Sam OBrien
Most modern kayaks are equipped with everything – well, almost everything – you’ll need to get out on the water. But here’s the thing: Even if you shelled out on a high-end kayak with all the latest features, there will always be things that you want – or need – … Read more
Unless you’re absolutely new to kayaking, the chances are that you’ve transported a kayak on your car’s roof at least once. But what if you throw in a second kayak into the equation? Most roof racks can accommodate two full-sized kayaks, so that shouldn’t be a problem – but it’s … Read more
Getting in – let alone out of – a kayak can be tricky even for the healthiest of joints. But when you have bad knees – stiff, painful, or injured in any way – you’ll likely have an awful time trying to get in and out of your ‘yak. So, … Read more
What should you do when approaching a low-head dam in a canoe or kayak? That question right there will put the skills and knowledge of even the most experienced canoe or kayak paddlers to the test. The shortest answer would be: Avoid them. However, the structures that earned the eerily … Read more
We both know that drinking and driving is a foolish, irresponsible, and flat-out illegal thing. Well, at least I hope that’s something we all agree on, anyway. What about kayaks, though? Is having a couple of beers during your kayaking trip as dangerous as driving under the influence? Is kayaking … Read more
You wouldn’t dare to drive your car around without a license plate, current sticker, and valid registration, now, would you? The same applies to all mechanically-powered boats, vessels navigating federal waters, and operating in the high seas. What does that mean for your paddle-powered kayak, though? Do you have to … Read more
The worst thing to do to a kayak is to drag it straight from the water to your garage and leave it there. Hull damage, warping, rodent infestations, fading, mold, theft – the list of reasons why this is such a terrible idea is a pretty long one. How the … Read more
It’s every paddler’s dream to have a kayak durable enough to show no signs of wear and tear – even after years of gliding through water. But let’s be realistic: You can’t expect to put a kayak through its paces without leaving a mark on its hull. It doesn’t matter … Read more
A lucky few may live right next to a river, lake, or ocean. However, most of us are stuck with figuring out how to haul a kayak from our home to our kayaking destination. That’s where this how-to guide comes in: I put together a list of go-to methods for … Read more
First, you bring it out of storage and load it on your roof rack or trailer. You then drive to your destination, where you unload the kayak and carry it to the water. By the time you launch, you’re already winded. Then, you go kayaking – which can be a … Read more
I noticed that many people looking to get into kayaking tend to be unaware of the paddle selection’s importance. If you’re one of those “a paddle is a paddle” folks, you’re in for a surprise. There are many different paddle designs to choose from – and more than one paddling … Read more
This blog turned kayaking into much more than a hobby. Gathering information, comparing brands, and testing all come with the territory. My wife sometimes jokes that I live and breathe kayaking – and she’s not wrong. Anyway, it got me thinking: I already have all this information and insights about … Read more
