December 12, 2025

2025 Alder Creeks Gift Guide!

Alder Creek’s Holiday Gift Guide

Do you struggle with finding the perfect gift for the paddler in your life? The staff at Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe have the solution with our annual Holiday Gift Guide.

This list features our favorite in-store products and why we love them. With gifts available at every price range, Alder Creek is your one-stop shop for all things paddle sports this holiday season.

Stocking Stuffers ($5-$20):

Roller Cam-Straps:

As the Alder Creek staff says, “You can never have too many cam-straps.” A set of nice cam-straps is always a safe bet.

Travelon Waterproof Phone Case:

This affordable phone case features a secure roll-top seal and built-in flotation to keep a phone dry and off the bottom of the river.

303 Protectant:

Use 303 Aerospace Protectant—the most powerful UV-screening protection ever made—on old kayak hatches or drysuit gaskets. It’s also great for household gear.

NRS Deluxe Boat Sponge:

Stop borrowing sponges! This Deluxe Boat Sponge absorbs up to 24 ounces of water, removing unwanted pools and lifting out sand and moisture that traditional bilge pumps miss.

White Elephant Gifts ($20-$50):

Alder Creek Merch ( Hats / Shirts ):

Look as cool as our instructors out on the water. Our shirts and hats are a great way to upgrade your style while supporting your favorite local kayak shop.

Paddle Clutch:

Gearlab’s new Paddle Clutch is our favorite way to secure a spare paddle to a kayak deck. It easily secures to perimeter lines and features a quick-release buckle for access to storage

NRS Wetsock 2.0:

Perfect for shoulder-season days when it’s too warm for dry socks but the wading water is cold, the 2 mm neoprene NRS Wetsocks offer cushioning and warmth.

Soggy Sneakers:

For those traveling or looking for new runs, Soggy Sneakers is the definitive guidebook for Oregon’s rivers, covering over 200 whitewater river sections with the most up-to-date information.

You Must Really Like Them ($50-$100):

Nobdody’s Guru Balaclava:

This balaclava protects your eyes from harsh sunlight, while the rubberized face material fends off wind, and the fuzzy interior keeps your face and neck warm on the coldest days.

Made from Basswood and Maple wood, this entry-level paddle is a great option for a new or young paddler. It features an oversized shaft and Bending Branches’ Rockguard treatment on the tip for durability.

Alder Creek Gift Certificate:

A gift certificate allows your paddling partner to choose what they truly need, whether it’s a class, new gear, or putting it toward a new boat.

River Station Gear DryLap Bag

This universal dry bag fits in the water bottle holder of most kayaks, providing quick and easy access to items like a phone, snacks, and carabiners. It floats and is larger than a Nalgene bottle.

I Can’t Believe You Got Me This ($100-$300):

Northstar Knee Pad:

Make kneeling in a canoe more comfortable. These knee pads offer comfortable closed-cell foam padding with a non-slip rubber backing.

Oakdrop TourLite Spray Skirt:

Excellent for touring and sea kayakers who paddle in light to moderate conditions, the TourLite skirt offers better performance than nylon without the weight and bulk of neoprene.

Watershed Ocoee Dry Bag:

This bombproof 10L bag features the Watershed ZipDry closure, ensuring your lunch, emergency kit, or spare clothes stay dry on all your water adventures.

River Station Gear Dry Thwart Bag:

A great gift for rafters, this 25L dry bag provides extra storage and safety handles, an internal organization pocket, and an external splash-proof compartment. Padded shoulder and back straps convert it into a capable backpack.

Union Suit/Onesie Base Layer:

Kokatat, Level Six, and Immersion Research all offer their take on this amazing one-piece design. Cozy, comfortable, and featuring relief openings, the Union Suit will keep you warm on cold days on the river.

Why Did You Buy Me This ($300- $500):

Astral Greenjacket:

An Alder Creek staff favorite, this versatile PFD is comfortable, offers lots of pockets, and is built to last, making it suitable for flatwater, whitewater, and multi-day adventures.

Gearlab Kalleq:

Greenland sticks are on the rise for their low impact on the body and ease of use. The Kalleq is a lightweight, durable, two-piece option with replaceable tips.

Werner Powerhouse 4-Piece:

This time-tested design is essential as a breakdown paddle, and a great choice for hiking in with a packraft or inflatable kayak.

Aquabound Aerial Minor 1-Piece:

Level up your whitewater game with this innovative paddle. The beefed-up fiberglass blades feature Lam-Lok™ US Patent Pending technology for unmatched longevity and maximum power.