Virtual Instruction
Why You Should Never Use WD-40 on a Kayak
Myth “BUSTED” The internet is a great resource when searching for information on canoeing, kayaking, and other various watersports. It is on the internet where you can seek the advice of kayaking experts from all over the globe in a matter of a couple clicks. While the internet can be the most effective resource when … Continue reading
Most Epic Sea Kayaking Adventures of All Time
I’ve recently found myself immersed in a pile of kayaking adventure stories that have been burning a hole in my bookshelf for quite some time. The titles include “Fearless: One Woman, One Kayak, One Continent” by Joe Glickman which chronicles Freya Hoffmeister’s 2009 circumnavigation of Australia and “Crossing the Ditch” by James Castrission which takes … Continue reading
The Early History of Plastic Kayaks
The introduction of plastics to kayak design and manufacturing was a catalyst that helped take our sport from a quiet niche to the buzzing main stream. The roots of plastic’s inception in the kayaking world can be traced back to the surge in the popularity of whitewater kayaking in the early 1970s. Designers (often paddlers … Continue reading
How to Dress Appropriately for Cold Water Paddling
Just because the swim-trunks and bikinis have been tucked away for the rest of the year doesn’t mean that the paddling season has to end! Autumn, especially in New England, can be one of the best seasons for paddling. The exodus of vacationers leaves the waters quiet and the changing foliage provides views straight from … Continue reading
Understanding the MA Boating Safety Laws that Apply to Kayakers
Over the years I’ve heard many different versions of how the Massachusetts boating safety laws apply to kayakers. The stories include when and where you’re required to wear a PFD, a proposal on how you’re supposed to instruct a kayaking class, and even some whacky rules aimed to make a kayak more visible to motor … Continue reading
Guidlines for Kayaking with Seals
My “senior week” before college graduation found me strapping my kayak onto the roof of my old station wagon and taking off to Maine. I decided to go it alone so that could get away from the suffocation of the city, sort a few things out, and do some solo paddling in a place where … Continue reading
Can You Sink a Kayak?
Kayaks are designed to float with their occupants and their gear above the water’s surface where they can enjoy the scenery and paddle merrily along their way. However, as the picture below alludes, kayaks are certainly not impervious to sinking. The goal of this article is to examine what it takes to sink a kayak … Continue reading
A Kayaker’s Take on Outside Magazine’s “Most Influential Gear Ever” List
Outside Magazine recently completed an excellent project on their website that highlights what they believe to be the “Most Influential Gear Ever.” The slide show takes you on a journey through history to better appreciate when, where, how, and why some of our most revered outdoor recreation gear came to be. I feel that the … Continue reading
How to Build a Yukon Portage Pack
Aside from constructing a tarp tent there’s another (and arguably more clever) way that a tarp and 30ft length of rope can turn out to be quite useful to the kayak camper; for constructing a Yukon-style portage pack! The Yukon pack, also known as a Hudson Bay Company Pack, makes use of basic camping materials … Continue reading
How to Launch a Kayak from a Dock (VIDEO)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqrtZJkA-qo&feature=youtu.be
Launching from a dock can sometimes be a daunting but necessary task when going for a paddle. Often times a shore launch is not possible, therefore, it is important to understand how to properly and safely launch from a dock. This video post demonstrates the proper way to launch from a dock.