Kayaking is inherently a watersport, so we recognize the hesitance of non-swimmers when it comes to exploring it. Fortunately, kayaking is an appropriate outdoor activity for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
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The Essential List of Kayak Safety Equipment
If you’re taking your kayak out on the lake for a couple hours in the afternoon, you might not feel like you need a lot of safety equipment. But what if you’re paddling on the open ocean or taking a long river trip? No matter what type of paddling you’re doing, there are certain pieces … Read more
Using a throw rope
If you’re going to go kayaking in any conditions, a throw rope is an essential piece of safety equipment. Knowing what it is and how to use it may even save your life, so it’s important to know what a throw rope is, and how to use it. In fact, it’s a good idea to … Read more
How To Build A Kayak Storage Shed
Most kayaks are built to last at least ten years. They’re durable watercraft that can withstand the elements if stored outside. But you’re going to increase the lifespan of your kayak by storing it inside.
Wetsuit vs Drysuit for Kayaking
The best thing about kayaking is that it’s a sport you can enjoy all year round. Just because the winter months are here does not mean you have to hang up your ‘yak. That being said, no one likes being cold, and getting wet is very much part of the kayaking experience. Avoiding the cold … Read more
How to Pack Your Kayak for a Camping Trip
Kayaking and camping go together like cheese and wine, allowing you to take in the full vista of a winding coastline or river course without the need to have a car on standby or having to worry about where you’ll be sleeping for the night. The only downside to kayak camping is that, much like … Read more
Understanding Kayak Hatches
Kayak hatches are useful for kayaking if you need space to store equipment. Some cases that come to mind are fishing kayaks with fishing gear or multi day tour kayakers who are storing camping gear. Kayak Hatches Types of Kayak Hatches There are several different types of hatches to choose from. When looking for kayak … Read more
A Beginners Guide to Kayak Terminology
If you’re just starting out in the world of kayaking, it’s normal to find yourself intimidated by the lingo. Say you’re searching for the best kayak spray skirts and you stumble upon an article talking about the size of the kayak coaming. You don’t even know what that is! How are you supposed to learn … Read more
How to Transport a Kayak
The question of “how to properly transport a kayak” is an important and multi-layered one—a question that should be in your mind before purchasing your kayak—or even your vehicle. Although most kayaks can travel atop almost any type of vehicle, the truth is that some kayak racks are more advantageous when used with certain types … Read more
How to Kayak with Your Dog
So, you and your fury best friend are inseparable and you’re wondering how you can introduce them to your other love, better known as kayaking. Good news is, you came to the right place – this is our indispensable guide to kayaking with your dog. Need some reassurance? Know that your pooch is never going … Read more
How to Tow Another Kayak
While there are a lot of different techniques to get people back in their kayaks should they capsize while they’re out kayaking, these techniques are not all foolproof. It is always possible that no matter what you try, there is no way you can possibly get all of the water out of the kayak. If … Read more
How to Paddle A Kayak
[dropcap size=small]W[/dropcap]e’ve all heard the phrase, “Up the creek (without a paddle).” A kayak, whether you’re floating on a river, on the ocean, or even on a lake, won’t get you very far without a paddle and you would be, “up the creek.” Trying to use a paddle without knowing even the most basic of … Read more
What to Wear Kayaking? A Guide to Paddling in All Weather Conditions
Does wearing the right clothing when kayaking make that much of a difference? Should I be dressing to suit the weather conditions? Yes, it does make a real difference, and yes, you absolutely you should. Dressing appropriately can make or break your kayaking experience, either allowing you to have a great time out on your … Read more
5 Sun Protection Tips For Summer Kayaking
Summer is a fantastic time to be out on the waters kayaking, but all that sun exposure has some danger involved as well. Learn how to keep safe kayaking without sacrificing your skin! Avoid The Heat of the Day (10am – 4pm) The sun is generally at its most powerful between 10am-4pm, and you’ll be … Read more
How to Measure Direction and Distances
This is one thing that might be somewhat difficult to do if you are in a kayak, and in fact, determining how far you are from something while you are on the water will have to be learned through practice and experience. This is one reason why you should never kayak alone, especially if you … Read more
The Bow Rudder
The bow rudder is related to the bow/draw rudder, but it is slightly easier to perform. If you have learned the bow/draw rudder, you may want to look into learning the bow rudder as well. This stroke is used for turning while you are moving in your kayak, just like the bow/draw. However, this stroke … Read more
Red Tides are Sweeping the Southern Coast, and Northern Lakes are ravaged by Algal Blooms. How Does this Affect Kayakers?
From southern Florida to the Great Lakes, from the long, thin Finger Lakes to the rugged Utah landscape, there’s something dangerous lurking in the water. It’s not piranhas, sharks, or alligators, but rather something far more insidious. Harmful algal blooms (HABs)—different in origin but similar in risk—are wrecking paddle sports, ruining summer vacations, and spoiling fishing season. For … Read more
Properly Maintaining Your Kayak: Kayak Maintenance 101
You’ve gone through the rigors of picking out the perfect kayak. You shopped around, you found the best boat for your needs, you got the right size and the ideal color, and you’ve even learned the correct strokes and safety procedures. The work is done. Now you can sit back and enjoy being a kayak … Read more
The Stern Rudder
The stern rudder is an easy to learn form of steering your kayak. The stern rudder is a quick way to turn your kayak. However, like all of the turning moves that require you to place your paddle in the water, it can have a dragging effect, and may slow you down considerably if you … Read more
Sculling For Support
Sculling for support will keep you upright if your kayak is at rest. Even though you will probably learn several other strokes and kayaking moves that will help you to maintain your upright posture in your kayak, the more support strokes you know, the better. Another method that you can use to support your kayak … Read more
The Forward Sweep Stroke
The forward sweep stroke will help you turn your kayak effectively. While many new kayak models come with built in rudders, that is not the only, or the most effective way to turn your kayak. In fact, if you want your kayak to be as maneuverable as possible, you should practice strokes that will allow … Read more
Kayak vs. Canoe
When it comes to paddlesports, there are a lot of options. But two of the most widely used and popular forms of watercraft are canoes and kayaks. If you’re not much of a paddler, you might think, “Aren’t they the same thing?” While they do share a lot of similarities, the two types of boats … Read more
The Low Brace Turn
The low brace turn is one of the best ways to turn the kayak while in motion. One of the things you may find difficult when you’re first learning how to kayak is turning the kayak. There are basically two things that you can always try when you’re first learning how to kayak. First, some … Read more
The X-Rescue
The X-rescue is one of the easiest kayak rescue techniques. If you are going to go kayaking and you’re worried about capsizing the kayak, don’t be too worried. There are several different easy to learn techniques that you can learn in order to make sure that your boat is righted as soon as possible. You … Read more
The Sculling Draw
The sculling draw is another effective sideways kayaking move. After you have learned the draw stroke, you may want to also learn the sculling draw. The primary uses for this kayak stroke are so that you can move the kayak sideways for more than just one short stroke. In fact, the sculling draw is the … Read more
The Screw Roll
The screw roll is easier than the eskimo roll, but it still requires that you know the hip flick. If you’re looking for an easier sort of roll to learn, then you might want to look into learning the screw roll. This type of roll is generally recommended for beginner kayakers, and might be better … Read more
Reverse Paddling
Reverse paddling is an important kayaking technique. While forward paddling is probably one of the most commonly used paddling strokes, reverse paddling is just as important. In fact, before you go kayaking, you should definitely practice both forward and reverse paddling to make sure that you have the necessary skills so that you do not … Read more
The T-Rescue
The T-Rescue is a two-person method of righting a capsized kayak. One of the reasons that you should never go kayaking alone is that if you are with somebody else, then there are a lot of other techniques that you can use in case something goes wrong while you’re kayaking. For instance, you’ll have somebody … Read more
Activities Involving Kayaks
Activities Involving Kayaks Touring Touring, or expedition kayaking, involves taking extended journeys in a kayak, often around coastlines or down the length of a river. Kayak touring is a fantastic way to experience beautiful scenery that is usually hidden from view. Fishing With the use of a specialised fishing kayak, combining fishing with kayaking is … Read more
The Put-Across Roll
A good kayak roll to teach beginners is the put-across roll. One of the biggest fears that most people have of kayaking is the worry that their kayak could capsize, and they would be trapped inside of it. Another fear is that there is no way to right an over turned kayak by yourself – … Read more
The Bow/Draw Rudder
The bow/draw rudder is one of the hardest, but most efficient, kayaking strokes. While the stern rudder will turn your boat by using your paddle as a rudder near the back of the kayak, you can also perform the bow/draw rudder instead. This is essentially the same move, however, it is performed in front of … Read more
Latitude and longitude Explained
Latitude and longitude are the two sets of circles that we use to divide up the earth into sections. These are also one of the most reliable ways for us to determine location and how far we are going to go. The easiest way, of course, to determine latitude and longitude is to use a … Read more
The Low Support Stroke
The low support stroke will help you maintain support while you’re kayaking. The first support or brace stroke that you should learn is the low support stroke. This is the easiest stroke for beginners to learn, so you should probably work on learning it first, before you start working on the high support stroke. There … Read more
The HI-Rescue
The HI-rescue is a useful rescue technique if you have two kayaks to help.One of the things that you should do before you go kayak touring is to make sure that you know all of the necessary methods for helping yourself and other people who may be in the water. While it’s always useful to … Read more
Weil’s Disease
Weil’s disease can be contracted from contaminated water and may be fatal. Weil’s disease is a problem if you are going to be out in the wilderness and looking for water at all. This disease is spread through rat urine, so the main way in which you can contract the disease is by consuming contaminated … Read more
Trunk Rotation
Trunk rotation is the most important part of being able to paddle a kayak. One thing that most people may not realize about kayaking is that most of the power for kayaking will not actually come from your arms. The reason for this is that when you think about it, even if you are only … Read more
What Should You Do If Approaching a Low-Head Dam in a Kayak?
Low-head dams are often referred to as “drowning machines”, a nickname they have very much earned. Easily the most dangerous type of dam, the low-head is a significant hazard to nearly any water-going craft, but is especially perilous to kayakers. Between 1960 and 2016, there were 377 fatal accidents on low-head dams in the US, … Read more
The Draw Stroke
The draw stroke is an effective method of pulling your kayak to the side without turning. Once you’ve learned how to paddle forward and in reverse, you may want to learn the draw stroke. This stroke is also called “pulling” the kayak, and will help you to move from side to side in the kayak. … Read more
Currents Explained
Another thing that you need to watch out for if you’re going kayaking are ocean currents. Depending on where you are, they can either be a slight or a relatively important factor. You should always try to make sure that your trips will allow you to paddle with the current instead of against it, or … Read more
Top 6 Myths About Inflatable Kayaks
First Things First. You can probably agree that storing and transporting inflatable kayaks is easy, however, there are many false beliefs about inflatable kayaks. A lot of these beliefs are introduced by the faulty performance of a cheap inflatable bought from a department store. If you do your research when looking to purchase an inflatable … Read more
The Wet Exit
The wet exit (getting out of the kayak in the water) is not very difficult, but it is still important to have some experience with it. If you’re going to go kayaking, you should realize that there is a very good chance that you will capsize your kayak once or twice. This does not necessarily … Read more
Flesh-Eating Bacteria: How to Stay Safe
When we think about the risks of a long paddle in the ocean, we worry about things like dropping gear overboard and bad weather. Watching your expensive phone slide into 40 feet of water is heart-stopping, and having been caught out in an unexpected storm, I can tell you that whitecaps, heavy wind, and furious … Read more
Health Benefits of Kayaking
Kayaking is the ultimate way to experience the water. You’ll get your heart pumping, strengthen muscles throughout your entire body, and soak up vitamin D in the sunshine, all while cruising alongside beautiful scenery and wildlife. Not only is kayaking good exercise for those looking for a moderate to vigorous workout, but it is a … Read more
How Much Does a Kayak Weigh?
When buying a kayak, its weight is not normally the first thing you think of. While it does have an effect on its performance, a kayak’s weight isn’t as important as other measurements, such as its volume, waterline, rocker, or even how much storage it has. It’s when the kayak is out of the water … Read more
The Reverse Sweep Stroke
The reverse sweep stroke is also highly important to learn in order to turn your kayak. After you have mastered the forward sweep stroke, the reverse sweep stroke is another powerful turning move that you should consider learning in order to make your kayaking more effective. This stroke is also best learned while sitting still … Read more
Forward Paddling
Forward paddling seems easy, but there is room for improvement. Forward paddling is probably the most under-appreciated and under-practiced kayaking move. However, as you might imagine, this is the most important move that you can learn. Depending on where you’re going to be kayaking, and how long of a kayak tour you intend to go … Read more
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is easily treatable but can be very dangerous. If you are ever going to be out in the wilderness overnight, especially if you are going to be around the water, you should make sure that you have a good understanding of what hypothermia is. It has been said that hypothermia is always treatable – … Read more
Overturning “The Right Way”
Overturning “the right way” can actually help you regain control over your kayak. If you’re worried about overturning your kayak, don’t worry. Just like most things, there is a right way to do it so that you won’t have to worry about getting injured. Another thing that you should keep in mind is that even … Read more
Tides Explained
If you are kayaking in the ocean then it will be very helpful for you to figure out what effect the tides will have on your trip. Tides can vary depending on the area you are in and what time of year it is. Unless you pay attention to these changes and plan accordingly, you … Read more
An Introduction to Eskimo Rolling
If you’re planning on going kayak touring, one of the most important things you can do is learn the techniques associated with eskimo rolling. The reason for this is that if you’re touring in a sea kayak, and you are far from shore, it might not be feasible to get back into your kayak if … Read more
Helping a Swimmer
Learning how to help swimmers is an important part of kayaking responsibly. While it’s not necessarily required in order for you to go kayaking to begin with, it is probably a good idea to have some experience helping out swimmers as a kayaker. This is due to the fact that when you’re out at sea, … Read more
Understanding Kayak Bulkheads
What are Kayak Bulkheads? Bulkheads are sealed barriers on the interior of the kayak that provide separated compartments within a kayak. They are typically found in sea kayaks and can be made from a variety of materials including foam, plastic, or a composite material. In contrast to an integrated kayak, a bulkhead kayak will be … Read more
Design Principles of Kayaks
Design Principles of Kayaks Displacemet The displacement of a kayak can refer to one of two things: its overall water displacement or, in the case of whitewater kayaks, the shape of its hull. The Design Water Line (DWL) determines the total amount of weight the kayak was designed to carry. The combined weight of the … Read more
Stopping Your Kayak
Stopping your kayak suddenly requires practice as well. When you are kayaking, stopping is one of the more difficult things that you can learn. While it is not always obvious as to why you will need this move, you should keep in mind that situations at sea can change rather rapidly. This is also the … Read more
How to Tie a Mooring Hitch
The mooring hitch is a good alternative to the clove hitch and is another good knot to add to your kayaking knot repertoire. The knot can be used to temporarily tie your kayak to a row or post. Step 1: Loop the rope around the object. Step 2: Create a loop with the end of the rope in front or on … Read more
How to Tie a Bowline Knot
The bowline knot is one of the most versatile and useful kayaking knots you can use. The knot itself is relatively simple to tie and does not get stuck when trying to untie it. It can be used to loop around objects to anchor your kayak. If you were to know only one kayaking knot, the bowline … Read more
How to Tie a Tautline Hitch
The taut-line hitch knot is a great knot to tie around an object if you need to the hitch to move freely. The taut-line knot can be useful if you are kayak camping because it can be used for securing a tent to tent poles. Step 1: Loop the end of your rope around the object. … Read more
The High Support Stroke
The high support stroke is more difficult, but will also prevent capsizing. The high support stroke is similar to the low stroke in that it will help you to maintain your stability and prevent capsizing while you are on the water. However, it requires a different technique and is likely a bit harder than the … Read more
How to Tie the Trucker’s Hitch Knot
The trucker’s hitch knot is a great knot to secure heavier loads and is a good knot for you kayaking knot repertoire. Step 1: Create a small loop within your rope. Step 2: Below the loop grab the rope and pull it through the initial loop. Step 3: Take the end of the rope and bring it … Read more
How to tie a Bowline on a Bight Knot
A bowline on a bight knot is useful if you ever need a loop in your line and neither of the free ends of the rope are available. This knot is typically used by climbers to create footing knots or bosom’s chair but can be used for kayaking as well. In most scenarios you run … Read more
How to Tie a Running Bowline Knot
The running bowline knot is useful for kayaking if you need to lasso an object while kayaking. The running bowline know creates and open loop that will tighten around an objects. Step 1: Create a large loop with the end of your line. Step 2: Create a smaller loop within the larger loop you just created. Step … Read more
The Support/Brace Strokes
The support/brace strokes can help you avoid capsizing. Another type of kayaking stroke that is often overlooked are the support/brace strokes. These strokes exist to help you gain some more control over your kayak if you are having trouble, or if you are in an area where the water has started to get rougher. Essentially, … Read more
How to Tie a Buntline Hitch Knot
A buntline hitch knot is another useful kayaking knot to know how to tie. This knot can be used to tow another kayak and can also attach your kayak to a number of different objects such as a post or a rod. In fact it’s also the knot that is used to tie a business tie! Step 1: Loop … Read more
How to Tie a Clove Hitch Knot
The clove hitch knot is a simple hitch that can be used to tie a rope onto a post. While it is easy to tie and untie it is not the most secure knot. It can easily come undone if your kayak or the post moves. For kayaking, we recommend using this knot if you … Read more
How to Tie a Double Fisherman’s Knot
The double fisherman’s knot is a great knot to know if you need to tie two ropes together. Some kayakers even use this knot to create grab handles for their kayaks. Step 1: Take both ends of the rope and lie them side by side. Each end should be facing the opposite direction. Step 2: Wrap one … Read more
How to Tie a Constrictor Knot
The constrictor knot can be a useful knot to secure multiple similar shaped objects together while kayaking. For example, if you are kayak camping or it can come in handy to secure wood together. It is a strong knot that will knot (pun intended) come loose if tied tightly. Step 1: Wrap the object or objects … Read more
What is Kayaking?
If you’re looking for an activity that combines cardio and strength conditioning with the beautiful and peaceful serenity of the outdoors, kayaking just might be the activity for you. A sport that is rapidly gaining in popularity throughout the country, kayaking is a fun, healthy and relatively safe pursuit that affords hours of water-based enjoyment. … Read more
How to Tie a Square Knot
The square knot is one of the easiest knots to tie and a relatively quick knot to learn. It can temporarily tie to knots together but it is not recommended since the square knot is fairly insecure. Step 1: Take two ropes and lie them side by side facing each other. Step 2: Cross the ropes over … Read more
How to Tie a Water Knot
The water knot is a good knot to use in webbing and can be used for a variety of things. Step 1: Create a small overhand as shown below. Step 2: Follow the initial path you created in step 1. Step 3: Pull the knot tight. Enjoyed How to Tie a Water Knot? Share it with your friends … Read more
How to Tie a Heaving Line Knot
The heaving line knot is a great knot if you need a heavy end to your rope for throwing. Obviously, this a great kayaking knot to know since there are many cases where you might need to throw a rope. For example, if you do know have a rescue bag this knot could come in handy in … Read more
How to Tie a Sheet Bend Knot
The sheet bend knot is a great knot to quickly tie to ropes together. This kayaking knot can be an alternative to the double fisherman’s knot. Step 1: Double up the middle of one of your ropes. Step 2: Bring the end of the other rope underneath the loop and then around both sides of the loop. Step 3: Bring the … Read more
How to Tie a Figure Eight Knot
The figure eight knot is known for its use in mountain or rock climbing but it can also be used in many kayaking scenarios. This knot is a great kayaking knot to know if you ever need a strong knot with a loop at the end of your rope. Step 1: Create the first figure eight at the … Read more
How to Tie a Rolling Hitch
The rolling hitch knot is a simple but secure knot that can be used to tie your kayak to a pole or rod. It is similar to the clove hitch but is a more secure kayaking knot. Step 1: Loop the end of your rope around the object. Step 2: Loop the end of your rope a second time making … Read more
How to Get Back in a Kayak After It’s Flipped Over
Kayaking is an amazing sport. It’s full of opportunities to experience the beauty of nature on a placid lake or even in the thrills of whitewater running on a fast-flowing river. There are, however, two essential facts of kayaking that can’t be escaped: your kayak is on water, and eventually it will flip over and … Read more
Types of Kayaks: What are the Differences?
One of the best things about kayaking is the vast range of activities that open up for you—from the adrenaline rush of running whitewater rapids to the placid serenity of a day out fishing on a lake. Each activity has its own specific design of kayak to go with it, from the short and wide … Read more
Which Is Best: Hardshell Vs Inflatable Kayak?
Maneuvering through exciting waterways on a kayak is a thrill. Whether you’re paddling through a winding river, a still lake, or a sea filled with waves, there’s so much natural beauty and wildlife to experience along with your route as you take in the fresh air. Other than being a fun leisurely activity, kayaking is … Read more
A Brief History Of Kayaking
As mentioned earlier, the kayak was originally invented by the Inuit and Aleut tribes of Arctic North America over 5,000 years ago for use in hunting. The Greenlandic word qajaq actually translates to “hunter’s boat.” Early kayaks were made from whatever materials were available for construction, including whalebone, driftwood, seal skins, and animal hides. They … Read more
Is Kayaking Expensive?
Before you start kayaking, cost is one thing that you will probably be concerned with. The one question that you are probably asking yourself is, “Is kayaking expensive?” Although kayaking may seem like the type of activity that would cost a lot of money to start, it can be relatively affordable if you do your … Read more
Kayak Safety Tips For Beginners
Kayaking is a fantastic sport. It’s a great way to make new friends, stay fit, and explore amazing new landscapes. As with with any sport involving water, however, there are some risks. Sudden changes in wind and visibility can make for hazardous kayaking conditions; not checking the weather in advance or wearing the proper attire … Read more
How to Transport a Kayak Without a Roof Rack
Transporting a 14-foot touring kayak isn’t an easy task at the best of times, even if you happen to have a specific kayak rack, and there are a number of reasons why you might not. Perhaps you’ve just bought your first kayak and hadn’t considered how you were going to transport it home, or perhaps … Read more
The Lie Back Technique
If you’re having trouble learning rolls, try the lie back technique. The lie back is an important part of eskimo rolling technique. This will make it much easier for you to do the rolls you need to do, as well as help you to kayak better in general. The reason for this is that the … Read more
Guide To The Classification Of Rapids
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Stand Up Paddleboard vs Kayak
Paddleboards vs. kayaks … which is better? You’ll hear paddlers fighting adamantly for one side or the other in this ongoing debate. Paddleboarding activates your whole body, but kayaking works your arms and your core … is one really better than the other? Or are they just completely separate sports? Maybe you should do them … Read more
How to Get in and out of a Kayak
Getting into and out of a kayak is something that every paddler has to master but, particularly for beginners, it’s one of the more daunting parts of the sport. It requires correct technique, physical effort, and, if done incorrectly, has the potential to be embarrassing or even dangerous. The good news is, practice makes perfect. … Read more
How to Kayak with Kids
Kayaking with kids can be fun for the whole family. You can teach your children new skills and confidence and provide them with experiences that will last a lifetime. Once you understand the how-tos and are properly prepared with the best kayak for your kids, you can look forward to a great outing! This guide … Read more
How to Lift and Carry a Kayak the Right Way
Learning to lift and carry a kayak correctly is fundamental to removing it from a car rack, transporting it to the water’s edge, portaging it, and even storing it correctly. Many kayaks, especially touring and sea kayaks, can be both long and heavy, so using the correct technique is vital when lifting and carrying a … Read more
Kayak Storage: Why It’s Important and How to Do It
Imagine a picture perfect sunny day. Finally, the beginning of the kayaking season has arrived. The sun is shining above a gentle late-spring breeze, and the crisp, cold water in which your adventure will begin is beckoning your name. To pay homage to this gorgeous day, you decide to take your kayak out for a … Read more
Best Kayaking Tips for Beginners
Kayaking has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds in recent years. In 2012 alone, recreational kayaking grew by a whopping 27 percent. Part of its popularity is how easy it is to get started. With the right gear and a few kayaking trips, practically anyone can enjoy this exciting sport. It’s also a great way to … Read more
Anatomy of a Kayak: Parts of a Kayak Explained
Do you want to invest in a kayak? Maybe you’ve recently bought a kayak or are doing some research. Whatever the case, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the boat before you’re ready to take it out on the water. Before you learn the correct paddling strokes, safety procedures, and perfect … Read more
How to Properly Care for Your Inflatable Kayak
Rugged, lightweight, and easy to store, the inflatable kayak makes ownership viable for paddlers who might not have the space to store a rigid kayak or the means to transport one. The ability to be packed down to, in some cases, the size of a large duffle bag makes inflatable kayaks uniquely portable while advances … Read more
How to Portage a Kayak
Portaging a kayak is the act of moving it across dry land. While this might seem like an odd thing to do given how well kayaks work on water, sometimes you’ll be confronted by a situation where moving your kayak by land is the only option. If you find your path blocked by a dangerous … Read more
How to Empty Water out of The Kayak
Learning how to empty water out of a kayak is a good skill to have if you plan on kayaking in rough waters. If you are planning on kayaking alone then it is a must to know how to empty the water in your kayak. Solo Draining Emptying a kayak full of water while you … Read more
Is Kayaking Dangerous? – A Guide to the Dangers of Kayaking and How to Avoid Them
People have a lot of misconceptions about kayaking when it comes to issues of safety. Some people put no thought into the risks involved in paddlesports, while others freak out about perceived dangers that aren’t real threats. Is kayaking dangerous? To answer that, there are a lot of things we need to consider. But first, … Read more
A Guide for Buying a Used Kayak: What to Look Out For
Owning your own kayak is the goal of most kayakers because it gives you the freedom to get out on the water whenever the need strikes you. If you prefer a specific type of kayaking that requires a certain style of kayak, like whitewater kayaking or kayak touring, then buying your own might be the … Read more
Are Inflatable Kayaks Safe?
The first time I heard of an inflatable kayak, what came to mind was more of a pool toy than an actual watercraft. Surely they couldn’t stand up to actual kayaks … were they even safe enough to take out on the water? A lot of people have similar concerns and assumptions. Inflatable kayaks don’t … Read more
Sit On Top vs. Sit In Kayak
To someone first entering the sport of kayaking, choosing a single kayak from among the many different brands, types, purposes and, constructions can be a bit overwhelming! So, how does a new paddler determine which kayak best suites their individual needs and intended purpose? Well, the first step is to be aware that kayaks are … Read more
How to Tie a Sheepshank Knot
A sheepshank knot can shorten a rope while you are a kayaking. It is not a strong know but can come in handy if you need to take up slack within your rope. Step 1: Create a large Z within the middle of your rope. Step 2: At the end of each side of the Z create … Read more