Here's 7 reasons to consider attending kayak events. I hope these are helpful for those that are thinking about it but haven't yet. And maybe for paddlers that have only attended events nearby, maybe this will help in seeking out adventures a bit further away. List of reasons:  Broad group of instructors, giving us the opportunity to learn from many different people  On longer events, the opportunity to work on skills from day to day  Often get the chance to paddle and visit a new place  Usually events are open to new paddlers and will have suitable classes / outings  ..read more

Here's 9 things to consider when it comes to taking photos while kayaking. For experienced photographers, many or most of these might seem obvious - but I'm hopeful some of the stories or tips might help along the way. For those that are just getting into photography or kayaking, I'm hopeful there will be tips that might help make decisions as you continue your journey. Cheers! My photography book! https://kayakhipster.com/book/ If you'd like to support the channel, you can do it through Ko-fi. Really huge thanks! https://ko-fi.com/kayakhipster For gear I like to recommend for kayaking, c ..read more

Here's 3 things to try next time you're working on your forward stroke. The forward stroke is our main way of moving our kayak, so any little thing we can do to make it more efficient can help us in the long run. For many of us, paddling from point A to point B isn't a competition. However, as we become more proficient and efficient in our strokes, we will be able to paddle further and longer with the same amount of energy. I hope these are helpful. Cheers! Cheers! Video link:  https://youtu.be/Cru1WxZDvAI My photography book! https://kayakhipster.com/book/ If you'd like to support t ..read more

A follow up on the discussion of differences between latex and neoprene gaskets - since I don't have access to both a dry and semi-dry suit, I tried comparing dry and semi-dry tops out paddling and surfing, as well as standing in the shower to see if any water would get in one vs the other. While it's not the same as a full suit, it might help as background info for those thinking about calmer or warmer situations where a full dry suit isn't absolutely mandatory. Cheers! Video link:  https://youtu.be/fie0Bjmb6PQ My photography book! https://kayakhipster.com/book/ If you'd like to supp ..read more

Here's a short one on picking up used or second hand kayaks and paddling gear. I've recently picked up a Trak kayak from a friend, and have received a lot of feedback on it. I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on it, and ask if anyone has had a similar experience. My photography book! https://kayakhipster.com/book/ If you'd like to support the channel, you can do it through Ko-fi. Really huge thanks! https://ko-fi.com/kayakhipster Luke - Kayak Hipster www.youtube.com/kayakhipster www.instagram.com/kayakhipster www.kayakhipster.com Support the show ..read more

This was a fun one discussing a new project I've been working on for the last couple of weeks, spending a lot of time exploring the outdoors. Also motivation and how I think online reviews can help us depending on how we take them into consideration - this last one coming from being told I'm full of crap, made me realize that particular overview can end up being more informative because of the "crap." If you'd like to support the channel, you can do it through Ko-fi. Really huge thanks! https://ko-fi.com/kayakhipster Luke - Kayak Hipster www.youtube.com/kayakhipster www.instagram.com/kayakhi ..read more

Lately this topic has come up a number of times, so I thought it might be a good idea to do a quick discussion on the pros and cons of investing in a high-end kayak, especially if you're a newer paddler. Cheers! If you'd like to support the channel, you can do it through Ko-fi. Really huge thanks! https://ko-fi.com/kayakhipster Luke - Kayak Hipster www.youtube.com/kayakhipster www.instagram.com/kayakhipster www.kayakhipster.com Support the show ..read more

These three topics come up in questions often, especially why I choose to place my spare paddle on the back deck. This discussion might be a helpful way to combine all three topics. Cheers! Luke - Kayak Hipster www.youtube.com/kayakhipster www.instagram.com/kayakhipster www.kayakhipster.com Support the show ..read more

How often do we go all out on our first day back on a wave, or playing in current, or in a rolling session? Our mind is ready to go, but our body sometimes might not be. For the first time I did the smart thing and built up over three surf sessions instead of going all out on the first day, and my shoulders have been thanking me big time. Cheers! Luke - Kayak Hipster www.youtube.com/kayakhipster www.instagram.com/kayakhipster www.kayakhipster.com Support the show ..read more

This is a great topic, I want to thank Doug for the question. High-end paddles, we've all been there. Should we upgrade? Which? What type? Here's a few things to consider if you're currently considering getting a new paddle. Cheers! Luke - Kayak Hipster www.youtube.com/kayakhipster www.instagram.com/kayakhipster www.kayakhipster.com Support the show ..read more