3 Best Kayak Canopy for Beginners
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Kayaking in intense heat may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But you can now kayak longer hours and yet protect yourself from the unbearable sun, by getting your own kayak canopy.
As there are so many choices of kayak shades in the market out there, how do we find the best kayak canopy for your needs? From our extended research, we have narrowed down to a group of top kayak canopies that we think is best for kayaking. In this guide, we have listed down all its key features and why these kayak umbrellas have landed among our top picks.
If you want to skip and find the best kayak canopy, then Adventure Canopies Kayak Sun Shade is the one for you.
Table of Contents
Top picks for Best Canoe Canopies
This kayak sunshade is UV tested and certified, and does a good job in protecting your skin from harmful rays. It blocks 99% UVA and UVB sun rays with its UPF 50+ rating. With its exceptional shade at 54 inches in length, you can spend extra time kayaking in the full sun.
Its fabric is made from 600 Denier Polyester fabric, which means there is water resistance against rain water on wet days. The craftsmanship of the shade is impressive with its clean and tough stitchings.
This canoe canopy is a durable shade thanks to its fiberglass frame, which can withstand the flex of high winds. We love that this canoe bimini top is height adjustable, to suit different kayaker’s heights. The design is well thought out, you can fold the canopy down when it is not needed.
The installation does not interfere with your oars or mounted fish finders. There are different sizes to choose from, depending on the size of your vessel.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Adjustable
- Able to withstand moderate windy conditions
- Strong fibreglass frame
- Fabric durable and water resistant
Cons
- Less affordable
PROS
CONS
- Easy to install
- Adjustable
- Able to withstand moderate windy conditions
- Strong fibreglass frame
- Fabric durable and water resistant
- Less affordable
You can paddle all day without being burned to crisp and when it rains, it acts with a certain level of water resistance. The fabric is water resistant, made out of ripstop Oxford cloth technology that measures 48 inches long and 24 inches wide. It offers approximately 8 sq ft of shade coverage.
The only thing is if the wind picks up, it may be harder to paddle against the wind. However, its aviation aluminium rod is strong enough to provide extra support in windy conditions. The support rods have been lengthened to 100cm allowing more head space.
The installation of this kayak shade is straightforward, and works well with Sit On Top Kayak or Sit In Kayaks that have the fishing poles right behind where you sit. It comes with multiple colors for you to match your boat. Just snap the pieces together and attach to tie down points and rod holders on your kayak. You can secure the front with an elastic cord to keep the shade in place. When stored, it folds down into a bag which is included with the shade, making it easy to transport and store.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy installation
- Storage bag included
- Durable fabric
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
PROS
CONS
- Affordable
- Easy installation
- Storage bag included
- Durable fabric
- Not fully waterproof
This kayak umbrella keeps you shaded in the hot sun. Its 4 way swiveling makes it versatile enough to move it around to gain maximum coverage. The size is not too big that it would get in the way, and neither is it too small. Its size is perfect for kayaking, covering the cockpit well.
The fabric is made of superior materials. Its outside is waterproof. There is a reflective coating inside to reflect radiant heat and block out 100% of the light. It provides UPF50+ protection that blocks 99.5% of UVA and UVB rays of the sun. This is great if you plan to kayak for hours in the sun.
Sport-Brella Versa-Brella is super flexible. You can use this it on your kayak, golf bags, strollers or camp chair. Its durable connector is tough and clamps well to square or tubular surfaces. If the wind does pick up, you have the choice to close it. Note that this bimini kayak may sway if it is set in strong winds.
This canopy for kayak can be folded down easily into a size of a standard umbrella and slides into the provided carrying bag very nicely. It weighs only 1.8 lbs, which is pretty light making it perfect for someone on the go. This is a great umbrella for a kayak for an affordable price.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Multi usage
- 4 way swivelling
Cons
- Does not do well in strong winds
PROS
CONS
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Multi usage
- 4 way swivelling
- Does not do well in strong winds
View More Kayaking Tips
Buying guide
Compatibility
Any kayak canopy would not be of good use if they do not fit the kayak’s dimensions. Generally, most kayak biminis are catered for medium to larger sized kayaks. So if you have a small kayak, you will need a specially adapted shade tailored to your kayak dimensions. Also note that the bimini top for kayak should not be too large as it may impact stability.
One thing to look out is whether the frame has sufficient height for you to be comfortable. Some frames are height adjustable.
Sun protection
The kayak shade canopy should be able to perform the main function of providing enough shade in the cockpit area. If you are using tandem kayaks, then check that the shade is sufficient to cover two seating areas. Some shades provide extra UV protection that help protect your skin, allowing you to stay longer in the water.
Go for a canopy with lighter colors, as they tend to absorb less heat, making it easier to stay cool. Bright colors are also great choices as they are easily spotted in water.
Material
Look for materials that can repel water, which helps when it rains. Polyester materials are great choices as they are lasting even in harsh situations. However polyester attracts condensation which can easily grow mildew and mold if not well maintained.
Another alternative is acrylic, which is much more durable and waterproof. This means you would not need to worry about growth of mildew on your acrylic canvas. However, acrylic does lose its water repelling ability over time. Canvas on the other hand provides great shade against UV rays.
For frames, aluminium, steel or fiberglass are preferred as they are durable. Steel is stronger than aluminium. But aluminium is lighter than steel. Look for ones which are rust resistant as you are always out in the water. It needs to be sturdy enough to ensure it does not get blown off or sail you out to the sea.
Installation
If you have permanent mounting in your kayak, then you should be able to install everything together with ease. If your kayak bimini top requires a mount and your kayak does not have it, then you may need to drill holes to install a mount on your kayak. Usually these canopies work well for hard shell kayaks instead of inflatable kayaks.
If the weather condition changes, you will want a kayak sun shade that is quick to take down. Find one that is easy to install and disassemble, as you usually need to do this on your own.
Budget
If you anticipate your activities will usually be in normal weather conditions, then a lightweight budget canopy will do. However, if you think you may fish even in choppy weathers, invest in a sturdy and durable bimini for kayak.
Summary
If you still cannot decide and need a final recommendation, then we would recommend the Adventure Canopies Kayak Sun Shade. If you plan to invest in a good canopy, then get a durable and waterproof one that will last you many kayaking trips. The design of this kayak canopy is well thought out. It provides the UV protection you need from those harmful rays and yet it can be folded down when not needed.
What's Next
Looking for something to cool you down when you kayak? Then, check out our recommended kayak coolers.
If you plan to upgrade your kayak seat for better comfort, then read our reviews for the Best Kayak Seats.
I hope you enjoyed this review and if you have questions about any of the 3 best kayak canopy, or want to leave your own personal review, feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.
