OK, so you’ve got your kayak, your sleeping bag, a tent and some bug spray. And you’re looking to go camping along a river for a couple of days. Now what? Naturally, the kayaking gear needed for a camping trip is the same as what you’ll need for any other adventure: PFD, water shoes, sunscreen, first aid kit, paddle float, bilge pump, water bottle, carrying case for your mobile phone, a boat sponge, sunglasses and a hat. Paddling gloves will come in handy too. The key? Pack light and take only what you truly need. Remember that every ounce you pack is weight you’ll be moving as you paddle. Pla ..read more

Fur babies, in general, make some of the best companions on any adventure. If you own a dog, though, and you both love to kayak? Heaven on earth! Just you and your pooch, riding the waves and absorbing the joy of being in Nature makes everything ok. If you haven’t yet taken your dog along in the ‘yak yet, read on for key tips designed to make the experience fun and rewarding for everyone. 1. Evaluate your dog’s health and physical condition for the new sport you are introducing. Can she swim well? While we hope you don’t capsize out there, it’s always wise to plan for accidents. Will she wear ..read more

Finally! Blues skies and warmer water everywhere! This is the season we’ve all been waiting for. If you haven’t done so yet, now is the time to plan some trips and get that ‘yak on the water! Beyond the basics of having a decent kayak, a great paddle and a reliable personal flotation device (PFD), here are 5 tips to get you on your way toward months of safe, relaxing paddling fun in the sun: 1. Summer means sunshine – usually lots of it! So….load up on sunscreen and slather it on all exposed skin before you board you boat. Bringing kids along? It’s especially important to cover their arms, leg ..read more

Being out on the water for a relaxing paddle in your kayak is certainly a feeling like no other. The calm that comes over us out there, the feeling of being truly connected with Nature, the escape from the daily grind…. It’s all there! But let’s be honest. Like most sports, kayaking does carry some real risk. With some planning and knowledge, though, the savvy paddler can reduce them and still have a great time on the water. Here are the Top 12 Safety Tips to keep in mind before you launch for your next adventure: 1. Know your own paddling skill level and ability to handle the conditions you p ..read more

Do you remember how old you were when you realized that even a little planning goes a long way toward saving time, hassle, and expense in just about any situation? My father always told me that’s what they call being smart. Organizing a kayaking adventure is no different. Sure, getting into the habit of planning smart can take some practice at first. Yet, I’m constantly amazed at how much more smoothly things go when I grab just a few quick minutes the night before a paddling adventure to run through my Important Things to Remember check-list. This is especially true when I’m planning to paddl ..read more

OK. So you’ve finally decided to join the kayaking craze and see what all the excitement is about! Congratulations! You’ve taken your first step into an amazing, growing community of folks who know how to have fun while connecting with wild places outdoors, socializing safely, and getting great exercise. The number of people who own a recreational kayak since the pandemic began is now about twice what it was before – and climbing. There’s more to this sport than simply shoving off into the waves, though. Where to begin? Safety should always be your first consideration. These tips will help get ..read more

Psst! Want to quickly change your life for the better with one simple habit and max out of each adventure you have on the water? Here’s a creative tip: Keep a Kayaking Trip Journal. Electronic or paper, doesn’t matter. Nothing fancy. Here’s what you do: Designate a paper notebook, or create a Word file on your computer, and give it a name that you like. I’ve titled mine, “Kayaking Reflections.” After each paddling outing, as soon as you have five or 10 minutes, jot down an entry. Don’t think too hard about what you write. Just let it flow naturally and see what lands on the page. Then close ou ..read more

What’s a simple answer to bringing everyone in your family together to create memories, get some fantastic exercise and learn new skills you’ll all enjoy for decades to come? Yep. Recreational kayaking – the “trifecta” of family fun! Here’s how you and your crew can quickly become a part of it all. No drama. Priceless Memories, Stress-Free Moments in Nature As a parent, imagine watching your kids experience the thrill of being close to nature while relaxing in the fresh air and sunshine, paddling at their own pace and laughing together. (Ok, “laughing together” might be a stretch, but miracles ..read more

It’s a late afternoon in summer. The air is warm and still. You’re sitting in your kayak, quietly drifting along a slow, lazy river, breathing deeply, enjoying the moment. Your young daughter and son are happily paddling on either side of your boat. Life is filled with blessings and you’re grateful. Suddenly, without warning, a burst of feathers explodes out of the reeds just a few dozen yards away! What the….??!! Startled, you spin your head toward the action, just in time to see a strange looking bird with a very long neck pumping its huge, square wings as it peels off into the distance. Its ..read more

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