Pete D

Fishing from a kayak allows you to access more remote locations than you’d usually have access to from the shore or even a motorized watercraft. But because you’re sitting a bit lower in a kayak than you would be if you were on a boat or standing up on shore, visibility can sometimes be an … Read more

Every experienced kayaker should have an array of dry bags at his or her disposal. Even though many of the best sea kayaks have compartments that they claim to be waterproof, the only surefire way to keep your gear dry when you’re on the water is by storing it safely inside a dry bag. But … Read more

Sometimes cold weather gives kayakers opportunities to enjoy their favorite waterways without dealing with the typical crowds. But paddling when the temperatures are close to freezing requires a lot more preparation (and layers!) than standard, warm-weather paddling. If you live in a location where it gets cold, rainy, or even snowy during the winter months, … Read more

Not all paddlers have the desire and the ability to carry around a heavy, rigid kayak everywhere they go. The difficulties of learning how to transport a kayak often come with many tough lessons for those that are new to the sport of kayaking. That’s precisely why inflatable kayaks have been invented and it’s also … Read more

If you already have a truck when you buy a new family kayak, you have the advantage of not necessarily having to choose one of the best two kayak roof racks to transport your watersports equipment. Kayaks can easily be tied into the beds of most trucks, but you’ll need to do so safely to … Read more

Protecting your feet when you’re kayaking is way too underrated, and that’s true even if you’re enjoying some of the best weather conditions for kayaking. As a kayak guide, I know far too many folks that ask to kayak barefoot and then don’t realize how much less comfortable it is to get out of their … Read more

Relying on your senses alone will only take you so far as a kayak angler. In our day and age, there’s no reason not to use technology to your benefit to help you find, and increase your odds of catching, fish. There are a lot of must-have kayak fishing accessories that can help you be … Read more

Many beginners may start to ask themselves: how far can you kayak in a day? This question is natural once you fall in love with the sport of kayaking and you have full days off to explore new waterways in your area. But the answer to that question can be challenging to address definitely because … Read more

Having a kayak is only as good as your ability to get it to the lakes, rivers, and other waterways that you want to paddle on. Without a proper vehicle to transport your kayak, you’ll be stuck doing circles or mastering your Eskimo rolls in your backyard pool. If you don’t want to spend all … Read more

Paddleboarding has really become quite the popular outdoor sport over the course of the last decade or so. And while it looks really cool when you see someone who has mastered it, remaining stable once you stand up requires patience and practice. In addition, weather conditions sometimes dictate lowering your profile so that your body … Read more

As we age, it becomes increasingly important that we choose sports that we can continue to participate in as our bodies change. Kayaking is definitely one of those sports, but it may require some adaptations as we grow older. For seniors, entering and exiting a kayak can be the roadblock that hinders us from continuing … Read more

Launching your kayak from a dock is one of the best ways to avoid getting wet before you even start your paddle. But if you don’t know how to do it correctly, you can end up getting even wetter than if you just launched your kayak from shore. Whether you drive to a launching point … Read more

Modular kayaks are a great alternative to traditional, one-piece kayaks because they’re much easier to transport. They also require significantly less storage space at home, which is why they’re great for those that live in apartments, RVs, travel trailers, and 5th wheels. In terms of direct competition, the closest designs you’ll find to modular kayaks … Read more

One of the best parts about kayaking is that we get to spend time in Nature with the people we love. But, sometimes, our friends let us down or we simply take to the waters in our kayak to find peace and solitude. In these times, it’s critical that you know how to carry a … Read more

Sometimes you just grow tired of the color of your kayak. Or, if you selected a new kayak from one of the five worst kayak brands to avoid, you might find that your kayak’s paint has already started to crack or chip off. If you’re not satisfied with the stock color of your kayak, you … Read more

Getting into and out of a kayak isn’t the easiest endeavor even if you’re completely healthy and very limber. If your knees aren’t what they used to be, it’s important that you know how to get out of a kayak with bad knees as safely and easily as possible. Fortunately, there are a variety of … Read more

Knowing how to lock up a kayak is important whether you own a personal kayak or you’re running a commercial business with multiple kayaks you need to keep secure. But the best way to lock up a kayak can depend on many factors. If you don’t have a dedicated outdoor kayak rack where you store … Read more

Unfortunately, not all of the best fishing kayaks are compatible with a pre-built trolling motor mount. And even if they are, those mounts can add to the already-expensive start-up costs that go into completing your setup for kayak fishing. While there are other reasons why you might install a trolling motor mount on the back … Read more

Kayaking is always more fun when the weather is at its best. But there are many weather factors to learn about if you’re new to kayaking and all of them can have huge impacts on your paddling experiences. From wind to waves to ocean currents, the weather is probably one of the most important factors … Read more

Even the best kayak roof racks are useless if they can’t carry a kayak for you and your favorite paddle partner. While we’ve already reviewed some of the best kayak racks for trucks, we haven’t yet given you our selections for the best 2 kayak roof rack. No matter the type of vehicle you use … Read more

The paddle can sometimes be the most overlooked kayaking accessory. But not all kayak paddles are created equal and it’s definitely a big mistake to overlook the principle accessory you’ll use to maneuver your kayak on the water. The best kayak paddles come with a wide range of price tags and some can even cost … Read more

The three main types of kayaks you’ll find out there are sea kayaks, river kayaks, and lake kayaks. While there are different designs for each of those kayak types, there are some major factors that separate them on a more general level. If you’re new to the sport of kayaking, it makes sense to invest … Read more

Winter kayaking isn’t always as cold as it sounds. In fact, many kayakers prefer the winter months because there are many fewer people on the water and the sights are invariably different than the other months of the year. But winter kayaking requires more preparation and respect for the elements than casual paddling out on … Read more

Installing a trolling motor on a kayak is a popular choice for kayak anglers. It’s also a useful approach for anyone that wants to cover more ground in a hurry without having to even lift your kayak paddle. In fact, the best trolling motors for kayaking will render the best kayak paddles useless 10 out … Read more

Have you recently found yourself envious of other kayakers always having their dogs on the water with them? Well, the good news is that kayaking with your dog is possible for everyone with a little training and perseverance. While it’s always better to start training your dog for kayaking from a young age, it’s possible … Read more

Kayak fishing requires more specific clothing than other forms of kayaking. It’s one form of kayaking that keeps you outdoors for longer periods of time than others, which means you need additional protection from the elements. While you can take the approach of slathering yourself with sunscreen on hot days, the best way to protect … Read more

The three most popular types of kayaks are touring kayaks, recreational kayaks, and whitewater kayaks. Each obviously has its specific purpose, which means there are some key differences in their designs. When evaluating whether you need a touring kayak vs recreational kayak vs whitewater kayak, there are a handful of important factors that will help … Read more

Kayaking is mostly fun and games until the weather takes a turn for the worse. And even a little more wind than you anticipated can quickly derail an otherwise great day on your favorite waterway. The wind is something you should always be prepared for before you head out on the water. And that’s always … Read more

There is an almost endless number of places to kayak in the U.S. But not all of those places provide the best (or safest) situations for those of you that are relatively new to the sport of kayaking. Lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers tend to be the best places to practice and refine your skills … Read more

There are so many health benefits of kayaking that make it an attractive sport for both genders. It’s a great way to escape the stressors of every day and spend some time allowing your favorite body of water to rock you into a state of calm and relaxation. But kayaking is also good for getting … Read more

There’s nothing worse than investing in a new kayak that doesn’t perform the way you hoped it would. Worse yet, you just purchased a new kayak less than a year ago and it’s already broken or warped. While we hope you’ve followed our recommendations for how to build a kayak storage shed somewhere on your … Read more

Kayak fishing is a great way to enjoy time on the water and (if you’re lucky!) bring home some fresh fish for dinner. While some kayak anglers just do it for sport, others come to rely on what they’re able to bring home at the end of the day. Fishing kayaks are typically wider and … Read more

There’s a ton of advice out there for how to set up your kayak for fishing and you probably won’t have a tough time finding recommendations for how to catch more fish when kayak angling. But that still leaves out the troublesome question of where to put fish on your kayak once you catch them. … Read more

As a beginner, the best type of kayak to learn on is a sit on top kayak. There are many reasons why this is the case, but the most important one is that they are the most forgiving type of kayak to help you overcome your beginner mistakes. Because of their specific design, this type … Read more

Sea kayaking presents different challenges than any other type of kayaking. The unpredictable nature of the ocean means that you need to be more prepared for anything before you even push your kayak off the shore. But if you are prepared, sea kayaking gives you opportunities to experience marine wildlife up close and personal. It … Read more

Summer is our favorite time of year for kayaking! Temperatures are often so warm during the middle part of the day that we almost have to hop into the water to cool off several times throughout our paddling adventures. But it can sometimes be easy to get lulled into a sense of security when every … Read more

Florida is well-known for its coastal waterways and inland passages. It’s one of the best places in the world to see a wide variety of marine wildlife from the comfort of one of the best recreational kayaks. But Florida is a pretty big state and the climate (and terrain) can differ quite a bit from … Read more

Kayaking on the ocean comes with its own set of challenges and benefits. On the positive side, sea kayaking gives you amazing chances to view different marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Many marine coastlines and coastal waterways are best viewed from the comfort of one of the best sea kayaks available. But there are … Read more

An unfortunate number of kayak-related accidents actually occur far from the water. Improperly securing kayaks to a vehicle can cause significant danger to your kayaks, as well as other drivers on the road behind you. If you have a vehicle that doesn’t have a roof rack, transporting your kayaks will be an even bigger challenge. … Read more

We’ve recently been reminded of the many blessings that come with having more time to spend with our families. But, if you’re anything like us, you’ve been looking for new ways to get your family outside so that you can spend time together in nature. Aside from simply giving you another recreational tool to get … Read more

As a new kayaker, it can feel like there’s a lot to learn and a lot of accessories to get your hands on. But after buying the best kayak for your needs and getting a compatible roof rack, you’ll need to know how to strap a kayak to a roof rack. Transporting your kayak safely … Read more

One of our favorite parts about exploring outdoors is bringing our furry companions along. But kayaking is one of those outdoor activities that can be hard to bring your pup along unless, of course, you have the right boat to help you do it. One of the many myths about inflatable kayaks is that they … Read more

Fishing from a kayak has definite advantages over fishing from a motorized vessel. For one, you’ll have access to narrower and shallower waterways that you’d never take a motorized boat on safely. But fishing from a motorized vessel does give you an elevated vantage point that’s hard to obtain in most kayaks. That’s why kayak … Read more

Winter can wreak havoc on a kayak. Cold temperatures and more moisture can combine to create a recipe for damage to your kayaks that can drastically reduce their lifespan. In fact, properly storing your kayak when it’s not in use is important in any season. If you’re a new kayak owner, taking the time to … Read more

Transporting a kayak can be difficult if you don’t have rails on the roof of your vehicle. You’ll have to be even more careful about how you strap your kayaks up there so that it doesn’t cause any roof damage. But you should still be able to get your kayak to your next launching location … Read more

The feeling of being in a kayak on the ocean is unrivaled. It’s special just knowing that there’s a vast, sprawling sea rolling beneath your watercraft while you’re rigging up the right bait for your next cast. Saltwater kayak fishing comes with some additional considerations when compared with fishing from shore. For starters, you’ll need … Read more

It’s hard to argue against inflatable kayaks these days. With vast improvements in the ability of inflatables to hold higher air pressures, they’ve become a much more reliable and high-performing option for kayaking. Inflatable kayaks also have the added benefit of being super lightweight and easy to transport. This is why many travelers make the … Read more

Before you start planning longer paddle trips, you need to learn how to self-rescue in a sea kayak. This is a technique that can require quite a bit of on-water practice in order to master so that you can return to it when needed. We know that there can be great joy and reflection that … Read more

Getting into a single kayak with a child seat is a great way to introduce young kids to the joys of kayaking. Whether your kids are just along for the ride or you want to start teaching them basic paddle strokes, you’ll need the right kayak for the job. There is quite a bit of … Read more

As you gain kayaking experience, it’s natural to become interested in long trips. Long-distance sea kayaking is a great way to unplug from our daily grind and experience some of the wildest and most remote coastal areas in the world. A quality kayak for camping will hold everything you need to be comfortable throughout your … Read more

A sit on top kayak is the best option for new kayaks. They offer great stability and durability while you get more acquainted with how to paddle a kayak and how to get back in if you happen to capsize. Another good thing about sit on top kayaks is that they tend to be very … Read more

Sea kayaking is an ancient past time for coastal dwelling communities. While many early humans relied on it as a means to fish for one of their main food sources, sea kayaking these days is much more recreational. This sport offers exceptional wildlife viewing and access to spots that you can only get to via … Read more

Lakes are one of the most friendly environments you can choose for kayaking. Aside from whitewater kayaks, you’ll be able to operate most types of inflatable and rotomolded kayaks with ease on a lake. That’s not to downplay the effects that wind can have on your ability to get home. Even though lakes are friendly … Read more

When you own a kayak, you’ll need an easy way to transport it. Loading your kayak on top of your vehicle allows you to explore new waterways and build your skills in different kayaking situations. There are many different routes you can go to safely transport a kayak. From pulling a trailer loaded with larger … Read more

While it’s sometimes said that “a poor craftsman blames his tools,” the size and design of your kayak paddle can have a large impact on your experience on the water. Learning how to choose the right kayak paddle size is an important part of becoming a kayak owner. Leaving aside design elements for a moment, … Read more

These days there are kayaks made for almost any purpose you can imagine. From inflatable kayaks to whitewater kayaks, there’s a ton of variation in kayak styles, shapes, and intended purpose today. Understanding how you intend to use your kayak is really important for you to choose the right type and size for a new … Read more

Two-person fishing kayaks are a great way to get out on the water with a friend or significant other. When fishing is your goal, however, you need to prepare so that you can actually spend most of your time doing that. Navigation can be the toughest challenge with a tandem kayak. You and your paddle … Read more

Many new kayak owners don’t adequately prepare for the extra storage space that their new kayak will require. Proper storage is an essential part of protecting the potentially substantial investment you just made. How you store your kayak (or kayaks) is just as important as buying the best kayak for your purpose. There are many … Read more

While it is true that All Dogs Go To Heaven, our adventure pups might just feel like they’re in heaven right here on Earth. We love to take them paddling at every opportunity we get, but paddling with a pup isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. How to kayak with a dog on board can be … Read more

Kayak fishing is a great way to spend some alone time in the outdoors. But it’s also a fun activity for a group of friends that want to see who can catch the day’s biggest fish. Whether your closest body of water is freshwater or saltwater, kayak fishing allows you to explore in ways that … Read more

Kayak anglers have to carry a lot more gear on their boats than the typical recreational kayaker. Once your kayak is loaded down with poles, tackle, fishfinder, and other accessories, space can get limited. Having an unorganized kayak fishing setup is a recipe for disaster. You should be able to focus your efforts on removing … Read more

Offshore kayak fishing offers a level of thrill and excitement that’s hard to replicate with any other type of fishing. The extended fights with large ocean fish sometimes remind us of Hemingway’s classic tale of The Old Man and the Sea. Any seasoned angler will tell you that experience and expertise can only take you … Read more

The Pelican Sport brand is well known in the kayak industry because they offer a wide range of kayaks at very reasonable prices. Their line up includes kayaks meant for long-distance paddles, fishing, recreation, and tandem use. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of Pelican products and outline a quick buying guide to … Read more

Fishing from a kayak allows you to reach spots that would otherwise be inaccessible. Fishing from land has its limitations and it’s much easier to get hooked or snagged on submerged obstacles or nearby trees. As your options for fishing locations expand, you’ll also need to update your rod and reel setup. Depending on where … Read more

If you’ve ever had to carry a heavy canoe or kayak over a long distance, you probably realized why they’re meant to be on the water and not necessarily carried over land. But not all kayaks have to be heavy. Many experienced kayakers that love to plan multi-day expeditions require a watercraft that’s lightweight and … Read more

Just like any recreational sport, kayak fishing requires both skill and preparation. While most of your success out on the water will be dependent upon your fishing prowess, there are basic kayaking techniques you need to know as well. Most kayak fishing enthusiasts are anglers first and kayakers second. When things don’t quite go as … Read more

Establishing a love of the outdoors from an early age is undeniably important. Many of the most enthusiastic athletes, nature lovers, and conservationists fell in love with their sport of choice as young kids. Kayaking is no exception to this phenomenon. It also has the advantage of being one of the easiest water sports to … Read more

Unlike many active sports, kayaking can be a lifelong pursuit. There’s really no shelf life on the ability to enjoy a relaxing afternoon paddling around your favorite body of water. That being said, some things are certainly different for older kayakers. For starters, the importance of making the on-land transportation process as easy as possible … Read more

Most kayakers, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned expert, dream of all the fun they’re going to have on the water. Kayaks give us unparalleled access to places that other watercraft just can’t access. As many experienced kayakers know, that extra freedom comes with added responsibility. A kayaker must be able to perform … Read more

Some of the first “kayaks” were constructed more than 4,000 years ago by the Inuits. The term “kayak” roughly translates to ‘hunter’s boat’ and we can see why in today’s modern fishing kayaks. While the earliest kayaks most likely didn’t include a plush, foam-padded seat, or multiple fishing rod holders, they still served a similar … Read more

Ideally, you’ve targeted the right fishing kayak for your needs and now you’re beginning to look at what you need to go with it. Even the best kayak can’t paddle itself! Kayak fishing arguably requires more accessories than other forms of recreational, touring, or whitewater kayaking. But if you want to be a successful angler, … Read more

Fishing from a kayak might not be as easy as you think. For starters, it requires organizing your supplies so that things aren’t always getting caught on one another as you’re reeling in a fish. Kayak fishing also requires great balance and core strength. As you start going for larger fish, the effect that they … Read more

Not all of us have the benefit of living in a place where we can kayak year-round. If that’s you, it means you’ll need to take adequate precautions to protect your investment during the months that you’re not using it.  Kayak storage isn’t overly complex. But it is important to be aware of certain storage … Read more

Most of us know that almost any outdoor adventure is better with friends. That’s why we were so often encouraged to practice the ‘buddy system’ when we were younger.  But as we grow, we take on more responsibilities and our playtime doesn’t always line up with that of our buddies. That’s when having a trusted, … Read more

Fishing kayaks these days come with a lot of bells and whistles. Many of these feature-laden kayaks can get pretty expensive and create a barrier to entry for many novice kayak anglers.  But fishing kayaks don’t have to be super expensive. As long as you have a stable platform to fish from, you’ll be able … Read more

There are many joys of sea kayaking that simply can’t be experienced on lakes or rivers. The variety of marine life you can observe is reason alone to seriously look into purchasing your own sea kayak.  While there are certainly different environmental considerations to account for when sea kayaking, the rewards are worth the added … Read more

Fishing is a great recreational activity for a sunny afternoon. But it’s also an epic skill to provide a healthy source of local protein for your family.  Whether you’re sport fishing or you’ve obtained a permit to bring a few fish home, a human-powered watercraft can help you reach fishing holes that simply aren’t accessible … Read more

One of the best parts of owning a kayak is exploring new waterways. There’s always something new to be found in your area’s assortment of lakes, rivers, or coastal waterways.  But you need a reliable way to transport your kayak (or kayaks!) to these new waterways safely. While we’ve seen a number of jerry-rigged solutions … Read more

Inflatable kayaks have become significantly more stable and durable in recent years. They’re great for traveling and for those that don’t necessarily have a ton of storage space at home for a rigid kayak.  As your family grows, it becomes more fun to get everyone out on the water together. This requires a kayak that … Read more

As your family grows, you’ll naturally want to bring your little one along on your adventures. For many parents, including your toddler in the types of adventures you became used to before he or she was born can be quite the adjustment.  Safety is, of course, the number one concern when kayaking with a toddler. … Read more

We’ve all heard those exaggerated fishing stories where the fish seems to get one or two inches larger every time the story is told. But if you have a fishing partner along, you won’t have to be the only one telling that story.  Besides verifying your record-breaking catch, having a fishing buddy along has its … Read more

There are various accessories that go with kayaks. Some could be labeled as “essentials” and others could be categorized as “luxuries.” Paddles, for example, would fall squarely in the “essentials” category. But you might not need an accessory like mounted fishing rod holders if you don’t plan on fishing from your kayak. In this article, … Read more

Kayaking is more fun with a friend! And some of the best 2-person kayaks even have room for a third paddler, a small child, or your favorite paddle pup. There are a variety of two-person kayaks out there. Some are made purely for recreation while others boast a number of specialty features for fishing, long … Read more

What do you do when you don’t have much storage space at your house or apartment, but you just bought a shiny new kayak (or two)? Storing a kayak indoors is always the best option to preserve and protect your boat from not only the elements, but also from unnecessary damage such as dents and … Read more

Kayaking is always more fun with a friend. Even a furry friend can be a great companion to help you enjoy a sunny, relaxing day on your neighborhood waterways. Sit on top kayaks are designed for many different purposes. There are kayaks optimized for fishing, navigating whitewater, and achieving top speeds on flat water. Recreational … Read more