KAYAKING & RAFTING

According to the United States Coast Guard’s 2018 Boating Statistics report, canoe, kayak and standup paddleboard fatalities were down 12.8 percent. The number of deaths for personal paddlecraft dropped from 149 in 2017 to 133 last year. Jim Emmons, public outreach director at the Watersports Safety Foundation (WSF), credits a tide change in awareness. “WSF’s

Eager to launch on the water as quickly as possible, we kayakers are regular offenders when it comes to skipping warm-ups and warm-downs. Too often, it takes an injury to occur before many of us take body conditioning seriously. In this training video, Dr. Sam (PT) of REI walks us through 8 tailored-for-kayaking exercises to

Eager to launch on the water as quickly as possible, we kayakers are regular offenders when it comes to skipping warm-ups and warm-downs. Too often, it takes an injury to occur before many of us take body conditioning seriously. In this training video, Dr. Sam (PT) of REI walks us through 8 tailored-for-kayaking exercises to

[embedded content] Published on February 16th, 2022 | by Kayak Session Follow Scottish paddler Petram Gurung through the fiery autumn foliage of the Scottish Highlands in this short film by NRS. Tags: autumn, Kober Paddles, NRS, Petram Gurung, pyranha kayaks, scotland

Ours is not a gentle sport. No matter how practiced and prepared you may be, a risk of injury exists around every rocky bend in the river. A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing—but that’s just what we’re going to give you. Here are some of the most common paddling injuries and how to

Even experts can feel like fish out of water with an unfamiliar target. We join Justin Johnson, host of YouTube’s popular Kayak Catfish channel, on the second day of his Florida vacation. The avid catfisherman goes shark fishing for the very first time, guided by Brian Nelli of the Pushin’ Water Kayak Charter. Nelli puts

I’m embarrassed to admit, but for 15 years working as a river guide, I had no clue about fish and their whole universe going on underwater. During my misspent youth, it never occurred to me to wonder what was beneath the rafters’ giggles and under the rivers’ waves. I remember vividly when it struck me

In the words of Ronnie Lane of the Ooh La La’s, “I wish that I knew what I know now when I was younger”—a statement that rings true when most of us think back to our years as newbie-paddlers. Of course, there isn’t a textbook substitute for first-hand experiences; our water literacy mostly develops through

The next time someone asks why you’re disappearing with your paddling buds into the wilderness for days at a time, tell them this: studies prove paddling is a factor to happiness. But how does hopping in a canoe together help to build healthy relationships? How to be happier and live the good life Since 1939, Harvard

Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most popular fishing destinations in America, and redfish are among its biggest draws. The confluence of swamp rivers and marsh rivers combines world-class freshwater fishing with world-class saltwater fishing. Kayak Angler contributor and pro photographer Aaron Black-Schmidt takes us on a virtual tour of the Low Country with

The beauty of silent paddling is just that—the silence. You can paddle along a stretch of shoreline at dusk with the only sound of your passing being the small rippling wake slapping the rocks. Every sound of the forest is crystal clear: a creek burbling, the distant hooting of an owl, a frog croaking. Traveling

Taking a kayak out on the open ocean can be a rollercoaster ride compared to calmer lakes and inshore waters. But it’s easier to contend with waves and swell when you have a lower center of gravity. Bobby from Draggin Tailz Fishing shows us how he repurposed an old sit-inside kayak seat for a low-profile

Tyler Clark is a tournament pro from northern Alabama. After fishing the College Kayak Series and winning local and national tournaments, Clark has dialed in his topwater action. Alabama is a diverse fishery with lakes, ponds and rivers holding largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. Each species and every scenario calls for a different topwater presentation.

Looking to shield your kayak or canoe from the elements, but don’t fancy the extra clutter on your garage floor? Nick’s Life Outside is the man with the answers. [ Also read: Build Your Own Canoe Tree ] In his DIY boat storage tutorial, he’ll show you how you can put together a nifty little

Most recreational kayaks come in 8-, 10- or 12-foot lengths. Aside from youth kayaks, 8 foot kayaks are some of the shortest boats you’ll find. With an 8 ft kayak, you’ll get a kayak that turns much more quickly than a longer boat. These petite packages store easily and suit smaller paddlers like kids or

The Intex Challenger K1 is a user-friendly inflatable kayak that’s fun to paddle and easy to store in small spaces. It’s also among the cheapest kayaks on the market, making it a great choice for those wishing to try kayaking without making a huge investment in a boat or a place to store it. The