Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are remote-controlled aircraft that have exploded in popularity over the last decade. What was once a niche market has become quite mainstream. Drones are used in a wide variety of settings including search & rescue, surveillance, traffic monitoring, weather monitoring, firefighting, photography, videography, personal use, and so much more.  You might be wondering about using drones for kayak fishing. Well, yes, there are even drones specifically for kayak fishing.  What is a kayak fishing drone? Like most drones, a fishing drone is a r ..read more

If you love the family-friendly aspect of kayaking but need a little additional incentive to get the kids off the couch, consider this fun twist on recreational kayaking: a scavenger hunt. Create a themed hunt that will send paddlers on a grand adventure searching for items, clues, and hidden objects along a designated route.  A kayaking scavenger hunt is a fabulous activity for families, teams, scouting trips, parties, and more. You can make it as involved or spontaneous as you want.  Types of Kayaking Scavenger Hunts Retrieve Object Create a hunt that requires paddlers to retrieve ..read more

Kayaking has continued to grow in popularity as a family-friendly, cost-effective, simple way to get active. But some people still balk at the very word “capsize”. If the idea of flipping your ‘yak has kept you away from the kayak game, then you should consider outriggers.  What are Kayak Outriggers Outriggers are devices that attach to your kayak to increase its stability. Basically, two pontoons (or floats) are attached to a pole that extends out perpendicular to the kayak. This provides three points of contact with the water to ensure maximum equilibrium. Outriggers are usually secure ..read more

Packing for a Long-Distance Kayaking Expedition?  Here's What You'll Need Ever want to just get away from it all? Pick up a paddle and just keep going? Well, if you are jones-ing for a long-distance kayaking expedition, you aren’t alone. But preparation is always key when undertaking ambitious adventures. Here are a few things to think about before you get underway. Compact & Comfortable are keywords for packing for long-distance kayaking trips. Compact is Key for Long-Distance Kayaking When considering what to bring on your kayaking excursion, think more like a backpacker than a camp ..read more

As the weather warms, the lifecycle stretches awake as well. And fish ready to feed and breed. When properly prepared, you can enjoy amazing fishing in the spring. But be sure to take care. Spring can be a particularly dangerous time on the water as weather, water flow, and even the paddler’s skill can be a bit unpredictable as they shake off the winter stasis.  Top Spots for Kayak Fishing Local Waters Shallow water: In the spring as the weather (and water) begin to warm, fish start to move. Many species are heading to warm, shallow water (bays, coves, creeks, shore / banks). Kayaks are ..read more

If the warming weather makes you anxious to launch your kayak, you are not alone. Getting back on the water after a winter’s break is welcome. So, to make a smooth transition to the kayak season, spend a little bit of time getting prepared. The time spent getting organized off the water means more time on the water. Before Your Go Kayaking Checklist: Pull out your kayak and check it for damage Give it a good wash (which can be a good time to check for hull damage) Make repairs or updates to your kayak Check lines / rigging and make sure they are in tip-top shape Ensure electronic equipment is ..read more

As winter lessens its hold and temperatures begin to rise, you might be getting excited about the inaugural kayak outing of the year. And as thrilling as it is to get back out on the water, you might need to slow your roll. Spring can be a particularly hazardous time on moving waterways.  Rising temperatures lead to winter snow melt that can flood seemingly benign creeks, streams, and rivers. Suddenly summer’s favorite fishing bank can be a rushing category 4 rapid. And downed trees, brush, and debris can get caught in the flow - or even worse get YOU caught in the flood.  Hidden dan ..read more

Now that you’ve mastered the art of the paddle, maybe you’re wondering what else your versatile little kayak can do. Well, you won’t be disappointed. There is so much that makes kayaking worth your while. It can keep all sorts of hobbyists entertained. From sedate to active to just plain fun, activities on your kayak are sure to do at least one thing: make memories. Fun Kayaking Activities: Challenging As you probably already know, there are specific kayaks for certain activities. Longer, thinner kayaks lend themselves to speed and tracking (great for touring along a coast) and short, wider ka ..read more

If you’ve spent any time on the water in the last few years, you have probably seen a growing number of people standing and paddling. So, what is this phenomenon? Standup Paddleboarding, or SUP, is a water sport that has become quite popular throughout the country. What is the difference between Paddle Boarding and Kayaking? Origins: Paddleboarding: While standing up and paddling on a large platform has roots back to antiquity the origins of modern-day paddleboards are much closer to home. Today’s paddleboards began in Hawaii and California as an off-shoot of the surfing community. They were u ..read more

As cold weather holds much of the United States in its grip, you might be inclined to think that fishing is frozen as well. But, don’t despair! As long as you are hardy and willing, kayak fishing can be had all year round in much of the USA - as long as there is open water. However, kayak fishing in winter does take a bit of extra planning, especially around issues of safety and winter kayaking gear. Waterproof and thermal layers are important as well as extra food and water You tire faster in colder temps so be prepared for that. Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device. Also, priorit ..read more