How To Pee While Kayaking: A Guide To Relieving Yourself

For anyone who has ever had to pee while paddling, kayaking poses a unique challenge.

However, there are several ways to take care of business while still enjoying the ride.

This blog post will discuss tips and tricks for making the experience less awkward.

First and foremost, always go before you get in the kayak. But sooner or later, you are probably going to have to pee while you are paddling.

You can do a few things if you need to go while you’re out on the water.

Just remember to take your time and try to relax.

How Do You Pee In A Kayak?

Perhaps the easiest way is to simply pee in a bottle and dispose of it when you return to shore. If that’s not possible, or if you’re uncomfortable with that option, you can always jump in the water and let nature take its course. Stay close to your kayak, so you don’t float too far away. Finally, if you’re in a pinch, you can always pee on a sponge or other absorbent material and dispose of it properly when you’re done. Whatever method you choose, remember that everyone has to go sometime.

Pee Before You Get In The Kayak

There’s nothing worse than being out on the water and having to go to the bathroom. It can be SO uncomfortable. So it’s always a good idea to go before you go kayaking.

This way, you can start on empty. Plus, it’ll help you stay more comfortable while on the water. 

So before you head out, do yourself a favor and empty your bladder.

Find A Place To Stop

Probably the most obvious of all the ways to go pee when you are kayaking is to find a place to stop and go.

You can find a restroom in more developed locations like state parks.

If you are out in the middle of nowhere but still have access to the shore, you can pull over and take care of business behind the bushes.

You may have a shot at emptying your bladder if you can reach land.

The problem is stopping to find a spot to go pee is not always an option.

Use A Sponge

If you’re out kayaking and nature calls, you don’t necessarily have to head back to shore.

Instead, you can take care of business in your kayak using a grout or other large sponge.

Simply place the sponge between your legs and relieve yourself. Once you’re finished, squeeze the sponge out into the water away from your kayak.

Although it may not be the most glamorous solution, it will get the job done.

So next time you’re paddling around and nature calls, remember that you can take care of business without heading back to shore.

Jump In

If the conditions are conducive to jumping in the water, go for it. If the water isn’t too cold or too choppy and is otherwise safe to do so, take a dip and relieve yourself.

Stay close to your kayak, so you don’t float too far away.

Use A Wide-Mouth Bottle

One of the most important things to remember when kayaking is to stay hydrated.

However, sometimes it can be difficult to find a place to stop and take a break.

This is where a wide-mouth bottle comes in handy. Simply unscrew the top, do your business, and screw the top back on.

When you’re finished, you can seal the bottle and put it back in your kayak or dump the contents overboard.

Don’t forget to wash your hands afterward!

Pee Over The Edge

Peeing over the edge of a kayak is easier for some people than for others. But, it can be done no matter your anatomy.

It’s pretty obvious how to do this for men. As long as you have a stable kayak and trust your balance, you can let it go over the side of the kayak.

For women, this technique requires a little creativity and maybe some help from a friend (a really good friend).

How this goes is you need a second kayak to brace yourself. Hang your rear end over the side of your kayak and lean against the other kayak. So, you are like a human bridge between the two kayaks.

As mentioned, if you try this method, you need a good friend to help you.

Pee In Your Kayak

As gross as this may sound, peeing in your kayak is a valid alternative if you have limited options.

Of course, this works best with a sit-on-top kayak with scupper holes for everything to drain out.

Some folks (guys) go so far as to pee in the scupper hole itself.

The scupper holes will allow everything to drain out quickly and easily, so you can get back to enjoying your paddle. 

Portable Urinal

A portable urinal is a small, handheld device that allows you to relieve yourself without getting out of your kayak.

For women, there is also a urinary director attachment.

So next time you are out on the water, pack a portable urinal in your kayak. It could come in handy when you least expect it.

Final Thoughts

Remember, you have options if you’re out kayaking and nature calls.

You can find a restroom on shore, use a sponge, jump in the water, or even pee in your kayak.

No matter what method you choose, just remember, try to relax, be safe and have fun!

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About the author
Steve Morrow
Steve Morrow owns Paddle About, an outdoor recreation and travel blog. Steve loves to travel, kayak, paddle board, camp, hike, and spend time outdoors with his wife and two kids. When he's not exploring the great outdoors, Steve enjoys writing about his adventures and sharing tips for getting the most out of your outdoor experiences. He has a lot of interesting stories to share, and he's always happy to help others get more out of life.