There's nothing like kayaking. The feeling of freedom and control over the craft is unrivaled and the versatility of a kayak makes it a winner in nearly any waters. It can, however, be a costly hobby. Making your own carbon fiber paddles can save you hundreds of dollars as well as giving you the freedom to modify the paddle to fit your needs. read more
The best kayak paddle will depend on your experience level, the kind of water you'll be in and the length of your kayak trips. Factors such as the length of the paddle, the material the paddle is made from and the shape or angle of the blade should all be taken into consideration. read more
Canoeing is an activity that many of us can't get enough of. Your canoe can get you to your favorite fishing spot, a remote trail or through white water. Whether you canoe on open water or in rapids, you depend on your paddles to get you safely and effectively through the water. Making your own paddles will not only save you money, it will provide you with t… read more
Choosing the right swim paddle will build strength, improve your swimming techniques, increase your physical conditioning, and help you glide more efficiently in the water. Hand paddles are used for all types of swimmers who like to hone their personal swimming development with underwater drills. The best swim paddles will grab the water well and boost your… read more
There is no way around it: Canoeing by paddle is a workout. With the right paddle, the slow and steady pace of a canoe ride allows you to enjoy the scenery even while using your own power to propel across the water. However, the wrong paddle makes a trip across a lake or down a stream a test of strength and endurance that will have you regretting leaving lan… read more
Now that you have your canoe picked out, you might think choosing a canoe paddle will be easy. But picking one off the rack for an all day tour could be a bad choice. You may end up with a T-grip for a whitewater paddler and wish you h… read more
Your kayak paddle is arguably your most important piece of kayaking gear. Your paddle will control how comfortable you feel in your boat and how effectively you are able to use your boat. Its length will determine your balance and yo… read more
There are several different varieties of kayak paddles, each differing slightly depending on if it is used in the ocean, whitewater or river. All kayak paddles however, have the same three basic parts (shaft and two blades) and serve t… read more
Learning to use a kayak paddle is simple as long as you remember to utilize your whole body. It's important to be conscious of your body, how you are holding your paddle, and how you are moving, in order to prevent strains and other in… read more
It's no wonder that kayaking is one of the most popular water sports. It can be done on the ocean, a placid lake or fast-moving rapids and gives the kayaker the sense of independence and control. However, the equipment can be expensive… read more
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Three factors--your height, the width of the kayak and your paddling style--determine the best length of your paddle. Blade shape, shaft shape and composition materials vary according to the type of paddling you will do and your person… read more
The U.S. Coast Guard is charged with setting rules and policing the waters in and around the US mainland. Rules have been established which outline basic equipment and minimum standards that all boats must meet. Equipment is manufactur… read more
Kayak paddles are designed for touring or white water and come in measurements of 190cm to 240cm. Finding the correct size paddle is as essential as picking the right kayak for the type of kayaking you plan to do. The right size will b… read more
The style of kayak paddle you pick should be based on a number of factors. These include your height and strength, the size of your kayak and the type of paddling you'll be doing. Whitewater paddles will need to be shorter, sturdier an… read more
After picking out a kayak, the next step is to get a paddle, something too many novice paddlers don't pay enough attention to. Getting the right kayak paddle involves looking at the blades and getting the right length for the applicati… read more
Selecting the size of a kayak paddle is not an exact science. The type of kayaking you do, your paddling style, the size of your body and the size of your boat all make a difference, as does personal preference. If you can, try out sev… read more
Besides your kayak, your paddle is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will use in the activity of kayaking. A large consideration you will need to make is whether to kayak with your paddle feathered or unfeathered. Feath… read more
Your kayak paddle separates into two pieces at a joint. It's not uncommon for these pieces to stick together. Learning what causes this, and how to prevent it, will save you time during your next kayaking trip. read more
Properly sized whitewater canoe paddle allow you to maintain proper control of a canoe and paddle comfortably across long distances. As a general rule of thumb, whitewater paddles are short with square blades. The shape is designed to… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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