Safety

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In light of some recent stories, there seems to be a spreading fear that kayakers are an at-risk population when it comes to alligator attacks. So we thought we’d address the elephant in the room to make sure there aren’t too many rumors and misconceptions floating around out there about this scary question: do alligators … Read more

As a kayak guide, I see people on the water without life jackets all the time. While many places don’t require adults to wear one of the best kayak life vests at all times, there are some very good reasons you should do so. Can you go kayaking without a life jacket? Sure. Is it … Read more

Personally, I always prefer if I can find a partner for my kayaking adventures. The reality, however, is that I often wind up pulling from my knowledge of how to kayak alone if nobody else wants to accompany me. Solo kayakers need to be a little bit more prepared and mindful than others. If something … Read more