Monthly Archives: December 2011
How to Choose a Kayak Paddle
It’s easy to become confused about which paddle to buy with so many different brands and styles on the market. Much like choosing a kayak, the best way to choose the right paddle is to try it out on the water at a shop with on-site demos. Ask a staff member to watch you as … Continue reading
Revenge of the Caribou
Christmas is just around the corner and seeing all of the raindeer decorations around sparks flashbacks to a surprise encounter that I had with a crazed caribou in Denali National Park this past summer. Alaska is a wild and majestic place. Everything is big: the mountains, the sky, and the wildlife. The bus ride along … Continue reading
Kayak Safety Gear List
Bringing along the proper safety gear is important for all types of kayak trips from an afternoon on the lake to an open ocean crossing. The following is a list of safety gear that you should never leave shore without: 1) PFD: A personal floatation device is the most important piece of kayaking safety gear, … Continue reading
How To Dress for Winter Paddling
It’s time for a more season-appropriate virtual instruction post: How to dress appropriately for winter paddling. Winter paddling can be a fun, surreal and unique experience. Things are quite out on the water; no boat traffic, crisp air, and snow on the beaches that were home to bikini-clad sunbathers just months ago. With this unique … Continue reading
How to Increase the Visibility of your Kayak
I’m often asked by customers at the kayak shop about what color boat they should consider when purchasing a kayak in order to make sure that they are visible on the water. Truth be told, the color of your boat is only one aspect and probably not the most important one concerning your visibility. Here … Continue reading
Rudder vs. Skeg Debate
Which is better: a rudder or a skeg?? This debate has been raging ever since these devices were implemented in sea kayaks. For years I have fallen on the side of the skeg but recently I have opened my mind to rudders too. The truth is that both tracking devices have their place when used … Continue reading
Adventures in my Hennessy Hammock
Over the past five years I have amassed quite a few nights camping in my Hennessy Hammock. I’ve become so fond of it that I rarely use my tent in the summer months except in situations where it’s unavoidable. For me, it has been a match made in gear heaven. In this post I’ll highlight … Continue reading
Hennessy Hammock Review
Ok, you caught me…a hammock is not a piece of gear that is primarily associated with kayaking. However, the Hennessy Hammock should be considered “required gear” by many three-season kayak campers! It’s my opinion that a hammock makes for the ideal kayaking shelter (when you are in regions with tress on the shoreline, of course) … Continue reading
Werner Ikelos Paddle Review
The Ikelos paddle by Werner is an ultra-light and stable high-angle paddle perfect for all of you more “aggressive” paddling types. If I were to compare the Ikelos to a garden tool then I would choose the shovel. This paddle is clearly designed to get you places and is not for the faint of heart … Continue reading
Welcome to Kayak Dave’s
We’re excited to announce the launch of Kayak Dave’s and its new website! Kayak Dave’s strives to offer expert insight and instruction to the public on all aspects of sea kayaking. Browse our pages to find advise on gear, trip reports, and other outdoor stories from Kayak Dave and his associates. Also, check out our … Continue reading