Last spring, I watched a guy on Lake Roosevelt spend more time wrestling his inflatable pontoon back into position than actually fishing. The wind kept shoving him off his spot, and every time he tried to cast, those high-profile tubes acted like sails. Meanwhile, I was covering twice the water in my fishing kayak, actually […]

The morning mist was still clinging to the Rio Grande when I pushed off from the Orilla Verde launch last May. My buddy Jake had been pestering me for months about paddling New Mexico, swearing the Land of Enchantment had some of the best-kept kayaking secrets west of the Mississippi. Turns out, he was dead […]

The morning air was crisp as I pulled into the East Fork Lake boat ramp last April, kayak strapped to the roof, coffee in hand. Within minutes, an ODNR officer was checking registrations. The paddler next to me - a friendly guy with a brand new inflatable - got hit with a $150 fine because […]

With over 273 lakes scattered across the Lakes Region alone, plus countless rivers and 18 miles of Atlantic coastline, New Hampshire quietly holds some of the finest freshwater and saltwater paddling in the eastern United States. Whether you are searching for a tranquil morning paddle on glass-smooth water or an adrenaline-charged descent through Class III […]

Last month, my mailbox collapsed. Not from age or weather – from the sheer weight of kayaking magazines I had subscribed to during my "research phase" for a new fishing kayak. My mail carrier was not amused, but after 20 years of paddling and reading everything I could get my hands on about the sport, […]

I'll never forget the night my 12-foot kayak nearly became a submarine. It was 2 AM on the James River, and I'd just hooked into what felt like a Volkswagen with whiskers. My drag screamed as 40 pounds of blue catfish decided to test whether my anchor trolley was properly installed (spoiler: it wasn't). Twenty […]

Yes, kayaking at night is legal in all 50 U.S. states, but kayaks must display proper lighting and meet Coast Guard safety requirements between sunset and sunrise. Federal law requires an all-around white light visible from 360 degrees, though state and local regulations can add additional requirements or restrict access to certain waterways after dark. […]

The stern rudder technique transforms your paddle into a precise steering tool at the rear of your kayak. Unlike forward strokes that propel you forward or sweep strokes that turn you, the stern rudder provides directional control while maintaining your momentum through the water. Learning this essential skill will elevate your paddling from basic maneuvering […]

After eight years and hundreds of paddling trips across lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, I've learned that what you pack can make or break your day on the water. The difference between a memorable adventure and a miserable experience often comes down to having the right gear at the right time. Whether you're preparing for […]

After fifteen years of paddling, I thought my kayaking days were over when arthritis started making my knees feel like rusty hinges. My doctor told me to stay active, but every entry method I tried felt like a test of endurance I was failing. That was until I discovered there is an entire community of […]