Basic Kayaking Knowledge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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