The Costs of Kayaking

As I replaced yet another kayak and gear, I wondered how much each kayaking trip costs. So let’s look at the rough costs of basic gear:

  • kayak: $1100 (used at 30% to 50% of that)
  • paddle:$200
  • spray skirt:$200
  • helmet:$100
  • PFD: $200
  • float bags: $50
  • throw rope: $50
  • rash guard top: $75
    ——
    ~$2000

But what really matters is how often gear needs to be replaced. After some empirical testing, you can run a brand new Jackson Fun down the Ocoee 163 times, or $6.75 per kayaking trip.