Paddling in a straight line – such a simple concept, yet so challenging for many new kayakers. There were times when it felt like my ‘yak had a mind of its own and was – for lack of a better word – acting like a stubborn mule. Sometimes it’s due … Read more
I’m not going to make any crazy promises like: You’ll be paddling a kayak like a pro by the time you finish reading this post. Reading about how to paddle a kayak won’t magically turn you into a kayaking pro; practice and hard work will. Here’s what I can promise … Read more
If your kayaking excursions ever take you to the Southern United States, you might find yourself kayaking with alligators. Wait, kayaks and alligators in the same waters? But is it safe to kayak with alligators? Will alligators attack kayaks? It does sound a bit like nightmare fuel – but actual statistics about ‘gator … Read more
Pregnancy has its way of making you rethink every single aspect of your life. And as you’re preparing to welcome a baby to your little family, you might feel like giving up outdoor adventures for a while is a part of the deal. But are pregnancy and on-the-water sports two … Read more
Your sit-on-top kayak can be equipped with many accessories, some of which are considered luxuries, while others fall into the “kayaking essentials” category. What about kayak scupper plugs, though? When it comes to plugging the little holes in the bottom of your kayak, the line between “necessary” and “optional” tends … Read more
Unless you’re absolutely new to kayaking, the chances are that you’ve transported a kayak on your car’s roof at least once. But what if you throw in a second kayak into the equation? Most roof racks can accommodate two full-sized kayaks, so that shouldn’t be a problem – but it’s … Read more
Getting in – let alone out of – a kayak can be tricky even for the healthiest of joints. But when you have bad knees – stiff, painful, or injured in any way – you’ll likely have an awful time trying to get in and out of your ‘yak. So, … Read more
What should you do when approaching a low-head dam in a canoe or kayak? That question right there will put the skills and knowledge of even the most experienced canoe or kayak paddlers to the test. The shortest answer would be: Avoid them. However, the structures that earned the eerily … Read more
We both know that drinking and driving is a foolish, irresponsible, and flat-out illegal thing. Well, at least I hope that’s something we all agree on, anyway. What about kayaks, though? Is having a couple of beers during your kayaking trip as dangerous as driving under the influence? Is kayaking … Read more
You wouldn’t dare to drive your car around without a license plate, current sticker, and valid registration, now, would you? The same applies to all mechanically-powered boats, vessels navigating federal waters, and operating in the high seas. What does that mean for your paddle-powered kayak, though? Do you have to … Read more
The worst thing to do to a kayak is to drag it straight from the water to your garage and leave it there. Hull damage, warping, rodent infestations, fading, mold, theft – the list of reasons why this is such a terrible idea is a pretty long one. How the … Read more
It’s every paddler’s dream to have a kayak durable enough to show no signs of wear and tear – even after years of gliding through water. But let’s be realistic: You can’t expect to put a kayak through its paces without leaving a mark on its hull. It doesn’t matter … Read more
