A kayak or paddle board is only the beginning. The right accessories can turn a simple paddle into a really comfortable one, while the wrong ones just take up space in the garage. So before buying everything in sight, it is worth understanding what is actually useful on the water and how much you need to spend.
Which accessories do you really need, and which can you do without?
Minimalus rinkinys, be kurio ant vandens lipti nepatartina: life vest, a paddle (usually supplied with the kayak or paddle board) and a way to transport it if the kayak will not go on the car roof without help. Everything else depends on what you do on the water.
Anglers get the most out of rod holders, tackle boxes and GoPro mounts. SUP paddlers need dry bags for their phone and keys. For longer trips, transport wheels and comfortable paddles matter most. Below we look at each category in more detail.
What is Railblaza and why is the system so popular?
Railblaza is a New Zealand company that created a universal mounting system for watercraft. Their StarPort bases mount on a kayak or boat, and dozens of accessoriesclick into them: rod holders, camera mounts, tackle boxes, drink holders and more. One base, lots of options.
The most popular Railblaza products in our shop:
Railblaza meškerės laikiklis II is the classic solution for anglers. It mounts on a StarPort base and holds the rod securely even in waves. Simple, reliable and used on thousands of kayaks around the world.
Railblaza Gear Hub is a multifunctional tackle box that mounts on the kayak deck. It has built in holder slots, rod holders and a water resistant design. One product that replaces several separate accessories.
Railblaza Camera Boom 600 lets you mount a GoPro or other action camera on a long pole above the kayak. Ideal for filming your fishing or documenting your trips.
Railblaza StowPod is a compact universal box for small items: a phone battery, lures, a whistle. Small but very practical.
What is YakAttack for and how is it different from Railblaza?
YakAttack is an American company that makes accessories specifically for fishing kayaks. While Railblaza is a universal system for any watercraft, YakAttack focuses on the needs of the kayak angler: rod holders, lure boxes, Track systems, rope and anchor mounts.
YakAttack BlackPak Pro is the flagship product. It is a hardshell crate that mounts on the back of the kayak and holds everything you need for a day on the water: lures, drinks, your catch, tools. The most popular fishing kayak crate on the market.
YakAttack MultiMount Cup Holder and RotoGrip Paddle Holder are smaller but very useful accessories. The cup holder keeps your drink secure even in waves, and the paddle holder frees your hands when you need to fish or do other jobs on the kayak.
In short: if you fish from a kayak, YakAttack is your best friend. If you use a kayak or paddle board for leisure and want a universal system, Railblaza will be the more flexible choice.
Which paddle suits a kayak, and which a paddle board?
The paddle is one of the most important accessories, yet it often gets the least attention. A kayak or paddle board usually comes with a basic paddle that does the job. But if you paddle more often or for longer, you really feel the difference with a better one.
Kayak paddles. NuCanoe reguliuojamas žvejybinis irklas (250 to 270 cm) is a good choice for anglers: the adjustable length lets you match it to kayaks of different widths. The fibreglass version is lighter and more pleasant on longer trips, but costs more. A standard two piece paddle (210 cm) is fine for leisure paddling.
SUP paddles. SUP boards paddles usually come with the board. If you want to upgrade, look for carbon paddles, which are much lighter. A good SUP paddle has an adjustable length and a light blade so you do not tire on longer trips.
How do you transport a kayak without a roof rack?
Kayaks need to get to the water somehow, and not everyone has a roof rack. Transport wheels is the simplest solution: put the kayak on the wheels and roll it to the water across a car park, a beach or a forest path.
Railblaza C-TUG is one of the most popular kayak trolley models in the world. Light, compact and foldable. It suits most kayaks and can carry a solid weight. C-TUG R with Kiwi wheels has wider wheels and rolls better over sand and soft ground.
SUP boards usually do not need transport wheels. Inflatable boards roll up and fit in a backpack, so you can simply carry them to the water.
Is it worth investing in dry bags?
Absolutely. Watertight bag is one of the cheapest and most useful accessories you can have. Your phone, car keys, wallet, warm clothes to change into, a spare T shirt. All of this needs to stay dry, and on the water there is always a risk something will get wet.
NRS makes reliable dry bags from small (5 l for a phone and keys) to large (65 l for longer trips). Better dry bags have welded seams and a roll top closure, which keeps the contents dry even if the bag falls into the water. An investment of a few dozen euros that protects electronics worth hundreds.
Frequently asked questions
Which accessories does a kayak beginner need?
The minimum: life vest, a paddle and a dry bag for your phone. If you plan to fish, add a rod holder. If your kayak is heavy and it is a long way from the car to the water, transport wheels make life much easier. There is no need to buy every accessory at once. Start with the essentials and add more as you need them.
Do Railblaza accessories fit all kayaks?
Railblaza StarPort bases are mounted with screws or adhesive, so in theory they fit any kayak. Many newer Galaxy Kayaks and NuCanoe kayaks already have integrated Railblaza or Track style systems, so there is no need to fit extra bases. Before buying, check which mounting system your kayak already has.
What is the difference between a cheap and an expensive paddle?
The main difference is weight and materials. An aluminium paddle is heavier, and after a few hours of paddling your arms tire faster. A fibreglass paddle is lighter and feels nicer in your hands. A carbon paddle is the lightest but also the most expensive. If you paddle once a month, a basic aluminium paddle will do. If you paddle every weekend, investing in a lighter paddle will definitely pay off.
The full range of kayak and paddle board accessories can be found in the VAKA Sport shop. If you have questions about which accessories suit your kayak or paddle board, write to us [email protected]. We will help you choose what you really need and not spend money where you do not.
Related articles
- NRS, WALLYS and Baltic Lifejackets: life jacket comparison
- How to choose a fishing kayak
- Kayak transport and storage
- Which Galaxy Kayaks model to choose: the complete guide
Read also
- Kayak transport and storage: everything you need to know before you buy
- TOP 10 kayak modifications for fishing: from holders to electronics
- Life jackets for kayaks, SUP and sailing: Baltic Lifejackets, WALLYS and NRS compared (2026)
Recommended products
The most popular products in this category
