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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

What really makes a fishing kayak different from a regular kayak? There are many kayak anglers that make their living out of customizing regular kayaks to suit their fishing needs, but this can be a lot of extra work and it requires expert knowledge of how exactly you want your setup to look once you’re … 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

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

If you and your partner are looking for a new watercraft, you might find yourself in the age-old tandem kayak vs canoe conundrum. We understand because many of us have been there, and the good news is that there’s no wrong answer. However, one choice might be better for your particular paddling style and desired … 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We’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 skills … Read more

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

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

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 … Read more

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

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

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

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

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

The concept of an app for kayaking seems a little counter intuitive, doesn’t it? Why would you need an app for an activity that’s often associated with taking a break from technology? While you’re probably not going to be using your phone while you’re actually paddling, there are a lot of useful apps you can … Read more

Sea kayaking is an amazing experience. From your kayak vantage point, you can enjoy the rolling vista of the open seas or explore sections of the coastline that aren’t accessible on foot. Like most forms of kayaking, however, you’ll get the most enjoyment out of your adventures if you are in the right kayak. The … Read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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! 1.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

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