5-minute read Aqua Bound is one of the founding members of the Paddlesports Trade Coalition, an organization initiated in 2023 and dedicated to becoming the “voice and soul of paddlesports” for the US and Canada. Former Aqua Bound president Ed Vater and current president Jason Eccles have been heavily involved in the PTC’s beginning stages. They and others around the industry have worked hard to provide the foundation for a strong organization that represents all facets of the industry: manufacturers, retailers, sales reps, guides and outfitters. Jason said, “Aqua Bound and Bending Branches ..read more

3-minute read There are so many reasons we choose to kayak, canoe, paddleboard or packraft. Here are some of the main reasons we love to paddle. Which are YOUR reasons to love it?   There are as many reasons to love paddling as there are paddlers! (Photo courtesy of Michael O’Dwyer) Paddling is Fun! One of the best reasons to paddle is because it’s just plain fun. And it can be fun for people of all ages and ability levels. Young kids, teens, adults, seniors—anyone in decent health can pick up a paddle and get on board. And there are growing numbers of programs and gear adaptions that al ..read more

4-minute read + 4-minute video Traveling to epic kayak and canoe destinations is amazing. But paddling locally can be equally wonderful and is a whole lot more accessible. Dan Arbuckle and his dog on a California lake near his home (photo courtesy of Headwaters Kayak) Our friend Dan Arbuckle (of Headwaters Kayak) considers Whiskeytown Lake his backyard kayaking spot-of-choice. This mid-size lake in central California never fails to rejuvenate him. He says, “It’s about 20 minutes from home, but it feels like a million miles away from the day-to-day work grind.” This short video will help yo ..read more

5-minute read + 24-minute video Aqua Bound Ambassador Ken Whiting covers the essentials of how to choose the best life jacket for you, no matter what type of paddling you do: Just like the seat belt in your vehicle, a life jacket isn’t something you really need—until you need it. It might even save your life one day. Paddling is almost always a safe activity. But “with paddle sports, when things go wrong, things can go very wrong very quickly,” says Ken. “Accidents can happen in the most benign situations.” Also known as PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), life jackets are available in an a ..read more

4-minute read Safety should always be a top priority when you kayak, canoe, packraft or paddle board. Here are some essential safety guidelines, including tips from a couple of our Ambassadors.   (Photo courtesy of Rob McNamee) Most Important Safety Considerations When Paddling Drowning is the biggest safety risk for paddlers. It’s quite rare, thankfully, and your best defense is to always wear your PFD (Personal Flotation Device, or life jacket) securely when you’re on the water. Another risk is exposure. It could be exposure to the threatening weather—wind, rain, sleet or lightning. O ..read more

3-minute read The convergence of America’s two biggest rivers, the Mississippi and the Missouri, is just north of St. Louis, Missouri. In this video, Aqua Bound Ambassador Ken Whiting takes a solo canoe trip through the city to enjoy the views from the water. Watch Ken’s video below to learn more about this bustling city and what it’s like to paddle there   St. Louis: Convergence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers Together, the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers cover 3,710 miles—the fourth longest river system in the world (after the Nile, the Amazon and the Yangtze). There’s plenty ..read more

11-minute read When Canadian wildfire fighter, Ben Kwiatkowski, contacted us about a partnership with his adventure racing team we were excited to jump on board with them. We knew our paddles are tough enough to help them compete with the world’s best.   Taking on some rapids during Expedition Canada We were able to catch up with Ben for a Zoom interview to hear about his team’s recent races and learn more about the ultra-hardcore adventure racing world: What is Endurance Adventure Racing? As Ben explained, the sport of endurance adventure racing was birthed out of the Eco Challenge TV s ..read more

4-minute read One of the most important gear items for kayakers, canoeists, paddle boarders and packrafters—that doesn’t often get a mention—is a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Sunglasses are an often-forgotten gear item for kayakers (photo courtesy of Dan Donovan) By “good” we don’t mean the most expensive or stylish brand, but a pair that offers the right protection for your eyes and gives you the vision you want when you’re on the water. Why Sunglasses are Important for Paddlers Sunglasses are important for anyone who spends time outside, but especially for those—like kayakers, canoei ..read more

5-minute read Adaptive kayaking is one of the best ways people with disabilities can experience freedom and enjoyment in the outdoors. A group of kayakers enjoying their time on the water (photo courtesy of Waypoint Adventure) Why Is It So Important We Make Kayaking Accessible to People with Disabilities? We asked this question of several people who are actively involved in helping folks with disabilities get on the water in kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Dan Minnich, co-founder and Executive Director of Waypoint Adventure in Massachusetts, answered it this way: “For all of the same reason ..read more

5-minute read/watch Unless you keep your kayak or paddle board at a cabin or you live on a lake or river, you’ll need to tie it down to your vehicle to transport it. This video from our friends at Aquabatics Alberta (AQ Outdoors) gives you clear steps on how to tie down your kayak to your vehicle: The first step is to get your kayak or paddle board (either rigid or inflatable) on top of your vehicle and centered where you want it. It’s always a good idea to provide some padding between your boat and your vehicle. You can use old towels, pool noodles or foam blocks made for this purpose. Wh ..read more