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Partner: Paddling

Find a Great Place to Kayak

Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just getting started, finding great places to paddle can be challenging - but it can be a fun challenge! It's an exciting opportunity to explore new areas, find hidden gems, and even meet new friends.

Alpacka Expedition vs NRS Neutron: Which Packraft is Right for You?

As someone who has spent decades testing, paddling, and reviewing just about every kind of boat on the market, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing some incredible innovations in paddlesports gear. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the evolution of packrafts—ultra-lightweight, inflatable boats that you can carry in a backpack for epic adventures in remote places.

Kayak vs Canoe vs SUP vs Packraft

When it comes to exploring waterways, the type of paddlecraft you choose can significantly impact your experience. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just starting, selecting the right boat ensures you maximize your time on the water, enjoy the most fun, tap into your full potential, and, most importantly, stay safe.

Fatal Kayaking Mistakes

We will to dive into another crucial topic that can truly make a difference in your paddling adventures—safety and how to avoid fatal kayaking mistakes. Today, we're going to discuss some of the biggest mistakes in kayaking that unfortunately can turn a fantastic day on the water into a nightmare.

Sea Eagle EZLite10 Inflatable Kayak: A Comprehensive Review

I'm testing the Sea Eagle EasyLight 10 Inflatable Kayak. Before we hit the water, let's pump it up and dive into the details.

Camping Gear for River Trips

I want to share some gear that, while not absolutely essential, can make a big difference on your next river trip. I recently completed a seven-day adventure down the Dumoine River in Quebec with a group of friends.

Spray Skirts for Kayaking

Ken has a look at all the different types of spray skirts available for kayakers and discusses which one you should be using and when.

Kayak Camping in the Okefenokee Swamp

Ken Whiting takes us kayak camping in the Okefenokee Swamp via kayak showing off the incredible facilities the park provides campers!

Inflatable Fishing Kayaks – NRS Pike Pro vs NRS Kuda 126

Jameson Redding walks you through a comparison of two popular NRS inflatable fishing kayaks – the Pike Pro vs Kuda 126.

Best Paddling Tops for Kayaking and Canoeing

Ken Whiting runs you through the abundance of the best paddling tops to choose from, based on a variety of conditions.

Cheapest Fishing Kayak – Intex Excursion Pro Inflatable Kayak Review

The Intex Excursion Pro Inflatable Fishing Kayak is available on Amazon for less than $200. It is the cheapest fishing kayak in the market!

NRS Pike – Inflatable Kayak Review

A good quality inflatable kayak can be an excellent vessel to fish from. Which is exactly what the NRS Pike inflatable fishing kayak is.

Top 5 Family Things To Do

Emily Jackson shares her family’s top 5 family things to do. If you are looking for some fun summertime adventures, check out this list.

How to Choose a Life Jacket for Kayaking and Canoeing

How do you choose the right life jacket for you? Ken sets out to show you exactly how to choose a life jacket for your next adventure.

Wetsuit vs Drysuit: What's the difference between wetsuit and drysuit?

When paddling in cold conditions, some kind of technical getup will be necessary to keep you safe and comfortable. But choosing between a wetsuit...

Kayak Paddle Sizing & Kayak Paddle Length

One of the questions I'm most commonly asked is about how to choose the right size and style of paddle(s). It's important to sort...

Women's Rash Guard, Dry Top and Water Gear

Over the last year I have been fortunate enough to work with the amazing Brand NRS- While I am officially on their Team now, there have been several years and products that I would steal from my loving husband for a long period of time.

How to Kayak without Back Pain or Shoulder Pain

Whether you are dealing with an injury, or simply the realities of Father Time (often a mix of both), many current and would-be paddlers have to navigate these physical barriers. Things like back pain, shoulder pain, and of course, butt pain are common deterrents - but they don't have to be!

NRS Axiom Dry Suit Review: How do I choose a dry suit?

One of my primary missions with this platform is to encourage more and more people to get out on the water. And once you're a paddler at heart, I want your experiences to be as enjoyable, comfortable, and safe as possible.

Jackson Kayak Rockstar V Review

I don’t usually “spoil” my review right out of the gates, but in this case, it just made sense. As you can see from the title, I had a blast testing out the new Jackson Kayak Rockstar V. It’s not everyday I get to play around with a bomber freestyle kayak, so I’m pretty excited to tell you all about it.

SUP Tips for Beginners – Top 5 Lessons

Stand up paddleboarding is a fun and challenging activity that is suitable for just about anyone to take up. This sport is ever-growing in popularity, which means there are constant waves of beginners working to find their footing.

Common Kayaking Mistakes – Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid

Gather around all beginner and novice paddlers! Today I'm going to help you dodge or correct what I consider to be the top 6 easily avoidable kayaking mistakes that will leave you sopping wet, or looking like a total noob! - often both.

Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq Review

Let’s talk about the Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq Greenland paddle. Having paddled with a typical kayak paddle for over 30 years, moving to a Greenland paddle has been a surprisingly difficult adjustment for me.

How to SUP – Beginner's Guide to Paddle Boarding

Sup everyone? Today is all about getting new paddle boarders familiarized with the basics of the craft. This article is about how to launch...

Zoleo Satellite Communicator Review

For me, as a person that heads into the backcountry regularly, spending $500 per year to have a communication device that will work anywhere and at any time seems like a very reasonable deal.

How Kayak Design Affects Performance

There are a number of factors that go into selecting the right kayak. For starters, there are crossroads when it comes to getting a hardshell vs a portable one, a sit-on-top vs a sit-inside, or a paddle vs a pedal kayak.

Lendal Storm Carbon Paddle Review

The storm is light as a feather but doesn’t suffer from a fragile feel.  The blades jump from one stroke to the next, providing wonderful power and a lively feel. It’s the type of paddle that provides comfort and confidence.

Isle Switch SUP Kayak Review: Is it the Best Kayak/Paddleboard Ever?

Are you a casual paddler who can't quite decide between a portable kayak and an inflatable stand-up paddleboard? Well, then the Isle Switch might have hit your radar. This shockingly light, hybrid model attempts to marry the key attributes of both crafts so that you can mix up your workout and add a little spice to those laid-back paddle sessions.

AquaGlide Chelan 120 Inflatable Kayak Review

Not only have I been looking forward to trying out the AquaGlide Chelan 120 inflatable kayak, but a lot of you have been asking for it in the comments sections of my other reviews. It's not everyday that you find a portable kayak that also has all-day performance - hence the shared intrigued amongst us.

6 Great Kayak Gear Ideas for Paddlers

One of the cool things about paddling is that you don't need a ton of gear to get going (unless you're in cool conditions). But over time, you may find that certain add-ons enhance your experience. Through trial and error, and with the help of some friendly suggestions, I've come to discover a number of sweet pieces for the gear shed.

Gearlab Outdoors IPIK Paddle Review: A Greenland Paddle

For this review, I stepped out of my paddling comfort zone. Don't get me wrong, the IPIK is crazy comfortable, but I'm still getting used to operating Greenland blades. Because these are a lesser-known style of paddle, I thought I would talk about Greenlands in general, as well as go into more detail on the IPIK itself.

Origami Paddler Review: I Can't Recommend This Kayak!

Portable kayaks have become some of the most sought-after models on the market. These slick, innovative packages are lightweight, easy to store/transport, and generally a breeze to assemble on the shore. The explosion of demand for these kayaks has produced a wide array of options to choose from; some I have raved about in previous reviews, and others don't quite hit the mark when it comes to the most important metric of all: paddling.

Swell Scupper 14 Kayak Review

Hello paddlers! One of the cool things about having a YouTube channel is the continuous chatter in the comments section. I'm constantly getting loads of great feedback and ideas for what to try next. One of the points I saw recently was in regards to the "unbiased" claim that I like to kick off each review with.

Oru Kayak Inlet vs Tucktec: Battle of the Folding Kayaks

In today's breakdown I'm going to be comparing two of the most popular portable (specifically, foldable) kayaks that come in under $1,000. The portable kayak market has transformed enormously over the past decade. It used to be the case that the only two options were cheap inflatables or really expensive skin-on-frame kayaks.

How to Choose a Kayak: 3 Top Ranked Kayaks

Today I'm going to pit 3 of my favorite and, coincidentally, best-selling recreational kayaks on the market in a head to head (to head) comparison. If you've been paying attention to PaddleTV then you might have seen that I gave the Wilderness Systems Pungo and the Sea Eagle Razorlite 393rl Kayak of the Year awards for 2021.

Pelican Catch Mode 110 Review – Best Fishing Kayak

Fishing kayaks have been some of the best-selling models on the market for a number of years now. With that popularity has come significant advancements in the tech/styles, but also the prices. Hardcore anglers might be accustomed to spending 10s of thousands of dollars on motorboats and other gear, so a high-end kayak in the $2,000 to $5,000+ range might not be a big deal.

Body Glove Performer SUP Review – Best Stand Up Paddleboard?

Right out of the gates (or rather, tailgate of my truck) I was excited about the Body Glove Performer 11 inflatable stand up paddleboard. It was light and it came with an electric pump, both of which saved my arms for the actual gear test.

Perception Showdown 11.5 Kayak Review – Pedal Fishing Kayak

Pedal kayaks have exploded in popularity over the past 5 years. They are particularly popular for fishing purposes, as they let you move the boat around while keeping your hands free. However, one of the downsides of pedal kayaks is that they can range in price anywhere from $1,600 to over $5,500! Perception released the Showdown with the goal of offering a high-quality pedal fishing kayak at an affordable price. Now, I'm traditionally more of a strict paddler, but I stretched out my hammies and slipped on my best peddling shoes in order to see if the Perception Showdown is worth the money. Let's comb through the basics and then I'll give you my thoughts across key categories. 

Kayak Paddle Strokes

One of the joys of flat-water paddling is that you don't need proper technique in order to have a good time. I would argue, first and foremost, that the most important thing is to simply unplug from the rat-race, get out on the water, and have a genuine outdoor experience. That being said, by developing an effective approach to paddling, you will open several doors that will only serve to enhance your adventures.

How to Avoid Flipping Your Kayak

One of the biggest concerns that newer paddlers have is in regards to flipping their kayak. This makes sense since sometimes it can be a cold and intimidating experience. Unfortunately, these "what if?" scenarios prevent many potential paddlers from ever taking up the sport. This breaks my heart a little bit because with a few basic strategies, you can dramatically reduce your chances of going for an unexpected swim. Implementing any-and-all of these should give you a huge confidence boost, which will hopefully increase your excitement to get out on the water.

How To Pack for a Kayak Camping Trip

I just finished up a two-day trip on the New River in North Carolina. This was my attempt to to escape the capricious Canadian spring weather (we had snow recently in my neck of the woods…) and log my first multi-day paddle of 2022. Well, my icebreaker adventure was still quite cold, but also fun and beautiful. If you want the full, vicarious experience, check out my recent video with the River Kings.

P&H Leo Sea Kayak Review

Welcome my paddling padawans! Today I'm going to be reviewing a high-performance touring kayak, the P&H Sea Kayaks Leo. I'll tell you all about my experiences on the New River in North Carolina, where I took this bad boy down some Class 1 rapids as part of an overnight paddling trip. That's right folks, sea kayaks are meant for a wealth of exciting conditions, which is why I prefer to call them touring kayaks - "sea kayaks" doesn't quite do them justice.

Sea Eagle 380x Kayak Review: Best All-Around Inflatable Kayak?

Welcome my paddling padawans! Today I'm going to be reviewing a high-performance touring kayak, the P&H Sea Kayaks Leo. I'll tell you all about my experiences on the New River in North Carolina, where I took this bad boy down some Class 1 rapids as part of an overnight paddling trip. That's right folks, sea kayaks are meant for a wealth of exciting conditions, which is why I prefer to call them touring kayaks - "sea kayaks" doesn't quite do them justice.

Inflatable Kayak Reviews of Advanced Elements Kayak and Intex Challenger Kayak

For prospective paddlers, deciding on a first kayak can be an exciting, yet daunting experience. It's common to confront a hefty price tag and wonder if this is the right hobby for you. Plus, many models are tailored for specific conditions or experience levels, which only serves to muddy the waters.

Epic Expedition: Packrafting the South Fork of the Flathead

Packrafting has officially opened up a whole new world of adventure for me. I've been a lifelong hiker. Typically, I stay firmly on terra firma. Being from the desert, water-based adventures were far from my scope of expertise. But then something funny happened to me. A while back, Jacob Moon and his wife Natasha invited me to Montana to packraft the South Fork of the Flathead right after I had just stumbled into ownership of a packraft.

FeelFree Aventura 125 Kayak Review

Recreational touring kayaks are steadily growing in popularity because paddlers are realizing it's nice to have something that isn't just super stable, but also really fun and fast, and that works well for multi-day trips. That's where recreational touring kayaks fit in and that's also where FeelFree Aventura's line fits in. The question I’m here to answer is what kind of ‘bang for the buck’ do you get from it?  Is it worth it?  And how does the Aventura 125 stack up against other R.T.K.s on the market?  To figure that out, I took the kayak on a 2-hour test paddle and here’s what I can tell you.

Light Action Camera: How to Film an Adventure

If a paddling trip is worth doing, it's also worth capturing on video. In fact, filming can really add an interesting layer of excitement to your adventure. Sure, there are times when I don't want the added responsibility of capturing epic shots and managing the equipment, but more often than not, I genuinely look forward to filming my outings.

Ken Whiting: Paddling

World Champion kayaker, author of 12 books and videos about paddling, and the host of the largest paddlesports YouTube channel, Ken is one of the most accomplished and respected paddlesport professionals in the world.

A 5-Day Wilderness Camping Adventure in Algonquin Park | Part 1

It doesn’t get much better than a 5-day wilderness river trip on the hunt for big muskie in Algonquin Provincial Park!

Kayak Touring the 1000 Islands – Bucket List Kayak Trip

There are a 1000 good reasons to go kayaking in the Thousand Islands – and these are just a few!

Kayaking Ontario's Bon Echo Provincial Park

I’ve driven past Bon Echo Provincial Park hundreds of times. And every time I have, I’ve reminded myself that I need to get out there and explore the area by kayak.

It took about 20 years of reminders, but I finally did it – I paddled in Bon Echo, and it was awesome.

Kayaking the Canadian Amazon | Big Creek, Norfolk County

There’s almost nothing I enjoy more than kayaking down new rivers or creeks. Even though it might have been paddled a thousand times before, it still feels like a first descent when you don’t know what’s around the corners.

Ottawa River Whitewater Kayaking: The Next Generation

We took our daughter down the whitewater section of the Ottawa River when she was six months old. Now, at age 9, a whole new world has opened up and she’s ready to paddle the river on her own.

Paddling Guide: How To Plan Your Trip on the Rideau River

The Rideau River in Eastern Ontario is one of the most historical rivers in Canada, and an amazing paddling destination for canoeists and kayakers. This paddling guide is designed to help you plan your paddling trip on the Rideau River.

Sea Kayaking the Rideau Canal with LeBoat Vacations

It’s funny how you can search the world for something special, for a vacation or adventure that will surprise and delight you, only to discover it in your own backyard–as was the case with my recent trip to the Rideau Canal.