into paddling, watched this vid earlier, then stopped at Walmart and picked up the whistle. And, all of a sudden, my Walmart is carrying paddles, lifejackets and stuff, when they never did.

the sponge thing is a great idea

Great videos Dan thank you for sharing cheers🍻

WOW, another great video. Thanks guys.

Smooth move with that paddle rack. I've never seen an actual paddlers life jacket at Wal-Mart, just ski style vests.

Thanks again Dan. I got my dry box ($10), Carabiners ($5), eyelets ($3), marine silicone sealant ($8), 3lb Anchor ($14) and Stearns paddler's PFD ($59) with water-proof zippers and lots of pockets which as super important for Keys, wallet and phone which you never want to get away if you tip or need to bail, Cellphone waterproof pouch, Docking rope ($2) at WALMART. Oh yeah, Tamarack Pro 103 ($375). None of the other Super Stores carried (except Headwaters Kayak, of course :)).

Thanks for the hack tips. Just bought a second hand tandem kayak from a rental place here in San Diego. They are going to replace their old one with new. Got it half the price of a new tandem. Now i'm making my own caddy for better transport to and from the water. God bless

Great tips, thanks from a newbie.

Umbrella for kids/sailing is such a great idea. Also going to add a sponge and simple green to my stash as well. Thanks bros

Good tips! I'll add one for you to try. I bought an extra large blue microfiber towel from Walmart in the car cleaning supplies aisle for $6-7 dollars. I use it instead of a hand pump to remove excess water from waves or boat wake. It is much faster and you can get more water out with it. A battery powered boat bilge pump is faster but, you don't have the extra weight of the battery using the microfiber towel.

That’s awesome. Thanks guys

THE SPONGE IDEA IS AMAZING!!

Short entertaining and educational

Great info! Appreciate the rope and ratchet tie down tip!

I'm new to kayak fishing and really appreciate the hacks. I've subscribed

Great info - thanks! ~ Maria

I like the umbrella for wind, that’s funny.

Thanks for these videos! I am a baby kayaker and appreciate the info

The paddle incident was HILARIOUS 😂

Great video. Thanks for sharing!👍❤️

We just bought 2 kayaks two weeks ago, we searched for a month and not a single store had any. Cabela’s, Sheels, Dicks, Walmart you name it None. Finally a I found 2 in Elk River Walmart. She said that they received 30 and sold all but two in 4 days.

Love your channel I Am a New yaky and excited to yak around the waters ,and You Guys have such Great hacks ,tricks and important info. Really appreciate your channel thanks Guy's definitely 👍👍🙌✌

Happy travels my friend from your friend in NC

Such great tips!

Saw a guy with a rucksack, set up a kayacat right out that rucksack, set the sail up, put fishing rod holders on it..... Got on, sailed out to the middle of a lake, dropped anchor and fished!! All out of a rucksack!!! Brilliant!!

Make sure the whistle is a pealess whistle. No ball inside. The reflective tape and sponge is a good idea.

LOL...I did the same thing in my WalMart in Florida with the paddles

great video! learned a few things that I will use...

Love the tips thanks so much for doing this video

Great tips! Thanks.

I have a neoprene style lifejacket and love it but it's very comfortable. I'll grant I plan to get the other style for my next one though.

I bought that exact same green paddle and really like it, I also bought that exact same vest you said to buy and I also have the whistle. I bought that foam seat to set on myself in my kayak. I have a Old Town Vapor 10, I got it used from a co-worker. I am a beginner kayaker, only been out 3 times so far on a lake. Video is on my channel of the three trips. I like all those recommendations and will be looking into getting some of them. Our Walmart is about like yours, no kayaks in the store, no bikes and very few kayak accessories. Been that way now for a month!! Again great video!! Juddie - J & J TOA

Great video. Thanks!

I have a friend who got a memory foam pillow from the pharmacy section for like $10 and it's got the donut cut out in the middle for broken tail bones, but it is super comfortable to sit on.

Great hacks! I lije the sponge idea.

Great advice, I’m just starting out. Thank you!

Great video thank you!