The Best Nose Clips for Kayaking

Advertisement

Welcome to ThinkVail – shop for the best nose clips for kayaking by outdoor brands like Smiley’s, Cottonmouth, FINIS, Speedo, Arena, TYR, Salamander and more to keep water out of your sinuses.

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.


Why 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.

.

Advertisement

See Also: Best River Shoes


Best Nose Clips for Kayaking


#1 Best Nose Clips for Kayaking – SMILEY’S

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

.

Advertisement

#2 Best Nose Clips for Kayaking – Cottonmouth

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

.

Advertisement

#3 Best Nose Clips for Kayaking – FINIS

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

.

Advertisement

#4 Best Nose Clips for Kayaking – Arena Pro

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

.

Advertisement

#5 Best Nose Clips for Kayaking – TYR

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

.

Advertisement

#6 Best Nose Clips for Kayaking – Salamander

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 pads
  • Stainless 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.

.

.

Advertisement

#7 Best Nose Clips for Kayaking – Speedo

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

.

.

Advertisement

See Also: Best Kayak Tie Down Straps


Comments

We hope you found this article about the best nose clips for kayaking helpful.

We have touched on some of our favorite nose clips for the river but we would love to know your favorites in the comments below.

In addition, we diligently research all information for our articles but still we are probably leaving out something important or circumstances may have changed since publishing so please provide any tips or info that you feel others should know.

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments and stories.

.


Related Articles: Whitewater Parks near Vail, CO


As an Amazon Associate, ThinkVail.com earns from qualifying purchases.

 

Advertisement
Share
Advertisement

This website uses cookies.