When it comes to kayaking, having the right accessories can make all the difference in your experience on the water. From ensuring safety and comfort to enhancing performance and convenience, the right gear can turn a simple paddling session into a memorable outing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential accessories and how to choose them.
How to Choose the Right Accessories
Consider Your Paddling Style
Whether you’re a casual paddler, a serious angler, or an adventurous explorer, your accessories should match your style. Pelican offers tailored solutions for every type of paddler.
Compatibility with Your Kayak
Always ensure accessories are compatible with your specific kayak model. Pelican’s accessories are designed to fit seamlessly, providing a perfect match for your watercraft.
Quality and Durability
Invest in high-quality accessories that stand the test of time. Pelican’s commitment to durability means you can trust that your gear will perform well season after season.
Safety First: Essential Accessories
Essential Kayak Safety Accessories
- PFD (Life Jacket): A properly fitted Personal Flotation Device is required for all paddlers.
- Kayak Safety Kit: Helps improve visibility and preparedness in unexpected or low-light conditions.
- Paddle Leash: Keeps your paddle securely attached to your kayak.
- Emergency Paddle: To get you safely back to shore if your primary paddle is lost or damaged.
- Bilge Pump: Essential for sit-inside kayaks, allows you to quickly remove water from the cockpit.
- Safety Flag: Improves kayak visibility in busy waterways for children and junior paddlers.
Paddles: Choosing the Right One
Utility and Performance
Selecting the right paddle is the starting point and can completely transform your paddling experience. Pelican’s paddles come in various materials, from durable aluminum to lightweight fiberglass, ensuring you find the perfect balance of strength and weight.
Pelican Recreational Paddles
Pelican’s Recreational Paddles lineup is available in three models—Standard, Poseidon, and Symbiosa—each offering a step up in performance and comfort.
- The Standard paddle delivers proven durability and great value, making it ideal for casual paddlers and beginners.
- The Poseidon model improves efficiency with fiberglass-reinforced blades for smoother strokes and longer distances.
- At the top end, the Symbiosa paddle offers a lightweight fiberglass shaft, advanced materials, and full adjustability for maximum comfort and control on extended outings.
Pelican Fishing Paddles
Pelican’s Fishing Paddles include two models — Poseidon Angler and CATCH —designed for the needs of kayak anglers.
- The Poseidon Angler offers dependable power and durability with an aluminum shaft and reinforced blades, ideal for controlled maneuvering while fishing.
- The lighter CATCH paddle upgrades to a fiberglass shaft for improved efficiency and reduced fatigue on longer outings.
Both models feature longer lengths, push-button ferrules, and adjustable feathering for comfort and control on wider fishing kayaks.
Outfitting
Pelican kayak outfitting accessories help you customize your setup with comfort, storage, and convenience solutions built for recreational, fishing, and touring use.
- Pelican kayak storage systems
- ExoPak Tankwell: Secure, open-access storage for quick gear changes on the water.
- ExoShell Luggage Carrier: Pack your gear at home and drop it into place in your kayak tankwell. It comes with a built-in handle making it easy to carry.
- ExoPod Storage Compartments (17L or 24L): Pack your gear at home and drop them into place, fit most Pelican kayak tankwells and convert to a backpack for easy on-shore exploration.
- ExoFlip Storage Compartment: Just flip it for instant access to your gear from your kayak seat.
- Pelican kayak deck organizers and cargo nets: Keep your gear secure, visible, and within easy reach while paddling.
- Pelican kayak accessory rails: Allow you to easily customize your kayak with rail-mounted accessories like extra cup holders, camera and phone mounts that slide, lock, and can be repositioned along the gear tracks.
Take your kayaking experience further with Pelican ergonomic seats and cushions for all-day comfort, along with a range of smart on-water accessories, including:
Dry Bags & Coolers
Keep your gear dry with Pelican’s range of coolers and dry bags. These accessories are perfect for protecting electronics, snacks, and clothing from water.
- Pelican coolers
- ExoChill Soft Coolers (17L or 20L): Keep your food and beverages cold all day. Easy to carry with shoulder strap and handles, and shaped to fit most kayak tankwells.
- ExoChill Seat Cooler: A seat-mounted, space-saving kayak cooler that fits neatly behind your seat. Our go-to favorite for kayak outings and fishing days with cold drinks always within reach.
- ExoCool Cooler Dry Bags: Rugged, dual-purpose dry bag coolers with a padded strap for easy carrying, keeping drinks cold and essentials dry on short outings or minimalist multi-day trips.
- Pelican dry bags and waist pack
- ExoDry Waterproof Dry Bags: Choose 10–20L for short outings, or 30L for multi-day tours.
- ExoDry LT Dry Bags: Lightweight storage for short outings and essential items.
- ExoDry Heavy Duty CargoPack: Rugged, high-capacity storage for multi-day tours and heavy loads.
- ExoDry Lite Roll Top Dry Bags: Simple protection for casual paddling sessions and short outings.
- ExoDry Waterproof Waist Pack: Ideal for keeping essentials dry and within easy reach, including phones, keys, snacks, or tackle.
Transport, Carry Tools & Storage
Transport carts, car kits, and storage solutions help keep your kayak in top condition. Pelican’s accessories are designed for durability, making it easy to move and care for your kayak:
- Pelican kayak covers & cockpit covers
- CATCH Kayak Cover: Custom-fit protection designed specifically for CATCH fishing kayaks.
- Kayak Cockpit Cover: Keeps water, dirt, and debris out during storage or transport.
- Pelican kayak roof racks
- Kayak Car-Top Carrier (Deluxe): Maximum cushioning and protection for longer trips and premium kayaks.
- Kayak Car-Top Carrier (standard): Simple, reliable solution for everyday kayak transport.
- Hood and Trunk Anchor Loops: Create secure tie-down points without roof racks.
- Kayak Tie-Down Cargo Strap: Keeps your kayak firmly secured at highway speeds.
- Pelican kayak transport carts and straps for easy carrying
- Kayak Cart (Deluxe): Handles heavier kayaks and rough terrain with ease.
- Kayak Cart (standard): Lightweight cart for quick launches and short distances.
- Kayak Carrying Strap: Hands-free carrying for short walks to the water.
- Pelican storage options
- Kayak Wall Rack: Protects your kayak while maximizing storage space.
- Kayak Storage Straps: Horizontal storage to save space and protect hull shape.
Fishing Upgrades
For anglers, Pelican offers fishing crates, rod holders, and gear tracks with mounting options that keep equipment secure and within reach, while allowing you to add cameras, GPS, or extra storage to fully customize your kayak for efficient, enjoyable fishing trips.
Pelican fishing kayak crate
- The Pelican ExoCrate fishing crate bag is a must-have storage solution for anglers who want everything within easy reach. Designed to fit perfectly in the rear tankwell of Pelican fishing kayaks like the CATCH and ARGO series, it keeps tackle, tools, and small gear organized and secure while you’re on the water. Rugged, lightweight, and easy to move from kayak to kayak, the ExoCrate is ideal for carrying essentials, storing anchor trolleys, pliers, and essentials, and customizing your setup for a full day of fishing.
Pelican kayak rod holders
Pelican rod holders are designed to keep your fishing setup organized, secure, and ready for action on the water.
- The Pelican Swivel Fishing Rod Holder offers adjustable positioning, allowing you to fine-tune rod angles for trolling or relaxed casting, while staying easily within reach.
- For anglers who want to carry multiple rods, the Pelican Multiple Adjustable Rod Holders Rocket Launcher provides a stable, space-efficient solution that holds several rods at once — ideal for switching techniques or keeping backups ready.
Both models are compatible with Pelican kayak gear tracks, making installation quick and tool-free for a clean, customizable fishing setup.
Pelican gear tracks
Pelican kayak accessory rails make it easy to customize and rig your kayak exactly the way you want for a day on the water.
- Thanks to the built-in gear tracks found on models like the Pelican CATCH series, anglers can quickly add rod holders, cup holders, camera mounts, fish finder mounts, and phone holders — often without tools. These rail-mounted accessories slide in, lock securely, and can be repositioned or removed as your setup evolves.
- The gear tracks are available separately, making it easy to upgrade a more basic kayak or add extra mounting options as your needs grow, all while keeping your deck clean, organized, and efficient on the water.
Pelican fishing kayak seat
- Designed for all-day fishing comfort, the Pelican CATCH Seat is fully adjustable with multiple tension straps, offers supportive padding or quick-dry materials depending on the model, and can be easily fine-tuned over time as components wear, to reduce fatigue and noise — so you stay comfortable, quiet, and focused on the water.
Pelican seat cooler
- The Pelican ExoChill Seat Pack Cooler is designed to fit perfectly behind the seat on Pelican fishing kayaks, keeping drinks and food cold all day without getting in the way. Securely attached with hooks and bungees, it stays stable while paddling or pedaling and keeps everything within easy reach. With built-in pockets for small essentials and insulated storage that performs even on long outings, the ExoChill cooler is a practical, well-thought-out addition that maximizes space and convenience for a full day on the water.
Upgraded Hardware and Parts
From replacement hatch covers to upgraded handles and bungee cords, Pelican’s replacement parts keep your kayak functioning smoothly and looking great.
- Pelican kayak replacement seats & seat risers: Restore comfort and paddling position for long, enjoyable days on the water.
- Pelican kayak rudder kits & rudders: Improve tracking and control, especially in wind or current.
- Pelican hatch covers: Keep your gear dry and securely sealed inside your kayak.
- Pelican replacement handles: Make carrying and transporting your kayak easier and safer.
- Pelican kayak replacement foot pegs: Regain proper leg support and efficient paddling posture.
- Pelican kayak bungee replacements: Secure gear on deck with reliable, easy-to-use bungees.
- Pelican cup holders: Keep drinks within reach without cluttering your cockpit.
- Pelican replacement parts for maintenance: Extend kayak lifespan with simple, reliable replacement components.
With genuine Pelican kayak replacement parts, you can easily maintain, repair, and upgrade your kayak to ensure long-lasting performance, safety, and on-water reliability season after season.
Upgrade Your Kayaking Experience
With Pelican’s comprehensive range of accessories, you can customize your kayak to fit your unique needs and preferences. Whether you’re outfitting a recreational kayak or a fishing model, Pelican ensures you have the tools to make every paddle a great moment.
Ready to get out there?
Grab your PFD, and see you on the water 💙
