The first time I paddled through the Naples canals in Long Beach, I couldn't believe this slice of Italy existed just 20 miles from downtown LA. My rental kayak glided past million-dollar homes while moon jellies drifted beneath me like underwater ghosts. A gondolier serenaded his passengers under an arched bridge, and I thought - […]

I never expected Nebraska to blow me away as a kayaking destination until I found myself gliding through the crystal-clear waters of the Niobrara River last summer. With over 79,000 miles of rivers and 10 designated water trails covering approximately 518 miles, the Cornhusker State has transformed from a "drive-through state" into my favorite Midwest […]

Last March, I watched a family of four struggle to load their brand-new kayaks at Lake Ivanhoe, clearly overwhelmed by Orlando's endless paddling options. "Where should we even start?" the dad asked, holding a crumpled tourist map. That moment stuck with me because I'd been there myself - Orlando has so many incredible kayaking spots […]

I'll never forget the morning I launched my kayak into Lake Superior near Munising. The water was so clear I could see 30 feet down to the rocky bottom, and ahead of me, the Pictured Rocks cliffs rose like ancient castles from the water. That day changed everything - what started as a casual paddle […]

Last Saturday morning, I found myself standing at Kaw Point Park, watching the Kansas River merge with the mighty Missouri. The sun painted the downtown KC skyline gold, and I couldn't help but grin – this was exactly why I fell in love with urban paddling. After spending the last three years exploring every waterway […]

The first time I paddled through a Louisiana swamp, my heart nearly stopped when a six-foot alligator surfaced ten feet from my kayak. But instead of the attack I'd imagined, the prehistoric creature simply glided past, more interested in sunbathing than bothering with me. That moment in the Manchac Swamp changed everything I thought I […]

Last Saturday morning, I was paddling through the glassy waters of Lady Bird Lake when a great blue heron landed on a fallen cypress branch just 10 feet from my kayak. That's when it hit me - after living in Austin for 15 years and paddling these waters hundreds of times, I still discover something […]

Last July, I found myself 140 feet underground, paddling through America's largest underground lake in complete darkness except for my headlamp. The Lost Sea in Sweetwater had me questioning everything I thought I knew about kayaking in Tennessee. Turns out, the Volunteer State holds way more paddling surprises than just its famous rivers. After spending […]

Last month, I watched a game warden write a $250 ticket to a kayaker at Lake Anna who thought his electric trolling motor didn't need registration. That painful lesson stuck with me – and it's why I'm breaking down every Virginia kayak law you need to know before hitting the water in . After paddling […]

I've been paddling Oregon's incredible waterways for over a decade, and let me tell you - nothing ruins a perfect day on the water faster than a $115 fine for missing permits. Last summer on the Willamette River, I watched as Marine Patrol checked every single kayaker at the Champoeg launch. Three paddlers got tickets […]