You ever tried paddlin’ with one hand ‘cause your phone’s slidin’ around your lap? It’s a mess. Doesn’t matter if you’re takin’ pics, checkin’ GPS, or just keepin’ it dry — without a proper phone holder for kayaking, things get risky quick. Some folks just toss it in a dry bag and hope for the best. That’s fine ’til you actually need it. A good kayak phone mount or waterproof phone holder ain’t just for convenience—it’s kind of essential now, especially if you use your phone for maps, fishing apps, or emergencies. In this one, we’ll talk real options. What actually holds up on the water. Not just the cheap plastic ones that snap after two trips.
Best 5 Phone Holders for Kayaking
01. EDSRDPLT Kayak Phone Holder
For folks who paddle with their phones close, the EDSRDPLT Kayak Phone Holder might just save your gear from takin’ a dip. It’s built with a non-slip silicone pad and adjustable clamps, which grip your device even when you’re rockin’ rough waters or drifting sideways. The mount rotates 360°, so whether you’re recording footage, checkin’ maps, or changin’ playlists, your view angle stays easy. It’s a good match for kayaks, paddle boards, or even jet skis if you’re riggin’ up.
This holder supports phones between 4.7″ and 7″, makin’ it work for most iPhones and Androids out there. It clips onto round or square bars, so works with rails or handlebar-style mounts. Though, it ain’t waterproof itself, and the plastic isn’t built for major sun abuse — over time it might fade or get brittle if left in direct UV too long. Still, for kayak accessories under tight budget, it’s got grip where it counts.
✅ Pros
- Holds phones from 4.7″ to 7″ securely
- Anti-slip silicone keeps phone stable on bumpy rides
- 360° rotation for easy adjustment
- Fits round and square kayak railings
- Compatible with most paddle boards and kayaks
❌ Cons
- Plastic build may degrade under strong sun over time
- Not waterproof — phone needs separate case
- Some mounts may need tweaking for perfect fit
02. Bracketron Griplox Waterproof Kayak Phone Holder
The Bracketron Griplox Waterproof Kayak Phone Holder solves a big issue when you’re out paddling and need to keep your phone dry but still reachable. Designed using Temp-Gel™ technology, it latches onto most smooth, flat surfaces like kayak decks, paddleboards, or even coolers. The waterproof pouch fits most smartphones, and the transparent front keeps your screen touch-friendly—even when wet. Whether you’re using a navigation app, tracking a route, or just want tunes while out on the water, it stays secure without sliding around.
It’s built for rough outdoor use—kayaking, fishing, rafting, name it. But it ain’t without flaws. It doesn’t hold great on textured or uneven surfaces, and larger phones with bulky cases can be a squeeze. Still, it’s a handy piece of gear if you’re out in saltwater or lake trips and wanna protect your phone from splashes, sand, or a full-on dunk.
✅ Pros
- Waterproof pouch keeps your phone dry in rough conditions
- Temp-Gel™ suction holds tight to smooth, flat kayak or SUP surfaces
- Screen stays touch-responsive inside the pouch
- Ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing trips
- Easy to attach and remove without tools
❌ Cons
- Doesn’t grip well on textured or curved surfaces
- Larger phones with thick cases might not fit snugly
- Suction may weaken over long exposure to hot sun or salty spray
03. Nanrrony Phone Holder
The Nanrrony Phone Holder brings a grippy option for folks needing a suction-mount car phone holder that actually sticks without whining. It’s built with industrial-strength suction that clamps down solid on dashboards or windshields, even when you’re dealing with bumpy roads or a rough suspension truck. The telescopic arm and 360° rotation ain’t just there for show — it adjusts smooth, so you can tweak the angle for GPS, calls, or even playing that one podcast again.
Works with most smartphones, including iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, and similar mid-to-large devices. The mount itself is water-resistant and the suction cup doesn’t lose grip fast like some cheaper mounts. Only hiccup? Don’t count on it sticking well to textured or cracked surfaces, and it may need cleaning every so often to keep its grip game tight.
✅ Pros
- Strong suction works on dashboard or windshield
- Fully adjustable arm and 360° phone rotation
- Fits most smartphones and GPS devices
- Water-resistant and durable materials
- Stays firm even on uneven terrain
❌ Cons
- Won’t stick well on textured or uneven dashboards
- Suction needs cleaning to maintain long-term grip
- Slight vibration when driving on rough roads
04. Lixada Kayak Phone Mount
The Lixada Kayak Phone Mount gives you a hands-free way to keep your smartphone, GoPro, or action cam steady while you’re paddlin’ or fishin’. It uses a flexible gooseneck arm that you can bend and twist like a licorice stick till you get that perfect view. The clamp’s strong enough to latch onto most kayak gear tracks, SUP boards, or even bike handlebars. Works with many iPhones, Samsung phones, and smaller sports cameras—so you ain’t stuck with just one brand.
It’s super helpful for folks shootin’ content out on the water or needin’ GPS access while out on the lake. That said, the plastic build ain’t exactly bombproof, and in choppy water, some phones may jiggle a bit unless tightened up good. Best for flatwater kayaking, canoeing, or mounting to paddleboard rail systems.
✅ Pros
- Fits phones and action cameras
- Gooseneck arm adjusts to any angle
- Clamps securely to most rails or tracks
- Ideal for kayak fishing or filming
❌ Cons
- Not built for heavy-duty shock or waves
- Plastic clamp may wear down over time
- Can wobble if not positioned right
05. LUCKYLAKER Strong Suction Phone Mount
LUCKYLAKER Strong Suction Phone Mount holds its grip like a champ—especially on windshields, boat dashboards, or even truck side windows. Built with a solid suction base, this thing ain’t falling off mid-drive or while you’re out on the lake fishing. The 360° rotation adds flexibility, letting you switch views fast whether you’re checking your GPS, managing music, or watching depth finder data during kayak fishing. It fits most smartphones and marine electronics under 7 inches, so you don’t need to worry much about compatibility.
Now the downside? On dusty or uneven surfaces, that suction power dips. And with intense heat (especially inside parked cars or boats baking in the sun), the grip might loosen. Still, for folks needing a reliable kayak phone holder, boat GPS mount, or even just a hands-free phone setup while working outdoors, it does the job without wobble.
✅ Pros
- Heavy-duty suction cup with strong hold
- Works well on boats, trucks, kayaks, and dashboards
- 360-degree rotation for easy viewing angle adjustments
- Universal fit for phones and small fish finders
- Compact and travel-friendly
❌ Cons
- Suction may weaken on dusty or curved surfaces
- High heat can reduce stickiness over time
- Not ideal for larger tablets or rugged devices
How to Choose the Best Phone Holders for Kayaking
Kayaking’s all fun till your phone go for a swim. Whether you takin’ shots of them sunsets or using a kayak GPS app, you need a reliable phone holder. Water and tech? Bad combo. But yeah, there’s good gear out there that saves you from regret. Just gotta pick right. Not everything works same for everyone.
You’ve got different styles of kayaking — recreational, sea kayaking, fishing kayaks, even whitewater. Each one needs a different kinda mount setup. Let’s go through some stuff people usually mess up or skip entirely.
Mount Type Matters More Than You Think
There’s them suction cup phone mounts. Work fine on some flat dry surface. On kayaks though, they can suck—literally. They detach fast if the plastic’s even slightly wet or bumpy. You’re better off with screw-in mounts or track mounts that attach to gear tracks on fishing kayaks. You’ll find them often in brands like Scotty, YakAttack, or RAM Mounts.
Clamp-style mounts? Those only work on thicker edges. Most sit-on-top kayaks don’t have that luxury. So before grabbing something random from Amazon, look at your kayak’s cockpit area or console.
Waterproofing and Splash Protection
Phone’s got IP68 rating? That’s cool. Still, saltwater eats into charging ports over time. Doesn’t help when you got USB-C rusting up after just two trips. It ain’t just about keeping the phone dry — it’s about keeping access easy too. Many use dry bags but those are bulky and need two hands to open.
Instead, consider waterproof phone cases that are also mount-compatible like Lifeproof or Nite Ize RunOff series. Combine that with a tethered phone holder — that lil cord can save your $1000 mistake. You’ll thank yourself when the wind flips your kayak sideways.
Does Your Holder Handle Vibration and Movement?
Choppy waters make cheap phone holders go wild. That rattling can mess with your camera focus or tracking apps. The better ones have vibration-dampening features or ball-and-socket joints to absorb shock.
RAM X-Grip with a tether is one solid pick. It’s not cheap but folks using GoPros and sonar mounts swear by that system. If you got a sit-in kayak, try fitting it where it won’t block your leg movement — like near the front deck bungees.
Adjustability + Sun Glare + One-Hand Use
Being able to adjust your phone angle mid-paddle with one hand? That’s huge. Some holders lock too tight. Others swivel too loose. Find one with a 360-degree rotating base or adjustable arms. Some models got UV-resistant plastics that don’t crack after a summer of use. Cheap ones? They go brittle by August.
And don’t forget screen visibility. Glare from the water’s no joke. You might want to use a matte screen protector or angle your phone downward to reduce reflection. Keep that in mind when positioning your mount.
Where Should You Mount It?
Center console might seem obvious, but it ain’t always best. Mount it too far, and you’ll stretch your arm every time. Too close to the paddle stroke, you’ll hit it. Some folks use kayak rod holder slots to add a phone arm extension. That way your phone stays up, visible, but outta your way.
Fishing kayaks with rail systems give more options. Recreational yaks? You might need to DIY or stick to clip-on mounts with zip ties. Ugly but works.
Weight and Compatibility with Cases
Phone too heavy? Holder slips. You got a thick OtterBox Defender case? Not every clamp fits that. Read size specs. Some clamps say “universal” but won’t fit past 3.2 inches width. Always check the depth too. Some are built for bare phones, which ain’t how most folks roll.
Lightweight phones with magnetic mounts can work, but magnet strength weakens when wet. And forget using MagSafe-style mounts on a wet kayak deck — stuff slides off with just a nudge.
Tether. Always Use One.
Even if the holder’s secure, always attach a tether leash to your phone. Even pros drop phones in shallow water and they disappear into the mud. Look for floating tethers or just add a foam keychain float. Looks silly, works well.
You can also loop the tether into your PFD pocket or side D-ring. That way even if your holder breaks or slips off, your phone ain’t gone forever. Most waterproof phone pouches include one, but the weak ones snap fast.
Final Tip – Don’t Go Cheap
You’ll see $10 phone mounts online that say “water-resistant kayak accessory.” Most ain’t built for real-world kayaking conditions. You’re trusting it to hold your phone, your map, your emergency contact, and sometimes even GoPro footage. Spending $40–$60 for a trusted brand with marine-grade plastic or stainless steel arms is just smart.
