Welcome to ThinkVail – we hope you find this article about the best nose clips for kayaking helpful.
Nose clips may not the most glamorous product but if you suffer from sinus infections, or fear contracting bacteria found in many rivers and lakes, then you know just how important nose clips can be.
The goal of a nose clip (or nose plugs) is to squeeze the nostrils together to keep water from going up the nose.
Most kayakers do not wear nose clips for the entire river trip. Rather, they are used for planned immersions, like practicing your Eskimo roll or in a situation where there is a good chance to capsize, such as surfing, playboating, competitions and whitewater rapids. They attach to your helmet or PFD by lanyard or cord, so they are close at hand when you need them.
Prevention
The most popular reason that people wear nose clips on the river is to prevent painful sinus infections when water gets into the sinus cavity while swimming, kayaking or rafting. Nose plugs, when worn correctly, will stop this issue completely. In addition, it can prevent Bacterial Meningitis, Naegleria Fowleri and other nasty microbes.
Reasons Nose Clips Fail
Oily Nose – Noses are oily, it’s just a fact, and oil from your nose will make the nose clip slip. Rub your nose with a towel or absorbent cloth before you put on your nose clip or clean the outside of your nose with alcohol first.
Sunscreen – Sunscreen on the nose can make the nose clip slip too, and eventually the chemicals in the sunscreen will degrade the plastic of the nose plugs causing them to fail.
Tip:Place a BAND-AID over your nose so the clip can grab the fabric of the BAND-AID and grip your nose more securely.
The world renowned Smiley nose clips have been tested by some of the best paddlers in the world in some of the most demanding hydraulics. These nose plugs are a favorite among kayakers, there is no spring just a stiff wire that stays put.
Smaller profile nose clips work as well as the larger sized nose plugs
Stylish plugs are small and inconspicuous.
Comfortable with a secure fit
Soft cushioned pads
Bendable wire frame allows for full adjustability and clips tight to your nose
Nylon cord easily loops around your helmet strap
Ideal for whitewater kayakers or rafters
So comfortable you might forget you’re wearing them
Designed by former kayak world champion Eric Southwick
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Wildwasser Squeeze Nose Clips
Wildwasser is a kayak and outdoor sports company based in Colorado. They have been selling high-quality kayaking products since 1984, and these nose clips, like all their accessories, makes kayaking more enjoyable.
Squeeze nose clips provide the ultimate in sealing capability.
Functional with its stainless spring coiled spring, broad rubber pads.
Included cord lanyard allows it to be clipped to your helmet for easy access
But comfortable enough to be worn for a full water sport session.
They’re big, they’re ugly, but the Squeeze nose clip is a proven classic that works
Look and perform like the old “Tweaker” nose clip which is no longer available.
Ideal for broad, flat noses but will work on just about any nose
If you’ve tried other nose clips and couldn’t keep them on, the Squeeze is for you.
Comes unassembled and it can be difficult to assemble
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Cottonmouth Nose Plugs
Cottonmouth nose plugs are perfect when you want to practice your rolls, and keep the river out of your nose. Made in the USA and offer a comfortable and secure fit you’re going to love
Comfortable and grippy, keeps water out without feeling like your nose is in a vice
Low-profile
Foam rubber nose pads
Made with high-quality wire that has both strength and durability.
Wire is covered, so the nose padding grips well and resists separating.
Helmet/PFD lanyard, keeps the nose clip close and easily accessible
Adjustable sizing
Made in Asheville, North Carolina
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FINIS Nose Clip
Finis exists to help every person in the world enjoy the water. Their passion is water and it shows all the way down to these small, but oh-so-necessary nose clips. Keeps the water out and keeps you playing longer.
Anatomic design fits most noses comfortably and keeps water out.
Silicone nose pads for maximum comfort.
Nylon material ensures prolonged life and pressure retention.
Carrying case to keep your nose clip clean and protected is included.
Great to use for snorkeling, rafting or kayaking for a greater level of confidence
Available colors: Blue / Clear
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Arena Nose Clip Pro Swimming Nose Plug
The Arena brand was created in 1973 by sports visionary Horst Dassler, son of the Adidas founder and President of Adidas France. Today, Arena is a leader in the Olympic sport of swimming. If they create products for world-famous, Olympic athletes, imagine what they can do for you!
Made of mixed- Silicone and Polycarbonate
Memory plastic frame holds its shape and offers the perfect fit
Silicon pads are extra comfortable and soft
Nose clip attached to colored lanyard
Fits most noses
Available colors: Silver / Black / Pink / Blue
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TYR Nose Clip
TYR is one of the world’s most recognizable brands for swimming and triathlons. Since 1973 they have been creating durable, uniquely designed swimsuits, cutting edge equipment and innovative caps, goggles and nose plugs.
Metal clip holds clip firmly in place
Made from the highest quality materials
Tested to give you the edge in all your aquatic activities
Adjustable clip
Comfortable latex covering
Unisex design fits both youth and adults
Be great in and out of the water with these performance products
Used by both professional and recreational users
Built for strength and durability.
Attached head strap ensures that the nose clip stays on
Available colors: Black / Beige
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Salamander Nose Clip
The squeeze nose clip from Salamander Paddle Gear looks a lot like the “Tweaker style” nose plug above from Wildwasser. Salamander products are also high quality and assembled in Boise Idaho. If you like the old style, classic nose clips, these will be ideal for you.
Soft silicon padsStainless steel spring provide the perfect amount of tension to keep the nose clip in place.
String for attaching to your helmet
Replacement pads are available from Salamander
Perfect for practicing your roll or aggressive playboating.
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Speedo Competition Nose Clip
Speedo has been legendary in the swimming world since 1914, so it makes sense that they would create a nose clip that’s comfortable, efficient and really does the job.
Lightweight and waterproof competition nose clip
Constructed of a rubber-coated stainless steel
Secure and super comfortable fit
TPR nose pads for comfort
Adjustable stainless steel frame
Low profile fit
Plastic storage case included
Available colors: Beige / Charcoal
Performance, fit, and feel for all water enthusiasts
We hope you found this article about the best nose clips for kayaking helpful. Do you like wearing nose clips for kayaking or do they get in the way of hitting your roll? Do you find them distracting? Could you not live without them? Why do you wear them and how do they help? We would love to hear your thoughts, comments and any stories you have regarding nose plugs and kayaking. Thanks for reading.