Father’s Day Gift Guide For Paddling Dads
Father’s Day Gift Guide For Paddling Dads
Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 15 in 2025—a day set aside to celebrate the dads, father figures, and paddling partners who make life on and off the water better. For many families, it’s a time for barbecues, outdoor adventures, and a thoughtful gift or two. But let’s be honest: dads can be tough to shop for.
If your dad loves spending time in a canoe, kayak, or SUP, you’re in luck. There’s no shortage of gear that can make his time on the water more enjoyable, comfortable, or safe. From affordable accessories under $30 to high-end safety equipment that offers peace of mind on big-water adventures, this guide to Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Paddlers has you covered.
Whether you're looking for a practical upgrade or a fun surprise, the gift ideas below will help you find something your paddling dad will truly appreciate.
Father’s Day Gift Guide For Paddling Dads 2025
Gifts For Dad Under $30
303 Aerospace Protectant Spray
Paddling is a hobby that involves as much maintenance as it does time on the water. If equipment isn’t cleaned and maintained after use, it quickly deteriorates.
To help ensure your dad’s paddling vessel and gear don’t crack or turn brittle in the sun, consider this Aerospace protectant spray. It’s easy to apply and it adds an extra layer of protection to any marine vessel against harmful UV rays and other damaging natural elements.
Paddling Sun hat
As your paddling dad ages, sun protection becomes more important than ever. A sun hat is a great way to ensure your dad is protected from harmful UV rays and the harmful conditions that sun exposure can cause.
There are a variety of sun hat options, ranging from stylish woven styles to quick-dry and breathable designs. Choose a hat that suits your dad’s style and needs.
Hydrolock Mapcessory Map Case
Most water sports enthusiasts have at least one waterproof phone case. In addition to protecting your phone, sometimes you need other belongings kept dry. Some such items include maps, permits, and other documents.
This “mapcessory” map case from Hydrolock allows you to keep papers dry while you read them. There are also latch points, which make it easy for your dad to secure the case, keeping documents secure and accessible.
Check Price at Backcountry.com
Gifts For Dad Under $60
Twisted Eco Hooded Long-Sleeve Shirt
Another stylish way to give your dad sun protection when he's on the water is this Vissla Twisted eco hooded long-sleeve shirt. It’s ideal for protecting your skin from the sun on longer paddles. Its lightweight, quick-drying material makes it perfect for water sports. The material offers UPF 50+ protection against harmful UV rays. It’s also stretchy, making it comfortable to wear and doesn’t hinder your dad’s paddling movement. This hoodie is available in several colors, which means you can buy it in your dad’s favorite color.
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Patagonia Hydropeak Board Shorts
If your dad is an avid paddler and water lover, then he can never have enough board shorts. If he rarely treats himself to a quality pair of swimming trunks, then splurge on these high-performance and stylish Patagonia Hydropeak board shorts.
What makes these board shorts great is their lightweight and quick-drying material, which makes them comfortable and keeps your dad dry on the water. The material offers a 4-way stretch, making it easy to move and extend, and won’t hinder movement when paddling or swimming.
A Cockpit Cover
If you live somewhere with cold winters, then your dad probably stores his kayak for several months. Properly storing your kayak in the winter will significantly increase its longevity. To help make your Dad’s job of kayak storage easier, buy him a cockpit cover.
These covers are available in various sizes from REI. They will keep water, debris, bugs, and other critters out of the boat so it is clean and pristine when he takes the vessel out of storage in the spring.
Gifts For Dad Under $100
Osprey Transporter Waterproof 18 Pack
If your dad is a fan of paddling on vacation or takes long paddling journeys, then a waterproof backpack is essential. This Osprey Transporter 18 pack is the perfect gift for any paddler, especially those who like to paddle while traveling to bucket-list paddling destinations.
This pack is TSA compliant, with a waterproof roll-top bucket closure that will keep all your dad’s valuables safe and dry as good as any other paddling dry bag.
It is also reflective, which helps keep your dad seen and safe in busy waterways. There is even an attachment on the back where you can add a blinking light, making it safer to paddle at night and in low-visibility conditions.
Nocs Standard Issue 8x25 Waterproof Binoculars
Every paddler should have a nice set of paddling binoculars. Binoculars can help you spot hazards and allow you a better look at beautiful landscapes. They are also great for wildlife viewing while paddling. This set of Noc Standard Issue 8X25 waterproof binoculars is perfect for a paddling dad.
Not only are they waterproof, but these binoculars are durable and have rubber grips. This makes them easy to handle, even when your hands are wet.
They have an anti-reflective GoodEye glass system, which gives a crisp and clear view. The 8X magnification is equal to a 400mm zoom lens. They are even designed to line up with a smartphone camera. This allows you to take zoomed-in photos of far-away wildlife.
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Grayl GEOPRESS Water Purifier
When it comes to purifying water bottles, Grayl is often considered the ultimate brand. The filters on these water bottles not only filter out harmful bacteria and dirt, but also remove heavy metals and viruses, which very few other water bottles can do.
If your dad is a survivalist or is known to take long paddling trips in freshwater, this is a great gift for him. Best of all, this water bottle can come in handy anywhere, including on vacations where the water quality is questionable.
Check Price at Backcountry.com
Gifts For Dad $150 And Up
Maui Jim Sunglasses
Every paddler needs a good pair of sunglasses, and it doesn’t get much better than Maui Jims. Not only do many dads around the world love this brand, but the glasses are great for eye protection.
They have incredible polarized lenses that enhance color on the water and also minimize glare.
In addition to the great visibility, the company also offers tons of style options. REI has a huge selection of these sunglasses. The site also has frequent sales on select frames.
Check Price at Backcountry.com
Garmin inReach Mini 2
It’s normal to worry about your dad when he takes long paddles offshore in unpredictable conditions. A lot can go wrong, and help can be far away. As you think about the perfect Father’s Day gift for your paddling dad, consider giving the gift of safety and peace of mind.
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is an incredible compact communication, signal, and emergency device.
This small satellite walkie-talkie has it all. It can pair with your phone to act as a GPS to get you to your destination. It works as a communication device even in remote areas thanks to its satellite technology, and it can even be used to give off an emergency signal.
This is a great gift for stubborn dads who like paddling alone, as it provides enhanced safety and communication for any solo paddler.
Suspenz DLX Airless Kayak/Canoe Cart
If the paddling dad in your life is young at heart, but getting up there in years, then consider buying him a gift that will take some of the physical strain off his body. If he’s is a kayaker or canoer, then consider having the family chip in to buy him this Suspenz DLX airless kayak/canoe cart.
Helping a paddling vessel from the car to the launch location can be tough, especially as you grow older. This sturdy aluminum canoe and kayak cart is strong and durable, and makes transporting your kayak or canoe a breeze.
The 10-inch rubber tires make it easy to transport your boat over almost any surface with ease.
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