Most people don’t want to leave their phones in the car while kayaking, especially on long trips. In today’s age, being connected at all times is a priority for many people.
Besides, how else are you going to take pictures of your beautiful trip and the time you’re spending with friends and family? Not only that, but a phone can have helpful apps, such as maps and a compass, that can help you find your way and prevent you from getting lost.
Peeing while kayaking?
It’s a topic that’s not discussed often, but we’re all humans and need to relieve ourselves; I’m sure all kayakers have experienced this at least once.
How a kayak is made and the materials used in making it determines its performance, durability, appearance, weight, price, and even what kind of experience you’ll get from paddling it.
Rotomolded kayaks and thermoformed kayaks are two popular kayak construction options in the market. But to a kayaking beginner or non-manufacturing expert, they’re just big-sounding words that don’t really tell you anything.
Kayak designs have come a long way from what they used to be a few centuries ago.
Modern-day kayak manufacturers now give equal priority to ergonomics as they do to function to ensure paddlers can enjoy maximum comfort, stability, and safety while they’re out on the water.
Are you interested in kayaking for weight loss? Kayaking is an intense cardio workout and a great exercise that will help you burn a lot of calories, get slimmer, get more toned, and increase your overall health.
The sit-on-top vs sit-in kayak debate is one that seemingly never ends. Ultimately, they both have their pros and cons, and a lot boils down to your preferences.
However, when it comes to fishing, which one is arguably better?
Inflatable kayaks are becoming more popular by the day. Paddlers of varying skill levels are making it their watercraft of choice because of how easy they are to use and how much space they save.
If you love fishing and are thinking about investing in an inflatable kayak, you probably want to be sure that the vessel can get the job done before you finalize the purchase.
Have you ever wondered what kayaks are made of or how they are made?
Many people don’t stop to think much about which materials their kayak is made of or the manufacturing processes used to make the kayak.
Kayaking is a fun and relaxing way to spend time outdoors and enjoy a slice of nature. But if you own or are planning to own a kayak, you have to deal with the hassle of transporting it from point A to point B as safely as possible.
One of the most common fears of new kayakers is a sinking kayak. But can a kayak really sink, or are kayaks designed to float in any condition?
The truth is that while kayaks can, theoretically, sink, the risk is low. Kayaks are designed to float, and as long as you take some basic precautions, your kayak is very unlikely to sink.
Kayaking might look like the easiest thing in the world, but it actually requires you to use your muscles and burn up a good deal of energy in the process even if you’re only going for a short paddle.
Improper technique due to poor fitness and joint stiffness can expose you to a wide range of injuries that could make paddling an uncomfortable experience for you or even put you out of commission for a while.
Are you looking for a place to buy high-quality fishing equipment online? If you’re an avid kayak fisher, you know how important it is to get your gear from a trustworthy store.
Whether you’re browsing through kayak paddle designs online and wondering which one to buy or you’re thinking about renting a kayak and wondering which one is best for you, you are going to be offered plenty of straight shaft and bent shaft paddle designs to choose from.
As a canoeing and kayaking enthusiast, you are probably looking to learn new tricks to improve your paddling and find great places where you can go paddling next. Or maybe you just want to see what other people are getting up to in their paddle crafts.
Are you thinking about buying a kayak or a surfski but you’re not sure which one is better for you?
Maybe you don’t even know the difference between the two or the factors to consider before deciding which one will be better suited to your needs.
Are you looking to learn more about kayaking, paddling, canoeing, and other water sports?
Whether you’re looking for camping guides, kayak gear recommendations, tips on improving your kayaking skills, news about upcoming kayak events, or updates about famous kayak athletes, there are plenty of great kayaking websites online.
Technology has made it a lot easier to do outdoor sports, including kayaking. No longer do you have to take with you a printed map and scrutinize it to find your physical location and figure out where to go.
There are plenty of ways you can burn calories without having to hit the gym or practise annoying cardio exercises that involve a lot of running and jumping, and one of them is kayaking.
Choosing the right kayak for whitewater kayaking can sometimes be challenging. There are many different whitewater kayak styles to choose from, and you must decide between different materials and brands.
Both canoeing and kayaking are present in the Olympics, but they are two very separate things. While many people think that canoeing and kayaking are synonymous, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
When the weather is warm and you’re out in your kayak fishing or paddling around with friends and soaking in the scenery, cracking open a beer or sipping a glass of wine seems like a perfect addition to the fun you’re having. But is drinking while kayaking a completely harmless activity or can it land … Read more
When you’re pregnant, a lot of things go out the window for the sake of the baby. You can no longer go on roller coasters, shoot down a water slide, eat sushi, drink alcohol or caffeine, or enjoy a soak in a hot tub, and that’s just scratching the surface.
Kayak beginners will love this list of 12 first-time kayaking tips & tricks that will help to ease your learning curve. Fortunately, kayaking isn’t an overly technical skill.
One of the cool things about kayaking is the flexibility it gives you. There are so many types of kayaks, all constructed from different materials.
Kayaking and rafting are some of the most popular recreational water sports that give you an opportunity to get active and explore the outdoors.
However, people who are new to watersports often have a hard time differentiating one from the other.
After your kayak, your paddle is the second most important piece of gear you need. The kind of paddle you choose can make or mar the experience when you are out on the water.
If you’re an avid kayaker and also an Apple Watch wearer, you may have been wondering whether you can go kayaking with your Apple Watch.
Do you feel left out when going kayaking? If you don’t know the most popular pro kayak slang words and phrases, it’s natural to feel left out of the club.
Kayaking isn’t really one of those sports for the rule-breakers and non-conformists out there. While there’s plenty of freedom to go where you want, see what you want, and paddle in whatever crazy style you prefer, obeying your local kayaking rules and regulations is super important to your safety. That can actually be the hard … Read more
Whether you are using a kayak, canoe, raft, or tube to paddle down a river, the exercise is going to do a number on your appetite.
Are you ready to go on the kayaking trip of your life? Whether this is your first time going on a kayak camping trip or you’ve done it once or twice before, it’s critical to prepare correctly.
Kayaking is one popular water sport whose history stretches back to around 5000 years ago. Kayaks were first invented by the Inuit and Aleut people who resided in areas of Greenland, Alaska, northeastern Russia, and the upper regions of Canada.
Kayaks have an interesting and fascinating history. There are many amazing facts about kayaking that you probably never knew about – even if you enjoy going kayaking often.
Before setting out on your kayaking trip, it’s important to prepare well. You don’t want to get hungry mid-trip – all that paddling can be surprisingly exhausting, even if you are fit and in good shape!
Nowadays, we all love to share highlights from our favorite outdoor adventures on one or more social media platforms. If the photos are great but your captions are lacking, you might need to start using some of the best kayak puns for Instagram captions.
People get tattoos for many reasons: to commemorate lost loved ones, to rebel against living relatives, or simply to express one of their passions in physical form. If you love kayaking and you’re a fan of tattoos, you are going to love this list of the best kayaking tattoo ideas.
As a new kayaker, there is a lot more to learn than just your basic forward stroke. Of course, you should most certainly take the time to perfect that, but then you can move on to other kayaking strokes to improve your kayaking.
Many touring kayaks and sea kayaks are built with rudders because they have to handle ocean currents and waves. If you’re interested in kayak rudder DIY, you will need to know how to add a rudder to your kayak.
It may look like there’s not much to the sport of kayaking from afar, but there are some surprising benefits of kayaking that you might not be aware of if you have never given this active sport a try.
The best fishing kayaks usually come with a bunch of built-in rod holders so you can keep multiple setups ready at a moment’s notice. If you are customizing your own fishing kayak, however, it pays to know a few DIY kayak rod holder ideas.
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
Not all of today’s kayaks are the lightest and easiest to move when you’re just trying to get them to the water. This is especially true for many of the best ocean fishing kayaks and tandem kayaks on the market today. That’s why many people opt to buy one of the best kayak carts, wheels, … Read more
Kayaking requires preparation. We could make it more complicated than that, but it really isn’t.
Tape is tape, right? Eh, wrong! The debate over duct tape vs Gorilla Tape is ongoing, so we’re here to try to provide a little more fuel to the fire.
Drowning is a real risk when it comes to any kind of watersport. Fortunately, kayaking is extremely safe, but let’s spend some time today addressing this question: is it easy to drown in a kayak?
Spending a lot of time on a dock or out on the water gets boring even for the most avid angler. That’s why it helps to have a few jokes or funny sayings in your back pocket when you and your fishing buddy are hanging out.
Regardless of where you are trying to go fishing, you will need a fishing license that complies with local regulations. For travelers that might not know local places for a license, they often ask: does Walmart sell a fishing license?
Building a plywood kayak is a great adventure for the colder season when you can’t do as much paddling as you would like. The trouble with them is that it can be difficult to find free sit-on-top kayak plans with PDFs that will guide you through the construction process.
We have previously covered plans for plywood kayaks and PDFs to help you build your own boat. Today, we are going to highlight 15 free canoe plans you can build this week along with PDF building guides for each.
Boatbuilding is one of the most ancient forms of craftsmanship still alive today. As long as our ancestors have had a curiosity about exploring open waters, they have been practicing and honing their boatbuilding skills.
If you are an aspiring kayak angler, you need to have your setup just right if you want to maximize your chances for success. Learning how to customize a kayak for fishing is an essential part of becoming a better fisherman.
The volume of kayak design principles you need to learn as a beginner can be overwhelming. Not to mention, it is easy to get confused when you are trying to decide between longer vs shorter kayaks.
Covering the cockpit of your kayak is really important when storing and transporting it. With so many different styles of kayaks out there, however, the question is: how to size a kayak cockpit cover?
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
For new kayakers, you are probably seeing many different styles of kayaks out there on the water. When you are evaluating whether a long vs short kayak is better for you, it is natural to ask which is faster and more stable.
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
Throughout human history, paddle-powered vessels have been very important to cultures that have dwelled close to oceans, rivers, and lakes. One of those vessels is the umiak, which differs even from the best wooden kayaks of the modern era.
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
With so many options for solo canoes and kayaks out there, it is important to address the question of which is better. As you would expect, there are pros and cons to each and certain types of paddling that each might be better for.
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
Whether you need to refurbish the exterior of your kayak or you just want your personal paddle craft to stand out, there are plenty of kayaking painting ideas and designs to choose from these days.
If you are searching for a fun DIY project to keep you busy while you wait for the paddle season to be fully underway, painting your kayak is a great option. You can do it alone or with a partner, and it doesn’t require all that much time or financial investment.
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
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
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 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 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
Activities Involving Kayaks [toc] 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 … Read more
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
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 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
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
The Smoky Mountains sprawl out between the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The vast expanse is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and some of the most beautiful lakes and rivers in the south. Perhaps known best for its breathtaking views and extensive hiking trails, it is actually home to some of … Read more
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
[toc] 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 … Read more
[toc] 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 … Read more
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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