The first one I recommend is Paddle Your Own Kayak: An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Kayaking by Gary McGuffin and Joanie McGuffin. This book is fun and easy to read and covers all the basics of kayaking. If you have someone on your gift list that has just started kayaking or a kayaker who is in the process of buying a boat, this book covers all aspects of kayaking and what type of boat works best. It’s also a great resource for any level of paddler with fun illustrations to help you remember key paddling pointers. Along with all the great information, it has beautiful photography. Your gift recipient won’t want to just put it away on a shelf, but leave it out for others to enjoy.

Stand-up paddle boarding is growing in popularity. Here’s a book that covers all areas of the sport. Stand Up Paddling: Flatwater to Surf and Rivers (Mountaineering Outdoor Experts) (Moes) by Rob Casey. If you have someone on your gift list that is thinking of getting into SUP this will make a great stocking stuffer. But even someone who has been stand up paddleboarding for a while will find great pointers for perfecting and expanding their existing skills. This book has all the help you will need to get started or get better.

My third book recommendation is for the float tube fishermen on your list. More and more fishermen, especially fly fishermen are turning to float tubes to get them into areas on the water that can’t be reached by wading or walking. The book is Float Tube Magic: A Fly Fishing Escape by Patricia C. Pothier. This is a well-written and beautifully illustrated book. With all the information you will need to get your fly fisherman started on his or her use of a float tube to catch those fish just waiting to be caught.

Books are a great gift to complete your list. They are good for the ‘hard to buy for’ folks and usually easy to find or order as last minute gifts. These are just three books I think readers will enjoy, but if you do some research on topics that interest your paddler or outdoor lover on your list, I’m sure you will find something that will make a great Christmas gift this year.

Hope this series has been helpful with some unique gift ideas for a paddlers and water lovers on your gift list this year. I wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and remember to keep your paddle in the water and your butt in the boat!

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be recommending some products for the paddlers on your gift list, but before I do I want to preface these suggestions with some words of advice … do a little research first.

Whatever the hobby or pastime, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, golf, antique collecting, scrap booking or anything that captures a person’s passion, there’s always a point where you become fairly particular about the tools you use. Often, even someone who casually pursues a hobby can be selective about their golf clubs, fishing pole or kayak paddle. This is where the research comes in.

You will actually want to research your gift for a couple reasons. One being that you want to give someone a gift that they will like and really use and not want to return. The other being that your gift reflects on that person’s impression of you. For example, if you get them something that they like and is useful, they will know that you put some thought into the gift. You’ve heard the term “It’s the thought that counts”, well it does!

Here are a couple examples …

Inflatable Kayaks:
Sea Eagle inflatable kayak packages are as low as $199, so it’s not a stretch for someone to buy a package as a gift. Even the packages that run up to $1000 can sometimes be looked at as gifts. It’s encouraging to know that you can get a lot of boat for a little money when buying a portable kayak or boat.

Inflatable Kayaks – What to research?
Make sure that the person you’re buying for would actually like an inflatable kayak. It may save them some storage room and they wouldn’t have to use a car carrier anymore, but they may not like the way inflatable kayaks track in the water. There are lots of articles in this blog where you can research the differences between hard shell, folding and inflatable kayaks including my inflatable kayak reviews based on customer comments.

Another important thing to remember with inflatable kayaks or inflatable boats or crafts of any kind is that it’s not like buying a paddle or life vest or book for someone who already goes kayaking or paddleboarding or whatever. DON’T buy a kayak package for someone who hasn’t kayaked or that you “think” they would like it. Research by asking their friends, spouses, etc., then make an educated decision. If you KNOW that the person WOULD ACTUALLY LIKE an inflatable or folding kayak, then go for it. If you don’t KNOW FOR SURE, then DON’T GO THERE!

Every year I hear about someone who thinks they know what they’re buying and they don’t. The husband that just looked at the box and said “what the hell is this? I don’t want a kayak.” The Mom that thought her son should get more exercise and the son totally rejected the gift. Or the person who does kayak, but only wants a hard shell kayak and has no use for “blow up boats”.

Paddles:
Could be a good bet when buying as gift for a paddler. There are still some areas where research is crucial, like a kayak paddle or stand up paddle, since they can be items that a paddler can get particular about. However, some paddlers just don’t want to spend the extra dollars and you can upgrade their experience with a higher quality paddle. It’s worth looking into.

Other Accessories:
Accessories are probably the best area to look into for the paddler on your list. There are so many varied possibilities, but I’ll mention a few. Portable sails, such as the WindPaddle can give almost any small boat the option of ‘sailing’. Books and Videos on a person’s particular outdoor interest can be a thoughtful gift. There are also specific accessories depending on what type of kayaking that person participates in, such as a foot rest, a paddle float, a specific type of life vest or sunglasses. How to decide? Do some research?

In the end, I’m not trying to discourage you from buying something specifically related to the paddler or boater on your list, I’m only trying to help you get them the gift that they’ll remember and appreciate the most.

Next week I’ll have some specific, detailed suggestions for you. So, until then, keep your paddle in the water and your butt in the boat!

Did you get an inflatable Kayak for the Holidays? Then I have the perfect companion for you and your Kayak. The Complete Inflatable Kayaker by Jeff Bennett is a great book for both beginner and veteran kayakers; the book has a lot of great advice, and wonderfully laid out illustrations.

This How-To paperback is filled with firsthand accounts and knowledge essential to safe boating and contains a bevy of practical tips on proper white water handling in a small craft like an inflatable kayak.

I personally like to read this book a couple of hours before I go on a new river trip. I always take it with me so I can refer back to certain passages when I need to. Best yet, if you’re not able to kayak year round this book is fantastic to just cuddle down with a cup of hot cocoa and read in the winter while you dream of spring paddling.

I’ve personally lost several copies to use or the water, until I had a light bulb moment. Take a helpful hint from one who needs to purchase stock in Barnes and Noble, unbind the book and have the pages laminated so you’ll have a waterproof reference guide. You’ll be happy you did!

(Victoria L. Holt- Adams is the mother of two wonderful children, a stay at home mom, semi-professional photographer, and self taught graphic artist.  She enjoys a myriad of other activities to stimulate her creative processes.)

You can get a copy of The Complete Inflatable Kayaker at Amazon.com.

A few years ago when I was just starting out in Kayaking, my husband bought me a couple of really great books. One I still refer to as my Kayaking Bible is Inflatable Kayaking: The Complete Guide- by Cecil Kuhne.

I subsequently recommend this book to everyone because it is a great resource for any level of Kayaker.  Not only does it go into detail about the different types of inflatable kayaks, but also how to modify, maintain, and set up and stow your kayak.

The book’s table of contents is clearly defined by chapter and the font size is easily readable for quick referencing. There are checklists of items you should take with you for various trips as well as a list for the perfect first aid kit.

A glossary of terms for the beginner, and a good sized list of Paddling clubs, River Conservation Organizations, and River Management Agencies are all organized by State of origin. The book is a visual delight as well with lots of picturesque river pictures and illustrations.

While the book is not a substitute for a trained professional, it is a very helpful read before seeking lessons in your Inflatable Kayak. It is small enough to pack and take with you if you need to refer to the book at a rest stop on the way to your paddling excursion.

Whether you have a passionate paddler or someone new to the sport of Inflatable Kayaking, this book makes a great gift. Click this link to order your copy of Inflatable Kayaking: The Complete Guide and happy adventuring.

(Victoria L. Holt- Adams is the mother of two wonderful children, a stay at home mom, semi-professional photographer, and self taught graphic artist.  She enjoys a myriad of other activities to stimulate her creative processes.)