No two kayaks are ever the same. Why am I pointing that out? Deciding which kayak you should go with will depend on what kind of outdoor experience you’re hoping to get out of it. The same applies to choosing between a sea kayak and a river kayak. The two … Read more
In a perfect world, the weather would always be warm and sunny, and you’d never have to worry about unexpected rain showers and thunderstorms. Real life is far from perfect, though (I’m sure you’re aware of that) – and you can’t always have it your way. The weather is a … Read more
One question I hear a lot from kayaking newbies is: “Why do some kayaks come with a bulkhead? They’re already pretty buoyant.” Consider this: How will you keep your stuff dry and safe and ensure that your sit-inside ‘yak doesn’t completely fill up with water? If you capsize your kayak … Read more
When you think about outdoor recreation, the rules and regulations associated with it aren’t the first things that come to mind. I get that. Kayaking is supposed to be a way for you to get out there, explore nature, and have fun doing it – whenever, however, and wherever you … Read more
There are many things to love about kayaking. But capsizing – and finding yourself upside-down, underwater, trapped in a kayak – is not one of them. On that note, how do you avoid getting trapped in the event of a capsize? When it’s time to abandon ship, performing a kayak … Read more
You probably have an itch only a good kayaking session can scratch. I get it. If it were up to me, I’d go kayaking year-round – but Mother Nature usually has different plans for the winter months, so I’m forced to put my paddling gear away until spring rolls around. … Read more
I have been a part of the paddling community for years – and even I am surprised by the history behind kayaking. Seriously, the evolution of kayaks over millennia – yes, MILLENNIA – is insane. Have you ever looked at your ‘yak and wondered: How old are kayaks, really? Who … Read more
Whitewater kayaks are designed for a very specific environment – whitewater rapids. It’s right there in the name; what else is there to know? I’m afraid things aren’t that simple: While they are made for tackling whitewater rapids, these kayaks are not all designed the same. There are, in fact, … Read more
Okay, first of all, there is no shame in being a non-swimmer. Some people simply didn’t have the chance to learn how to swim as children, while others may still be working on overcoming a very real – and, I should add, common – fear of water. Whatever your reason … Read more
If you’re new to paddling sports, you’re probably convinced that it’s primarily about arm strength – and I wouldn’t blame you for it. Most people assume the same thing. When you finally step on a SUP and dip that paddle into the water, though, you’ll be surprised to feel the … Read more
Many factors will play into your SUP’s performance, weight, durability, capacity – and, ultimately, price tag. And SUP construction is one of those factors. What are paddle boards made of, though? How do boards differ based on the materials used? And on a related note, how can you make sure … Read more
You want a SUP that is stable and capable of supporting your weight. But you also want a board that is maneuverable, relatively fast, and able to provide an overall satisfying experience. Am I getting that right? Well, that, my friend, is a tough balance to hit, but it’s not … Read more
