The Surfing Site Water Sports Magazine

Have you ever been out paddling on a boat and thought you should get a better experience? Then a kayak sail is precisely the thing you cannot look away. The best kayak sail allows you to have a safe, enjoyable ride by efficiently harnessing the wind power as you glide down the water smoothly without any stress.

The perfect kayak sail for you can come in any shape, size, or style, depending on the different wind conditions or capacity of the kayak. The only thing is, you should get the most efficient one from the market.

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You will be happy to know that there are various options available. To help you pick the best kayak sail for your boat, here is a comprehensive guide with all the details, product information, and reviews that will help you make the right choice.

Top 10 Best Kayak Sails 2022

1. Bluefin

If you are looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one SUP-kayak package, then the ultimate SUP kayak bundle Cruise by Bluefin will fill you with delight. It is a complete kit that comes with a lightweight and durable paddle shaft with up to 28 PSI capacity and exceptional stability.

Originally a SUP, the board can be quickly transformed into a SUP kayak with added seat for a pet or co-passenger, and a GoPro Mount on the nose.

The Cruise package is completed with specially designed fiberglass lightweight kayak paddles, a smart lock fin, a double-action pump for inflation, and a SUP travel backpack. In a nutshell, it is an all-rounder product that can be used by amateurs and veterans alike. Patrons hail it as one of the best kayak packages under the price range of $500.

Pros

• Quick and easy conversion from SUP to kayak
• Stable maneuverability
• Safe for sailing in the ocean
• Comes in three sizes: 10’8”, 12” and 15.”

Cons

• The pump for inflation can be a hard job and time-consuming
• Parts can be expensive to replace once the warranty is up

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2. RapidUp

RapidUp kayak sail by Advanced Elements is unavoidable if you want something simple and convenient. The product features a unique ergonomic shape that helps you significantly to sail in a downwind situation.

The product is made of durable, zero-rip material and comes attached with a non-corroding frame that allows the sail to spring open when deployed.

RapidUp is the best kayak sail for a quick fix, easy to configure the solution to your comfortable sailing. It has a quick self-launching feature, and the product is liked by several buyers who want a no-nonsense, relaxing trip around the water. The package comes with two stabilization lanyards, one dousing lanyard, one carabiner base clip, and a storage bag.

Pros

• Fits on a variety of SUP boats and kayaks
• Compact and portable design
• Three transparent see-through windows for visibility

Cons

• Not enough surface to catch low or medium wind
• Takes a strong gust to set sail properly

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3. Oru Kayak

This lightweight and easily foldable kayak kit meant for fun and adventurous outings. It features a sleek look and can be transformed from box to boat and back to box in five minutes. But it is also sturdy and durable for safe sailing at all times.

The Bay ST is a perfect fit for intermediate level kayaking on calm water bodies. You can take it out to lakes, rivers, and even in the ocean on days when the waves are not too stormy. The product weighs only 28 Ibs and comes with a maximum capacity of 300 lbs.

The best part about this kayak sail is that it is incredibly portable so that you can take it along with you on an adventurous trip, tucked away in the trunk of your car.

Pros

• Durable, rust-resistance surface
• Can be used by beginners as well as experts
• Foldable down to a suitcase and easily portable

Cons

• The assembling procedure a bit difficult for some people
• Some experienced instability and disassembling of the kayak early on in their purchase

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4. Olilio

If you are looking for a simple, easily deployable, hassle-free kayak sail, Olilio’s 42 inches Downwind Kayak Wind Sail kit will not let you down. The round-to-oval shaped sails come in a variety of shades to add a splash of color to your sailing experience. All of them have a see-through window in the middle for your easy visibility.

The material used to make the kayak sail is exceptionally durable and also eco-friendly. It will work in high wind situations but also keep the craftiness of the kayak to a minimum.

The sail is compatible with not only kayaks but canoes and SUPs too. Clipping and strapping the sail is quite easy, and it provides considerable protection from direct sunlight as well.

Pros

• Extremely lightweight–weighs only 0.92 lbs. per unit
• Comes in four different colors–blue, orange, red, and green
• Easily deployable and foldable
• It comes in handy to store things

Cons

• Works only for downwind sailing with lots of gust
• The package does not come with an assembling manual, which caused a problem for some customers

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5. VGEBY1

VGEBY1’s easy to handle best kayak sail is a perfect companion for your kayak, the canoe of the inflatable boat. High-quality PVC helps you to build the surface of the sail, which makes it very lightweight, long-lasting, and also extremely water-resistant.

The sail comes with a simple operation which even a beginner in kayak sailing can quickly learn. To make the boat go ahead, you have to hold the clip and to make the boat stop. You have to lay it down.

The sail is perfect for getting you from one spot to another using a quick breeze. With a little bit of practice, you can understand the controls of the sail pretty well. This product features an easy to carry storage bag that you can pack it in your car while you are headed towards the lake or river.

Pros

• Adjustable straps can fit a boat of any size
• Effortless maneuverability
• Moves quite fast on little wind

Cons

• It comes in only orange color

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6. Fafeims

Fafeim’s Foldable Kayak Sail has a large surface area to sail in strong winds quite safely. With a diameter of 108 cm, this sail can harness a lot more wind than regular kayak sails and utilize a gust of wind optimally to push you forward along the water.

Like any round-shaped kayak sails, Fafeim’s features a convenient see-through window. But the sail safeguards you with UV rays and keeps you safe from the direct ultraviolet radiation of the sun on a long day of paddling.

Pros

• Comes with sturdy 5 mm elastic rope and two 1 cm ribbons on each side of the round
• The kayak sail is available in three distinct colors–red, blue, and green
• High-quality PVC is used for the body which is durable and water-resistant

Cons

• Cannot be used in boats which are too narrow

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7. Hosmide

Think about hot summers and exciting paddling trips down the lake or river, the one brand that should be pop up in your mind, Summer Fashion Kayak Sail by Hosmide.

The sail comes in a round shape, which is one of the most sought-after designs by recreational kayakers. It has a big surface area with 108 cm, allowing more wind to be harnessed and used in the propelling of the boat.

The sail is very easy to assemble, attach, deploy, and fold. Like many other round kayak sails in the market, this one too can protect you from harmful UV rays. It has a window in the middle for you to see where you are going.

Pros

• Material crafted by durable polyester taffeta
• The seams are triple stitched, and perimeter batten is strengthened with a hardy composite material

Cons

• The sail can only be used for kayaks and not for canoes or SUPs
• The design and color are similar to many other brands

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8. Marine Bilge Pump

As it commonly known, kayaking depends on the pump. You will be glad to know that Best Marine and Outdoors make unique bilge pumps that are floatable and come with 2 ft long reversible hose pumps that attach on either end. It is easy to carry and takes up little to no space.

Sailing is a safe activity, but it is hard to say when the waves of the ocean will change. Mishaps can happen, whether you are out on a canoe, kayak, or a SUP. The pump will help you quickly fix the situation and get water out of your boat.

Best Marine and Outdoors pump weigh a pound, is 18 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. Thanks to the double-ended hose, it is easy to handle during a crisis. Simply push one end of the hose in and leave the other end to pump the water out. You can take the pump with you out paddling to be always safe.

Pros

• Very easy to use, especially in time of an emergency
• Either end of the hose can be used
• Extremely high suction rate
• No electrical failure or short circuit problems

Cons

• A bit bulky to carry on a narrow kayak
• Some people experienced break down of the pump on early attempts

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9. Bright Blue

Bright Blue offers a complete package for kayaking and canoeing lovers by presenting the Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board. The dimensions of the paddleboard are 10’6” in length, 32” in width and 6” in thickness, which is ideal for sailing during your summer vacations. Be it for fishing or pure recreation. The SUP is just perfect for lakes, rivers, streams, and even seas.

The package comes with a complete set of paddle boarding equipment: an adjustable aluminum paddle, detachable center fin for the nose, coil leash, hand pump with single/dual action and pressure gauge, repair kit with the fabric and valve wrench and a carry bag with thick shoulder straps. The paddleboard itself is quite sturdy and eye-popping with a capacity of 15 PSI max.

Pros

• Easy and quick inflation up to 15 PSI
• Military-grade PVC for the body and drop stitch structure on the inside
• It can carry up to 350 lbs. in the water
• Reasonable price compared to other similar products

Cons

• Should not be used in rough waters with rocks and boulders
• Many customers have had a problem with the pump

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10. Mexidi

Instant Popup Kayak Sail by Mexidi is powerful equipment for your kayak, canoe, or other similar kinds of boats. The seams of this sail are triple-stitched, giving it a sturdy foundation and extra wind harnessing ability. Other than a compact design and easy maneuverability, this sail is also easily foldable into a small pouch for portability.

In this product, you will get a broad target range of around 4 to 13 knots. The polyester taffeta and PVC material makes it lightweight yet durable. When unfolded, it gives a circumference of 108 cm and, therefore, a big enough surface to catch a lot of wind.

Pros

• Fits into kayaks, canoes, inflatable boats, tandems and others
• Comes in bright green, red and blue shades
• Easily foldable and easily deployable

Cons

• The clear plastic meant for visibility is across which causes a problem in holding up
• Comes with plastic clips which often give away easily
• Some customers received the package with broken parts

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Factors To Look For When Buying The Best Kayak Sail

Kayak sailing has become a much sought-after outdoor hobby, especially for those who are passionate about water sports. The activity in itself is quite rejuvenating and exciting. With a kayak sail attached, you can sit back for a while, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.

You will come across various excellent kayak sails in the market, the best ones we have listed in this article. However, knowing which the best is can wash your mind with confusion. Allow us to equip you with the crucial factors you need to consider while choosing the best kayak sail.

1. Shape

You will find sails with different shapes meant for different functionalities. The V-shaped ones are good for downwind sailing and suited for calm waters, while the taller L-shaped sails can go in all directions and perfect for old-timers. The round-shaped sails also move in one direction usually but have a visor window for clear vision.

2. Material

Cloth, plastic, and carbon fiber are the three most standard materials used in kayak sails. The cloth is bulky and tends to come in contact with water, but is durable. Plastic is much lighter and affordable, but not long-lasting. Carbon fiber, on the other hand, provides you with durability. It bears extreme wear-and-tear, lightweight, and has resistance.

3. Surface Area

A sail with smaller surface will have difficulty flowing with the wind if it is low or medium. It needs to be wide enough to set sail on a light breeze, but not too big that it becomes a tripping hazard. Depending on the kind of waters you will sail and the weather condition, choose the surface area of the kayak sail wisely.

4. Brand

When you are buying a kayak sail, no matter what, you should never compromise with the quality. It is imperative to buy from a reputable and trustworthy brand whose material and technique you can trust. You will be putting yourself and your loved ones at risk if you cut corners with brand or quality.

5. Price

Some kayak sails cost you a fortune, but it not always guarantees of the best quality. Check the material, size, and other equipment provided in the package to see if it justifies the price range. Compromising quality, however, for the sake of money is also not a wise decision, especially when it comes to kayak sails.

Benefits Of Using A Kayak Sail

Having a kayak sail has its own set of advantages.

1. Less Effort

You can give your arms rest throughout the sailing journey. You will have to paddle upstream, and then the sail will let the wind do the rest.

2. Free Time

It leaves you free for relaxing, looking around, fishing, and other activities on the kayak. So, you can get hours to unwind, away from the daily hustle and bustle.

3. Experience

If you are planning to learn sailing and have decided to sail larger boats by yourself, using kayak sails eventually will become a stepping stone. It will help build the foundation of sailing in the open waters.

4. Protection

Some of the larger models of kayak sails also offer shade from the sun and rain. If you have forgotten your hat and sunglasses, no worries, your kayak sail has got your back.

5. Convenience

This factor always puts a smile on the buyer’s face. The best thing about kayak sail is that it is easy to set up. The buyer gets unchallenged maneuverability so that one can sail through narrow and dangerous zones.

Points Of Sail In Kayak Sailing

Knowing the right point of sail is very crucial while kayaking or any other kind of sailing. The general idea is to sail toward the direction of the wind. Positioning your boat in the exact alignment of the wind is a trick, but it is not a cakewalk skill, one must practice hard.

Most of the experts use four types of points to sail in the water– close hauled, close reach, beam reach, and running.

• Close Haul: Close Haul is the situation where the boat is sailing with the help of the wind. Sailing directly upwind is impossible as the wind comes in at a narrow-angle.
• Close Reach: When the wind comes at a slightly higher angle than close haul but still towards you, it is called Close Reach. It is one of the fastest points of sail when you are out there with your boat.
• Beam Reach: You get Beam Reach is when the wind hits you perpendicularly at a right angle. The 90° wind-wave hits the boat on the side, giving it neither a slow nor a breakneck speed.
• Running: Last but not least, you get a Running point when the wind is directly behind you. Make sure you are sailing at the right angle to forge ahead with the wind.
  Understanding these four points during sailing will make it not only a more comfortable experience for you but also more enriching and unforgettable.

Tips For Kayak Sailing

Here are some useful tips for you that might come in handy when you go out for kayak sailing.

Precaution: Before you set on a journey, make sure the sail is installed correctly. Tolerate no loose ends. Failing to do so will not only cause damage to both the sail and the kayak but also pose a threat to you. The kayak might flip and overturn as well.

• Compatibility: Check that the sail you are attaching with your kayak is tightly fixed. Some sails are compatible with kayaks, canoes, SUPs, and others, while some are for one particular kind. Installing a sail that does not go with your kind of boat will also end up in property damage and life risk.
• Start easy: If you are an amateur in kayak sailing or just started with it, keep things low. Start in calmer waters like lakes that do not have water current or waves. Once you become an expert to sail in lakes, you can gear it up to a stream, a river, and, eventually, the ocean.
• Trimming: When you are on the water, keep in mind about trimming the sheets. It will ensure that they can control air and not flapping violently. A flapping sail is an indicator of lost wind energy. You do not want that to happen. Make sure you get to use the full force of the wind pushing your kayak forward.

FAQs on Kayak Sails

1. Can You Sail A Kayak?

Yes, you can sail a kayak irrespective of the size, shape, material, or design of a kayak. Kayak sails are made for saving physical labor and energy while sailing and leave it up to the wind to take you from place to place.

2. Which Kayak Is Most Stable?

The kayaks with sit-on-top variety are usually bigger, easy to use, and much more stable in the water. However, you cannot expect speed from these kayaks. If you want speed, then go for speedy kayaks, which are the longer and narrower ones, but you cannot expect them to be as stable as the wider ones.

3. What Length Kayak Do I Need?

Eight feet to 12 feet kayaks are ideal for personal and recreational purposes. These types are perfect for sailing in lakes, rivers, streams, and other still water bodies. For seas and oceans, you should go for 14 feet to 18 feet kayaks for safety.

4. Should I Buy A Sit-Inside Or Sit-On-Top Kayak?

If you want fun and easy kayaking or do not mind getting wet, then sit-on-top kayaks are perfect. They are broader and more stable and easy to get on and off. Sit-inside kayaks protect your body from wind and splashing water as you will sit inside the cockpit. But freedom of movement will be comparatively less, and getting out in case of an emergency can be tricky. The choice depends on your preference and expertise.

5. Do Kayaks Flip Quickly?

No, kayaks are specifically designed to be safe on the water. However, it depends mainly on the weather condition, the shape of the kayak, and sailing. If there is a massive storm, a narrow kayak can turn upside down. Too much weight on one side can also cause the kayak to capsize. Bad weather can do it as well.

6. How Much Does The Right Kayak Cost?

The cost of a right kayak depends on your preference. For example, the paddleboard will cost around $100-150 for fiberglass models on average, while carbon paddles should be much more expensive, but it more reliable and sturdy.

However, if you want to buy the whole package together, it would mean you will pay for the paddles, the sail, the gauge, the pump, and anything else you want to include in the kit.

7. How Long Does A Right Kayak Last?

Whether a kayak will be long-lasting or not depends mostly on its maintenance. It depends on how you take care of it and how many times you use it. Usually, a right fiberglass kayak should last four to five years, even after regular use.

Carbon paddleboards should last even more—a decade or so. However, if you neglect its maintenance or continuously take it to rocky or rough sailing zones, the longevity drops with every occasion.

8. How To Stay Dry While Kayaking?

It is impossible not to get even a little bit wet while kayaking—you will be in the water after all. However, sit-in kayaks do ensure a much drier experience since you will be sitting inside the cockpit.

If you are sailing in cold waters and do not want to fall ill, you can try wearing waterproof apparel and shoes. You can use gaskets too, which prevent water from getting inside clothes around the neck and wrists.

Best Kayak Sails – Final Words

We have you will follow all of the instructions given above. You will notice during a purchase; all of those mentioned factors will help you a great deal.

Sailing will be a cakewalk if you find the best Kayak sail. We have narrowed every possible information you would come across. If you refer to our guide and the products we have enlisted, nothing can stop you. Take your time to think and make an informed decision.