The short half-slice kayak market has witnessed a seismic shift with the emergence of two standout contenders: the Pyranha Firecracker and the Liquidlogic Hot Whip. 2023 sales numbers are in and the numbers don't lie! In this blog, we'll explore how the Firecracker takes the lead in performance, while the Hot Whip stands out as a top-value choice. Additionally, we'll throw the ol' Jackson Kayak Antix 2 into the mix for a comprehensive comparison of the top players in this dynamic niche! Pyranha Firecracker Setting the standard for performance the Pyranha Firecracker has quickly become th ..read more

When it comes to kayaking, the debate around which kayak brand is the easiest to roll is a common one. Many paddlers swear by Jackson Kayaks for their reputed ease of rolling. This should stir up some controversy, let's take a step back and challenge this notion. Is it really about the kayak brand, or is rolling ease more about the paddler's skill? In this hot take, we'll explore the idea that one whitewater kayak rolls the same as another – it all comes down to the development of the rolling skill.  Skill Over Brand: The ability to roll a kayak is a skill that trans ..read more

There's nothing quite like paddling a river, and paddling that river standing on a SUP (or sitting, or kneeling) gives you an awesome vantage point to see what you're paddling as well as nimble maneuverability to choose the lines you want to explore. If you're going to paddleboard on a river, you will want a few river-specific features to ensure you have the best time possible. It's all about the Stompbox, people! The SUPs mentioned here will get you out there and keep you safe, as well as perform in a way to help you excel at whitewater paddling faster. DownRiver Riots ..read more

Embarking on an overnight rafting trip is an exhilarating experience that demands careful preparation. As you gear up for the rapids and rivers that lie ahead, it's essential to pack wisely. We'll explore ten must-have piCKS for your next overnight raft trip (in no particular order) – from securing your gear with do it yourself NRS Straps to enjoying the comforts of camp with the Canyon 35 QT Cooler, this comprehensive guide ensures you're well-prepared for the journey. NRS Straps I am sure you've seen plenty of #straphacks! The versatile NRS Straps are the unsung heroes of any rafting a ..read more

Embarking on a whitewater kayaking adventure is an exhilarating experience that requires not only skill but also the right gear. Among the essential components of a kayaker's arsenal are outfitting accessories that provide comfort, safety, and control. In this blog post, we'll explore our best selling whitewater kayak outfitting accessories and how they can enhance your paddling experience! CKS Whitewater Float Bag Jackson Sweet Cheeks Pyranha Hookers Thigh Hooks Immersion Research Sack of DaSpare          CKS Whitewater Float Bag The CKS Whitewater Float Bag ..read more

Embarking on a water adventure requires not only skill and enthusiasm but also the right gear to ensure safety and enjoyment. One of the most critical pieces of equipment for any water enthusiast is a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). We'll dive into the details of the five top-notch PFD piCKS for 2024 below —each designed to cater to different needs, preferences and body shapes. Astral GreenJacket: The Whitewater Warrior Stohlquist Descent: Professional-Grade Performance Astral E-Ronny: Versatility at it's Best Stohlquist Rocker: Streamlined Comfort Astral Ceiba: Eco-Friendly Excellence ..read more

Every kayaker dreams of having an amazing kayak quiver. But can you have too many? Read along as I am forced to tidy my quiver with a move and struggle to figure out how many boats you actually need to spark joy.  Great painters have a quiver of brushes. Talented chefs have a number of knives. Professional cyclists have a number of bikes. It would make sense that serious kayakers will need a quiver of boats too. Or do we? You have probably seen the memes or heard the joke N+1. (The correct number of boats to own is N+1, where N = the number of boats you currently own.) It's a silly ..read more

We got a minute to chat with 13-time Green Race champion Adriene Levknecht to share about her back to back win at the Lord of the Fork and how she feels going into Green Race! The Greatest Show in Sports #greenraceistomorrow  Longboat season is coming to an end in an exciting way with Green Race this weekend. We were stoked to meet up in between practice laps with the Queen of the Green and all-around stoked Dagger Kayaks athlete Adriene Levknecht and collect her thoughts! Coming off the exciting weekend, back to back title of the "Female Lord of the Fork", can you te ..read more

A quick run down of the new Swiss Army Knife of Kayaks, the Jackson Kayak Flow from CKS customer Halie Orr! I was just taking off the river the day that Jackson released the medium Flow.  I had been anticipating this release day, curious as to what Jackson had been cooking up. I immediately pulled my phone out to catch a glimpse of the new boat. My interest was instantly piqued with the length being shorter and less volume than some of the current and modern river running creek boat designs.   "This boat is in a class of its own!" - Halie Orr Some background on my paddling abi ..read more

As water levels gradually drop, we find ourselves praying for rain and anticipating fall releases to alleviate the low water blues. My focus has shifted to community kayak clinics on the lake and horsing around in the slicey and play boats. After a quick chat with a friend, we reflected on the profound impact of play boating is for maintaining foundational playboating skills and finding delight in their pursuit, irrespective of the pursuit of monumental boofs or surging high water goodness. Even in 2023, the Jackson Kayak Rockstar V Whitewater Kayak maintain ..read more