The 6 Best Kayak Outriggers
This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Paddling a kayak is undoubtedly fun, but it can also be dangerous — especially if you tip over. These outriggers attach to your vessel to add stability and make falling out less likely, so you can row, fish, and move around with confidence. While these can reduce the risk of injury, they're not a sufficient safety mechanism on their own, so be sure to have that life jacket on at all times. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Brocraft Stabilizers
2. Scotty Stabilizer System
3. YakGear Generation 2
Editor's Notes
October 21, 2020:
Outriggers are a great way to add extra stability to your kayak when you're out on the water. However, they should always be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, a life vest. Remember, before drilling into your kayak, to think carefully about where you want to place the outriggers. An ideal way is to sit in the kayak and make a rowing motion with your arms, or paddles, to ensure the stabilizers will not hinder your stroke.
While keeping on top of the latest models available for kayak outriggers, we have introduced the YakGear Generation 2 as a replacement for this company's older model, the YakGear OR10. Whereas the latter tended to impede a rower's movement, this new model can be mounted at the front or rear of the vessel, so users can find the best fit depending on their stroke and style of kayak. We also appreciated that the arms of this set can be lifted and lowered independent of each other, so you can keep stability on the port side as you pull up close to disembark at the dock on the starboard side, or vice versa.
We added the Meter Star Accessories as a budget-friendly option. Its two floats can provide additional support, however, users need to purchase the rod and mounting hardware separately. We thought it was a worthy consideration for those that already have a way to attach this to their kayak, or possibly for those who enjoy a bit of DIY experimentation. Just be sure to secure everything properly before setting out. This update saw the removal of the Inspired By Nature option as it is not available for purchase at this time.
March 08, 2019:
Most of the options above are capable of being used with any kayak, but there are a few — such as the Hobie Sidekick Ama — that may not work with the model you have at home, so be sure to check before ordering. Be sure to think long and hard about placement before you start drilling any holes, as some can interfere with your stroke if installed too close to the cockpit. The Spring Creek Manufacturing offering is best-suited for users who don't want to sacrifice much paddling speed in the name of stability, while the Brocraft Stabilizers are ideal for those who value staying upright above all else, such as fishermen, newbies, and those who don't swim well.
4. Spring Creek Manufacturing
5. Hobie Sidekick AMA
6. Meter Star Accessories
Originally from Wales, UK, Cat skipped the country shortly after completing her bachelor of arts in English and social policy, with no real purpose other than to see the world. Years and countless jobs later, such as coaching tennis, teaching at the constitutional court of Indonesia, and building a guesthouse on a beach, she still has no intention of settling down. Having begun training in Taekwondo at the age of five, she achieved her black belt before going on to study kickboxing and Krav Maga, resulting in a good knowledge of all things related to martial arts. Through years of hiking up volcanoes and mountains, scuba diving, and just generally riding around on a motorcycle, Cat is well informed in the fields of outdoor clothing and equipment, camping paraphernalia, and of course travel.