Whenever you set off on a sea kayaking trip there are a number of basic things everyone ought to do. These days we all put on a PFD as a matter of course, and experienced paddlers will always check the weather forecast and tidal conditions, as well as letting someone who isn’t kayaking with them know what their plans are. But how many sea kayakers take a VHF radio with them?

Often more reliable, and certainly more robust in a marine setting than mobile phones, handheld VHF radios can be a life-saving inclusion in your kayaking kit.

Once you have successfully completed the VHF course and have the requisite qualifications, there are numerous models of handheld units to choose from. Here we take a look at some of the best VHF radios for kayakers currently available.

6 of the best kayak VHF radios

IC-M37E Buoyant Marine VHF Handheld

A versatile, sophisticated and easy-to-use floating handheld VHF radio with excellent features and good range

Specs

Recommended retail price: £219
Weight: 293g/10.3oz
Dimensions: 59.7 x 140.5 x 38.7mm
Operating time on a full charge: 12 hours
Waterproof protection rating: IPX7 (can survive in 1m of water for 30 minutes)
Wattage: 6W RF output power / 700 mW audio output
Best for: clubs, individuals and commercial users….