7 Best Kayak Sails To Buy In 2024

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What Is A Kayak Sail?

Seeing how science is beautiful, and its applications are enriching our lives in so many ways. They’re so broad that they touch kayaking. And if you’re wondering how that’s where kayak sail comes in.

A kayak sail is a piece of equipment that kayakers attach to their kayaks to thrust themselves forward. The idea is to harness the wind power to make the kayak move faster.

It can be made using different kinds of materials such as plastic, mylar, or cloth. Moreover, it can be attached to the kayak with a pole or mast.

There are a variety of kayak sail types existing on the market, and each doesn’t come without its pros and cons. We have brought to you, in this article, 7 of the top kayak sails existing on the market today.

Kayakers choose to be involved in kayaking for many reasons. To some, the tranquility that comes with being alone on the water is incomparable, while others enjoy the thrilling moments of kayaking against the water current.

Whatever reason it is, kayakers always seek to make the experience an unforgettable one. And what better way than getting a functional kayak sail. Kayak sails provide additional thrust and power that make you travel easier and faster than you’d without them.

They also provide you with a different, thrilling, drive that is way better than oars and paddles combined. If you’re interested in bringing in an addition to your kayaking gear, then you’ll surely find our list of the best 7 sails fascinating.

1. Advanced Elements Rapid Up Kayak Sail Kit

The Advanced Elements’ Rapid Up kayak sail kit might be your best choice if you’re interested in a kayak sail kit that can be easily set up without much time, and without taking up too much space.

The sail kit comes with all the necessary hardware and accessories needed for setup. The included user instructions are also easy to follow.

Made from tough ripstop nylon, it is easy to set up, use, and pack up when not in use. Moreso, it has a leeboard and a built-in mast that allow for easy connection to your kayak. You get an extra thrust when you paddle alongside.

Furthermore, its lightweight and compact design allows for easy transportation, so you can carry it around wherever you go. What’s more? The design makes it foldable into a portable size that fits inside most standard vans and SUVs.

When folded, the Advanced Elements’ Rapid Up sail kit measures 8 inches in width, 24 inches in height, and 13 inches in height.

The Pros of the Advanced Elements Rapid Up Kayak Sail Kit

The Advanced Elements Rapid Up Kayak Sail Kit is a perfect accessorial addition to your kayaking gear with many pros over other existing ones on the market. Below are a few of its advantages:

• The sail kit is easy to install and use. The setup only takes a few minutes before sailing.
• It provides excellent performance even during rough water conditions.
• The sail is designed with a mind toward durability.
• Made from tough materials, it can stand up for regular use and it lasts long, so you don’t have to worry so much about its breakdown.
• It is easily foldable, compacting into an 18-inch disc for storage.
• It also comes with a carry bag for easy transportation and storage.

The Cons of the Advanced Elements Rapid Up Kayak Sail Kit

Although a great additional accessory to a kayaker’s gear, the Advanced Elements Rapid Up Kayak Sail Kit has its cons

• Although installing the sail kit is easy to do, controlling the kayak with the sail often poses difficulty.
• The kayak is often slowed down due to the high level of drag the sail creates.
• There’s a high likelihood of damage to the sail, especially when paddling through windy conditions or rough waters.

2. Hobie Mirage Kayak Sail Kit

Among the most popular kayaking vessels and accessories products available on the market is the Hobie Kayak. With their brilliant, affordable, and versatile kayak designs, they own a chunk of the market share.

But one thing even makes them a better addition to a sail kit. The Hobie kayak sail kit harnesses the power of the wind to help thrust your kayak, providing a lot of paddling ease and fun.

A great addition to your kayaking arsenal, it is an answer to many kayaking questions. Included in this kit are all the necessary accessories to get sailing started right after you get to the shoreline!

The built-in mast allows for easy attachment to your kayak. Also included are a few other essentials like the furling lines, boom Vang, etc. Kayaking can never go wrong with the Hobie Kayak Sail Kit, so why not try it today?

The Pros of the Hobie Kayak Sail Kit

This sail kit is a great option for kayakers interested in getting additional wind power during their next adventure. Here are some advantages of using it:

• Provides much power thrust.
• With the propelling power provided, kayakers get to move around easily, covering more distance on the waters.
• It is easy to set up, making it appropriate for both experienced and amateur kayakers.
• It provides improved stability.
• The Hobie kayak sail kit fits and can be easily attached to any Hobie kayak.
• It is lightweight and compact.
• It is portable and comes with a storage bag that allows you to move it around wherever you go.

The Cons of the Hobie Kayak Sail Kit

No doubt, the Hobie kayak sail kit has a lot of amazing features that make it a popular option for kayakers looking to get an affordable way to add an excellent sail to their kayaking arsenal. However, there are a few disadvantages to using this product as seen below:

• The durability is on the lower side compared to other traditional sails, therefore, can be damaged easily in case of strong wind.
• Setting up the sails in a proper way can be challenging.
• Controlling the sail can be a difficult thing to do, especially if you’re new to kayaking with sails.
• The included mast on the kit is not strong enough and can get damaged in strong winds.
• Purchasing a sail kit can be expensive.
• It is not so portable when compared with many other options on the market.

3. BSD Batwing Sail Kite

The Batwing Sail kit is yet another great way to enjoy kayak sailing. The sail kit offers good stability coupled with excellent performance on the water, making it a perfect choice for beginners to use in a soft wind.

It can serve as a spinnaker or an outrigger set on a long light pole to run against the wind on larger boats. Also built-in, in the BSD Batwing kit, is the foot pump that, quickly and simply, helps inflate your sails.

Other essentials included in the kit are a boom, furling lines, and mast: all for easy installation and use.

The Pros of BSD Batwing Sail Kit

The BSD kit is a great option for kayakers interested in getting plenty of wind power to help them quickly through the water during their next adventure. Here are some advantages of using it:

• The BSD Batwing sail kit is a great way to get the most out of your kayak
• It is durable and can withstand rough environmental conditions.
• Offers you more control over your vessel.
• The sail is easy to install and use.
• It provides you with the opportunity to sail for as long as you want, in a larger range of wind conditions.
• Provides excellent speed and performance to your kayak.

The Cons of BSD Batwing Sail Kit

Despite being a good choice for most kayakers, the BDS Batwing Sail kit doesn’t come without its disadvantages. Below are a few of them:

• Proper setup can be difficult which consequently leads to short-term usage.
• The sail is vulnerable to damage in strong winds.
• The price can be on the higher side compared to other traditional sails.

4. Sea Eagle QuikSail Kayak Sail

The Sea Eagle QuikSail kayak sail is a new and amazing way to get the best of your kayaking experience. It is a unique and innovative product that allows you to add a sailing rig, quickly and easily, to your kayaks.

The installation of this kit is easy to carry out in minutes, and to use is not difficult either. With the inclusion of a durable sail made of nylon, a mast for easy attachment to the kayak, and rigging, the kit is a perfect choice for windy days.

Moreover, it provides excellent stability with extra power and speed to your kayak on the water. It is a good choice for experienced and amateur kayakers alike.

The Pros of the Sea Eagle QuikSail Kayak Sail

The Sea Eagle QuikSail kayak sail stands as one of the tops on the market. Below are several of its advantages:

• A great choice for plenty of power and thrust to help move fast through even the roughest of waters.
• Easy to install and use, making it an appropriate option for beginner and experienced kayakers alike.
• It is lightweight for easy portability.
• Made of durable nylon material that can withstand tough weather conditions.
• The sail offers great stability and is easy to control.

The Cons of the Sea Eagle QuikSail Kayak Sail

Despite standing as one of the top kayak sails on the market, the Sea Eagle QuikSail kayak sail doesn’t come without its cons. Below are several of its disadvantages:

• There can be difficulty in turning the kayak while the sail is up.
• Also, the sail can hinder you from properly paddling through the waters.
• Controlling the kayak sail in high wind can be challenging.

5. WindPaddle Adventure Sail

The WindPaddle Adventure Sail is an innovative and unique product for kayakers who are looking to sail anywhere they want without having to vacate their vessel. It is an inflatable sail that fits any type of kayak for attachment.

Whether you have a canoe or paddleboard alongside your kayak, this device is a good fit, allowing you to harness the wind power to thrust yourself forward. The WindPaddle Sail is easy to set up and use in minutes, making it a great accessorial addition for your next kayaking adventure.

What’s more, with the WindPaddle Adventure Sail, you get to easily explore new waterways, taking on the accompanying challenges of kayaking on whitewater.

The Pros of WindPaddle Adventure Sail

Specially made for kayaks and canoes with several advantages over other kayak sail types. Below are some advantages of the WindPaddle Adventure Sail:

• Easy to install and use without modification requirements for your kayak.
• Offers high power and thrust to help you run faster, covering more waterways.
• The sail is made from a lightweight yet durable material that provides portability.
• It has much stability, so you don’t need to worry about its removal when you’re on the go.

The Cons of WindPaddle Adventure Sail

Although specially designed to be compatible with kayaks and other watercrafts such as paddleboards and canoes, it goes without having its disadvantages. Below are a few of the disadvantages to know before getting one:

• Unlike other traditional kayak sails, the WindPaddle Adventure requires more wind quantity to run the kayak faster, making it less efficient
• It is not designed for easy use for beginners.
• Its usage can be dangerous during instances involving strong wind.
• Buying a WindPaddle Adventure Sail can be expensive.

6. Dilwe Foldable Kayak Sail

The Dilwe Foldable Kayak Sail is another great accessorial addition you can consider if you’re looking to add more power and thrust to your kayaking on your next adventure.

It was designed by Mark DeBoer, a professional paddleboarder. This model has two sails of different designs: one is of a unique “V” shape design, and the other is the shape of a traditional mast.

Its unique design makes it easy to set up when needed and to fold and stow away when not in use. Made of lightweight yet, durable material that allows it to stand the roughest of waters, and consequently, the test of time.

The sail kit features a simple, built-in, system for conditioning the sail to the best angle and position to achieve the greatest wind power optimization.

What’s more, with the presence of an adjustable foot strap, you can easily adjust your stance while making use of it.

The Pros of Dilwe Foldable Kayak Sail

For kayakers interested in getting extra speed and power on the water, the Dilwe foldable kayak sail is a perfect option. With the ability to sail without paddling, this sail makes kayaking more enjoyable.

We have compiled a number of its advantages below:

• The Dilwe foldable kayak sail is easy to install and use on your kayak hull, using the included hardware.
• Its compact and lightweight design allows for easy transportation to whatever trip you choose to engage in.
• The sail can also serve as a windbreak in addition to keeping you warm on chilly days.

The Cons of Dilwe Foldable Kayak Sail

Many kayakers find the Files foldable kayak sail a good option because of its laudable, easy-to-install, and useful features. Its compact design which makes it fit in a storage pack also makes it a popular choice among them.

However, the sail doesn’t come without its disadvantages. Below are some of them:

• The sail isn’t as strong as other existing options on the market.
• Because of its fragile design, it may break if anything hits it suddenly while you’re sailing.
• The sails tend to fold over each other, making the design hard to use when you’re paddling forward.
• Its materials of design make it susceptible to damage from sharp objects such as rocks and plant branches.
• The sail does not come with a rudder, so steering in rough wind conditions.

7. WindPaddle Scout Sail

If there’s one thing special about the WindPaddle Scout Sail, it’s the combination of affordability with strength and other amazing features.

It is a perfect choice to make when you want to go sailing without having to spend much money. Made of durable nylon material, it is easy to install and lasts for a long period under mild wind.

It features a clip system that facilitates its attachment to the kayak. More so, it is compatible for use in getting extra power from the motor or the wind. The product is a perfect choice for beginners who’re just getting into kayak sailing, or those who intend to get better at it.

The Pros of the WindPaddle Scout Sail

• There are a lot of great features found in the WindPaddle Scout Sail. The advantages of choosing the sail over other traditional sails are listed below:
• With the WindPaddle Scout, you won’t have to worry about buying or installing a new mast on your kayak.
• Made to last; the durable nylon material stays intact for a long time under low wind conditions.
• It is easy to install and use on the water.
• It offers adequate resistance against the, making the fun and excitement of kayaking more real.

The Cons of the WindPaddle Scout Sail

• As we’ve read the advantages, like other sails, the WindPaddle Scout doesn’t come without its disadvantages. Below is a list:
• May not be able to withstand tough wind and rough waters.
• Steering your kayak can be difficult with the sail on.
• The price of purchasing the sail is on the high side.

Types of Kayak Sails

No doubt, you’ve picked one or two things in our list of best kayak sail brands available on the market. Sailing is fun, and kayak sails can be a good addition to your kayak.

The main types of kayaks present on the market are briefly discussed below:

1. The Tall L-shape Sails
2. The V-shape Sails
3. Circle Shape Sails
4. Triangular Sails

1 – The Tall L Shape Sails

The efficiency of the Tall L-shape sails makes them a top choice among kayakers who enjoy sailing. They are created to trap as much wind as possible, and then convert it to the power needed to drive your kayak faster.

Aside from kayaks, the sails can be used on both windsurfers and boats. The L-shape works perfectly in moderate breeze and light wind conditions, and can as well sustain some headwinds.

Sailing with this sail type makes you feel different compared to when you try others. In addition, it is safe to use by both experienced and amateur sailors alike.

2 – The V-shape Sails

Over the years, there have been a lot of changes made to the earliest traditional triangular sails of the early sailors. In many of today’s sail designs, you will find a V-shape because it is said to be more efficient than traditional sails.

The V-shaped sails supply faster speed and more lift, which makes them an ideal sailing choice in rough wind conditions.

Moreover, a high level of safety is guaranteed when you choose to sail with the V-shape type because, like other sails, they do not catch on top of other kayaks.

In addition, you do not have to worry about the danger of capsizing which may occur due to sudden wave or wind action. The only issue you can have with this type of sail is the difficulty with managing it when you’re on the water.

3 – The Circle Shape Sails

The Circle Shape Sails are relatively new on the market. They’re getting recognized as being a type of sail that is as equally good as other types. The product is designed by Sailrocket and provides more aerodynamic tricks than traditional sails.

What’s more, with their unfailing stability in strong winds, they transcend the traditional sails. This ability makes them a perfect choice for rough water sailing, for kayakers who enjoy sailing under these conditions

4 – The Triangular Sail

Talking about the longest and most enduring sails in use, they’re triangular sails. They have been for centuries, and are still in use today. The triangular shape was given to help trap much wind and consequently power up the vessel to travel at great speed.

Moreso, the sail is adjustable to the direction of the wind. Although it is no longer as commonly used as other new types of sails, some kayakers today still enjoy having to run on water with it.

Setting Up Your Kayak Sail

Setting up a kayak sail is not as difficult as it might seem. In fact, with a little practice, it can be a relatively easy process. The first step is to decide what type of sail you want to use. There are several different options available, including triangular sails, rectangular sails, and spinnakers.

The next step is to assemble the sail kit. This includes the mast, the spar, the sail, and the rigging. Most sails have a mast that fits into a receiver on the kayak, and the sail is attached to the mast with clips or ties.

Once you have the kit assembled, you will need to find a place to mount the mast. The best place to mount the mast is in front of the kayak.

You may also choose to attach the mast to your bow roller if this style of boat suits your needs better than other types. It’s important to note here that some models of boats do not allow attaching masts directly to their rollers because they were designed specifically for racing.

When it comes to kayaks, sails might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, they can be a great way to get around, and with a little practice, it can be easy to set them up.

How To Adjust Your Sail Properly

The speed and power sails provide to kayaks open up new ways to enjoy your favorite recreation, turning a simple, enjoyable, paddling into an electrifying race.

You must, however, know that to get the most out of your sailing, you have to properly adjust your sail. We have a few useful tips for you below:

• To avoid unwanted drag on your vessel, it is important that you check the direction of the wind and readjust your sail, therefore. If the direction you’re sailing towards is right, then you won’t need any readjustment. Ensure to check that the direction of the blowing breeze isn’t against your back or directly at your face.
• Secondly, ensure the angle of your sail is rightly adjusted. The amount of air your sail catches is relative to the height of your mast, so it is advisable to raise your mast high.
• In addition, if you have a spinnaker pole, you can consider using it. It adds extra betterment to the performance of your sail than when you don’t use it. What’s more, controlling and adjusting to the high wind is also easier.

Using Your Kayak Sail

That you have read our article this far means you’re a lover of kayaks looking for a means to add more excitement to your next kayaking adventure.

No doubt, sails can provide much extra power to cover new areas and explore more waterways. And all these can be done without reducing all the fun that accompanies it.

However, to effectively and safely use a kayak sail, it is important that you have a basic understanding of sailing and how you can install and adjust your sail properly. First, let’s take a look at the principle by which a sail works.

The presence of a sail on your vessel helps create the desired reaction force when in motion relative to the surrounding air. This increases the lift, say on the left, of your kayak, while decreasing the drag on the right side.

Consequently, your kayak is propelled forward faster than when paddled. Below are the various ways you can use a sail:

• For water surfing, windsurfing, or both.
• Harnessing the power of wind alone for sailing without paddling or motor.
• For fishing, if you enjoy it.
• Tacking into seaside winds
• Sailing over a large expanse of water such as oceans and still lakes.
• To gather some speed before powering down, by paddling against a gale.

Safety While Sailing

The topic of safety is as important in sailing as anywhere else. Your safety is important, and it can never be overemphasized.

If you’re an experienced kayak sailor, perhaps, you’d be familiar with all the simple techniques and the advanced techniques you can do with your kayaks such as jibing, reefing, tacking, etc. You’d as well be equally familiar with the safety rules that guide you on water.

The beginners, you may not be familiar with the skills yet but as time goes on, you’ll catch up. But let’s catch up with the safety devices you’ll need on the water.

• First, your life jacket is important, so never forget it.
• Also, always check the forecasts to better understand how the weather will turn out for the day in your environment.

When you adhere to all safety precautions, you get to have the best time enjoying your hobby. What, then, are you waiting for? Get your kayak sail and sail away into the world of excitement!