Boatfishing? I just use the normal IWB holster.

I'm new to kayaking, but friends are proposing a kayak float trip next weekend.

I expect to get wet.

Got recommendations?

Same.

But, I am the first to admit, IWB from seated is not optimal for presenting quickly.

I think the fastest would be cross-draw on a chest rig (concealment issues aside).

Engaging from a kayak has its own issues--lack of stable platform to shoot from, and lack of cover to begin with.

I would think a Kenai chest holster or a Hill People Gear Kit Bag would be my choice.

I have a camelback hydration pack with a pocket large enough for a G26. Not ideal, but it’s with me.

quote:

Originally posted by tigereye313:
I would think a Kenai chest holster or a Hill People Gear Kit Bag would be my choice.

I have both of these. I use the Kenai for hunting and the HPG for bicycling. I’ve actually got the snubby kit bag and the recon kit bag. The snubby kit bag has a smaller footprint. None of these are going to keep your firearm dry though.

I strongly recommend that you "dummy cord" your pistol to yourself. It would be easy to lose in the water.

quote:

Originally posted by birddog1:

quote:

Originally posted by tigereye313:
I would think a Kenai chest holster or a Hill People Gear Kit Bag would be my choice.

I have both of these. I use the Kenai for hunting and the HPG for bicycling. I’ve actually got the snubby kit bag and the recon kit bag. The snubby kit bag has a smaller footprint. None of these are going to keep your firearm dry though.

True. I would only consider this with a Glock. Could use a ziplock inside the HPG bag.

And your chest rig needs to work with your flotation vest.
I think if I was an avid kayaker, I would find someone to sew MOLLE Strips into the interior of the vest and use a MOLLE Kydex rig to paddle with.
Velcro may not work due to a reduced grip when wet.
Other suggestion:
Try a "Throw Over" holster rig. I have one to use with bulky coats and it gives you a lot of options as to moving your pistol around on your body. I have one but cant recall who made it, so Google is your friend.
And getting wet is a fact.

Are you trying to avoid open carry? I’d imagine attaching a tek-lok to a PFD for chest carry would be optimal while kayaking. Just take a fishing pole and toss a line a few times.

I've considered it, but never done it. I canoe, not kayak, but the risks of getting wet are kind of similar. I'd only carry on body if I could "dummy cord" the gun as has been noted, but I don't have any pistols or revolvers with lanyard loops.

I have considered carrying in my gear bag, but would want to put enough styrofoam, or other floaty stuff (empty bottle, etc) in there to make sure it wouldn't sink, or tie the bag to the canoe.

I've been struggling with this a bit, as I want to have a gun handy, and have three all stainless candidates to use, but I don't have any that I'm willing to lose in a boating accident. Er, I mean, that I haven't already lost in a boating accident...

Kayaking can be dynamic, so my priority would be to just have a weapon available, but not necessarily be "carrying". So any weapon, like a cheap glock, full mag, empty chamber, in a baggie, dummy corded in a backpack or something.

Or go uber small, Ruger LCP / J-frame in a bag in a zipped pocket. I've done that at the beach and both stayed dry.

Watch Deliverance and go from there. j/k A buddy of mine uses a Camelbak MULE plus ziplocks on day trips.

.

Most modern kayaks I avoid running over with my sailboat are made from floating plastic material.

Any small waterproof bag that can be attached to a solid tie-down within your reach will work. The bag can be something that appears or actually does store lures or your lunch. I'm thinking about comfort in the Summer heat and not having a brick attached to me all day.

I don't know what FL open carry laws permit, I would first opt for a chest rig that works with my PDF, then a thigh holster that places the pistol on top not the side of the leg, and finally a fanny pack slung across your front.

What size handgun are you considering, are you concerned about swamp people or alligators?

quote:

Originally posted by sleepla8er:
.

What size handgun are you considering, are you concerned about swamp people or alligators?

J-frame and one speed strip.

I don't anticipate any conflict with gators or swamp people; I'd feel so stupid having to explain to my instructors and family,


"Well, just this one time I left it home, and turns out, needed it."

Ya know?

.

Since you brought up family and instructors, here is an option you probably want to avoid:

Guarder Holster

but just in case you might, I will post the link ~ not the pics or video

Company website:
www.CanCanConcealment.com/collections/Garters

Demonstration video:
www.YouYube.com/watch?time_continue=53&v=uHhLYaFaHLI
.

I carry a S&W Shield 45 in a DeSantis retention strap leather holster. All is fine until I go from sitting to standing to fly fish. The gun tends to get hung up in the seat-stay strap, I have to be careful. I do not worry about the gun getting wet. It isn't allergic to water. My duty guns saw worse than a dunking in a lake.

What's the weather like where you are going? Are you going to wear shorts or light weight pants?

Do you own your our own PFD, do you plan on wearing one the whole time.

Is speed and accessibility or concealment more important?

One could even go as far as asking if you are going to be using a sit on top or sit in Kayak and if you are going to be using a skirt or not.

While I've done some kayaking, I'm no expert. I'd avoid putting anything inside your vest where it can rub and bother you. If your vest has a large zip able pocket you could put something like a small auto or revolver and then tie it off to the vest. I had my own PFD and having the pistol concealed in it would be the way I'd go. I'm of the school of thought that the vest goes on when launch and doesn't come off until you are out of the water YMMV.

Another option is a fanny pack or dry bag that you attach to the kayak. That way it bother you while you paddle.

I'd use a stainless steel pistol or revolver and then just clean and oil it when you are if you are going to be in fresh water. I'm no expert on salt water, maybe one of our USMC members can weigh in.

I have pelican dry boxes in both my kayak and boat that I store my gun, wallet, cell phone, flashlight, car keys, money clip, etc when I'm ready to leave the dock. In the boat the dry box is in one of the storage compartments and in the kayak it is on a short lanyard in the hatch right in front of the seat.

I'm comfortable with just having it available while I'm on the water vs readily available for a quick draw.

quote:

Originally posted by SpinZone:
I have pelican dry boxes in both my kayak and boat that I store my gun, wallet, cell phone, flashlight, car keys, money clip, etc when I'm ready to leave the dock. In the boat the dry box is in one of the storage compartments and in the kayak it is on a short lanyard in the hatch right in front of the seat.

I'm comfortable with just having it available while I'm on the water vs readily available for a quick draw.

Second this. Been doing it this way for years.

i’d use a shoulder holster like any of many tanker’s type holsters.

They are:

1. Secure
2. Keep the pistol out of your way
3. It “might” keep your pistol dryer