Last summer, I found myself standing knee-deep in the Little Miami River, watching my buddy's kayak float away after a botched launch. As we scrambled through the shallows trying to catch it, an older paddler glided past and chuckled, "First time on Ohio waters?" That moment taught me two things: always secure your kayak, and […]

The first time I paddled the Hocking River, I nearly missed the Natural Rockbridge entirely. There I was, focused on navigating a tricky bend near mile marker 5, when my buddy shouted from behind, "Dude, look UP!" Towering 50 feet above us was Ohio's largest natural bridge, and I'd been so fixated on my paddle […]

Last Saturday, I watched my 8-year-old nephew go from terrified of tipping to voluntarily jumping out of his kayak - all because we turned practice into a game. After 20 years of teaching paddling and running youth camps from Lake Travis to the Colorado River, I've learned that the right games transform nervous beginners into […]

Last Fourth of July weekend on Lake Buchanan, my trolling motor died 3 miles from the ramp. In 95-degree heat. With no wind. That soul-crushing paddle back taught me two things: always carry a backup paddle (duh), and there had to be a better way to keep my batteries charged on multi-day trips. Fast forward […]

I'll never forget the day my knees decided they'd had enough of my weekend warrior antics. Standing at the boat launch on Lake Travis, staring at my kayak, I realized getting into that low seat was going to be a whole different ballgame with two cranky joints that refused to bend past 90 degrees. That […]

I'll never forget my first real kayaking trip to Lake Travis. I showed up with nothing but a borrowed paddle and confidence – only to realize I was missing literally everything else I needed. After getting sunburned, soaked, and genuinely uncomfortable, I learned the hard way that proper gear makes the difference between a miserable […]

Last weekend on Lake Travis, I watched a buddy struggle with his ancient wetsuit that had started letting water seep through the seams. As he shivered on shore, wringing out what should have been a "waterproof" suit, it got me thinking – how many paddlers really understand what makes neoprene waterproof, and when it isn't? […]

The first time I dropped my kayak into the emerald waters of Emerald Cove, I couldn't believe this desert state held such paddling treasures. After five years of exploring Arizona's waters from the Colorado River to hidden mountain lakes, I've discovered that this "dry" state offers some of the most spectacular kayaking in the Southwest. […]

The morning sun cast long shadows across Lake Powell's red cliffs as I launched my kayak from Antelope Point Marina. Three hours later, after weaving through Antelope Canyon's narrow walls and discovering hidden alcoves that most boaters never see, I understood why this place has become my annual pilgrimage destination. Lake Powell isn't just another […]

That morning on Caddo Lake will forever be etched in my memory. My golden retriever, Bailey, stood on the dock watching me load the kayak, tail wagging with pure excitement. She'd seen this routine dozens of times but had never been invited along. When I finally called her aboard, the look of pure joy on […]