The Ultimate Kayak And Canoe Magazines Roundup: 2025 Edition

By: Dave Samuel

Updated On: August 2, 2025

Last month, my mailbox collapsed.

Not from age or weather – from the sheer weight of kayaking magazines I'd subscribed to during my "research phase" for a new fishing kayak. My mail carrier wasn't amused, but after 20 years of paddling and reading everything I could get my hands on about the sport, I've learned which magazines are worth the subscription price and which ones end up as garage sale fodder.

Whether you're looking for gear reviews, destination inspiration, or just want to drool over photos of paddlers running Class V rapids while you sip coffee, I've tested them all. From digital-only publications to glossy print magazines that still smell like adventure when they arrive, this guide covers the best kayaking magazines available in 2025.

Quick Comparison: Top Kayaking Magazines

Magazine	Focus	Format	Issues/Year	Price	Best For
Paddling Magazine	All paddlesports	Print/Digital	6	$19.95	General paddlers
Kayak Angler	Kayak fishing	Print/Digital	6	$23.95	Fishing enthusiasts
Kayak Session	Whitewater	Print/Digital	6	$45	Extreme paddlers
Ocean Paddler	Sea kayaking	Digital only	4	Free	Touring kayakers
Boundary Waters Journal	Canoe camping	Print	4	$24.95	Wilderness trippers
The Paddler	UK paddlesports	Print/Digital	6	£30	UK/Euro paddlers

The Big Players: Mainstream Kayaking Magazines

1. Paddling Magazine - The Jack of All Trades

Quick Facts:

Focus: Kayaking, canoeing, SUP, rafting
Issues: 6 per year
Price: $19.95 print, free digital
Available: Print and digital

I've been reading Paddling Magazine since they absorbed Canoe & Kayak back in 2014, and it's become my go-to for general paddlesports content. What sets it apart is the balance – they don't go too deep into any one discipline, making it perfect for paddlers who dabble in everything.

Last summer's issue on choosing the right kayak size helped me pick the perfect boat for my wife. Their gear reviews are honest (they actually dinged a major brand's new PFD for poor fit), and the destination features make my bucket list grow dangerously long.

What's Great:

Covers all paddlesports equally
Excellent photography
Skills articles for all levels
Free digital access

Room for Improvement:

Can feel surface-level for specialists
More ads than content some issues

2. Kayak Angler - The Fishing Authority

Quick Facts:

Focus: Kayak fishing exclusively
Issues: 6 per year
Price: $23.95 print/digital combo
Available: Print and digital

As someone who spends 80% of my kayak time with a rod in hand, Kayak Angler is my bible. Editor Ric Burnley (whose dad was a fishing magazine editor) knows the sport inside and out. I still reference their 2023 article on rigging bilge pumps for fishing kayaks when helping friends set up their boats.

Their annual fishing kayak buyer's guide is the most comprehensive in the industry – they tested 47 models last year alone. The "Hotspots" section has led me to some incredible fisheries I never would have discovered otherwise.

What's Great:

Laser focus on kayak fishing
Detailed rigging tutorials
Honest gear reviews
Tournament coverage

Know This:

Zero content for non-anglers
Heavy on product placement

3. Kayak Session - For the Adrenaline Junkies

Quick Facts:

Focus: Whitewater kayaking
Issues: 6 per year
Price: $45 print (premium paper)
Available: Print and digital

Kayak Session is kayaking porn, plain and simple. The photography is so good I've caught myself just staring at spreads of paddlers dropping waterfalls in Chile. It's expensive, but the print quality rivals National Geographic.

The writing can be... creative (lots of French-to-English translation quirks), but when you're looking at a full-page shot of someone running a 60-foot waterfall, grammar becomes secondary. Their gear reviews focus heavily on whitewater-specific equipment.

What's Great:

World-class photography
International perspective
Covers expeditions others miss
Premium print quality

Consider First:

Pricey subscription
Limited appeal beyond whitewater
Some translation issues

Specialized Magazines Worth Your Time

4. Ocean Paddler - The Sea Kayaking Specialist

Quick Facts:

Focus: Sea kayaking and touring
Issues: 4 per year (currently digital only)
Price: Free online
Available: Digital only (post-pandemic)

Based in the UK, Ocean Paddler went digital-only during COVID but hasn't lost its charm. Their trip reports from places like the Scottish Hebrides and Norwegian fjords are detailed enough to actually plan trips from. I used their Anglesey circumnavigation guide last year – spot on.

What's Great:

Free access currently
Detailed trip planning info
Strong UK/European coverage
Navigation and safety focus

Limitations:

No print option currently
UK-centric content

5. The Paddler - UK's Premium Option

Quick Facts:

Focus: All UK paddlesports
Issues: 6 per year
Price: £30 annually
Available: Print and digital

The Paddler fills the UK market gap with style. Printed on quality paper with excellent binding, it's the magazine I actually keep on my coffee table. They balance whitewater, sea kayaking, and SUP content well, with a distinctly British voice that's refreshing.

Their gear reviews include plenty of European brands we don't see stateside, and their environmental coverage is ahead of most North American magazines.

What's Great:

Beautiful production quality
Environmental focus
Covers Euro gear/destinations
Strong coaching content

Note:

International shipping adds cost
Metric measurements throughout

6. Boundary Waters Journal - The Wilderness Canoe Bible

Quick Facts:

Focus: BWCAW and Quetico canoe camping
Issues: 4 per year
Price: $24.95
Available: Print only

If you paddle the Boundary Waters or Quetico, this magazine is non-negotiable. It's hyper-focused on wilderness canoe camping in Minnesota and Ontario, with the kind of detail you need for planning trips in these areas.

I've kept every issue since 2018 – they're that useful. Route descriptions include campsite reviews, portage conditions, fishing reports, and weather patterns. No ads, just pure content.

What's Great:

Incredibly detailed trip info
No advertisements
Seasonal planning guides
Local knowledge

Limited Appeal If:

You don't paddle BWCAW/Quetico
You prefer kayaks to canoes

Fishing-Focused Publications

7. USA Kayak Fishing Magazine

Quick Facts:

Focus: Tournament and recreational kayak fishing
Issues: 6 per year
Price: Free digital
Available: Digital only

This newer player offers free digital issues focused on the competitive kayak fishing scene. Heavy on tournament coverage and pro angler profiles, but also includes solid how-to content. I learned about proper kayak transport in truck beds from their safety series.

What's Great:

Completely free
Tournament coverage
Pro tips and tactics
Growing content library

Could Improve:

Website navigation
Inconsistent publishing schedule

8. FishTalk Magazine - Chesapeake Bay Focus

Quick Facts:

Focus: Mid-Atlantic fishing with kayak section
Issues: 12 per year
Price: $29.95
Available: Print and digital

While not kayak-exclusive, FishTalk's dedicated kayak fishing section is gold for Mid-Atlantic anglers. Their local knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay system is unmatched. The kayak content focuses on techniques specific to the region's species and conditions.

Best For:

Chesapeake Bay area paddlers
Striped bass enthusiasts
Local tournament anglers

9. Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine

Quick Facts:

Focus: Texas coastal fishing with kayak coverage
Issues: 12 per year
Price: $19.95
Available: Print and digital

Another regional gem with solid kayak content. Their kayak section covers the unique challenges of fishing Texas's coastal waters – from dealing with wind on Laguna Madre to navigating marsh systems. Essential reading if you fish the Texas coast.

Highlights:

Texas-specific techniques
Seasonal patterns
Safety in challenging conditions

Adventure and Lifestyle Magazines

10. Outside Magazine

Quick Facts:

Focus: All outdoor activities
Issues: 6 per year
Price: $24 print/digital
Available: Multiple formats

Outside isn't kayak-specific, but their paddling content is top-notch when it appears. Their long-form expedition pieces and gear round-ups are worth the subscription alone. Plus, you get content on hiking, climbing, and other activities for those rare non-paddling days.

Kayaking Content:

2-3 major paddling features annually
Annual gear guide includes kayaks
Destination features
Environmental coverage

11. Paddle World Magazine

Quick Facts:

Focus: Paddling culture and travel
Issues: Annual
Price: Varies
Available: Print and digital

From the makers of Kayak Session, Paddle World takes a lifestyle approach to paddle sports. Think beautiful photography, cultural stories, and destinations you'll dream about. Less technical, more inspirational.

Digital-First Publications

12. Paddling Life

Quick Facts:

Focus: Industry news and gear
Updates: Daily
Price: Free
Available: Web only

Not a traditional magazine, but Paddling Life fills the gap for breaking news, new product launches, and industry updates. I check it weekly for the latest gear announcements and event coverage. Their email newsletter is actually worth subscribing to.

13. Rapid Media Digital

Quick Facts:

Focus: Whitewater paddling
Issues: 4 per year
Price: Free digital access
Available: Digital

Rapid offers free digital access to their whitewater-focused content. Great photography and solid technical articles. Their safety content is particularly strong, with detailed incident analyses that make you a better paddler.

Regional Standouts

14. California Kayaker Magazine

While no longer in print, their archives remain valuable for West Coast paddlers. Covered everything from surf kayaking to multi-day coastal expeditions.

15. Atlantic Coastal Kayaker

Focused on sea kayaking from Maine to the Carolinas. Excellent cold-water paddling content and East Coast destination guides.

International Options Worth Considering

16. Canoe Kayak Magazine (France)

Quick Facts:

Language: French
Focus: European paddlesports
Issues: 6 per year

Still going strong while its US counterpart folded. Excellent European destination coverage and a different perspective on gear. Google Translate handles it well enough if your French is rusty.

17. Australian Paddler

Covers the unique aspects of paddling Down Under, from dealing with crocs to exploring the Great Barrier Reef by kayak.

How to Choose the Right Magazine for You?

Consider Your Primary Interest:

General paddling: Paddling Magazine
Fishing: Kayak Angler or regional fishing mags
Whitewater: Kayak Session or Rapid
Sea kayaking: Ocean Paddler or The Paddler
Canoe camping: Boundary Waters Journal
News/Industry: Paddling Life

Format Preferences:

Print quality matters: Kayak Session, The Paddler
Digital is fine: Ocean Paddler, Paddling Life
Free is key: Paddling Life, USA Kayak Fishing Magazine

Geographic Relevance:

UK/Europe: The Paddler, Ocean Paddler
US East Coast: FishTalk (Mid-Atlantic)
US West Coast: Check Outside for coverage
Texas: Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine
Great Lakes: Paddling Magazine

Getting the Most from Your Subscriptions

Money-Saving Tips:

Check for combo deals - Rapid Media offers multi-magazine discounts
Follow on social media first - Get a feel for content before subscribing
Start with digital - Usually cheaper, upgrade to print if you love it
Watch for Black Friday deals - Most magazines offer 40-50% off
Share subscriptions - Many allow multiple digital devices

Maximize Value:

Save trip planning issues - Build a reference library
Clip gear reviews - Create a buying guide file
Try featured techniques - Actually use the skills content
Submit your own content - Many pay for articles/photos

The Evolution of Kayaking Media

The magazine landscape has changed dramatically since I started paddling. Canoe & Kayak Magazine, once the biggest name in the sport, ceased publication in 2014. Many regional magazines have gone digital-only or folded entirely.

But new players keep emerging. Digital platforms like Paddling Life provide daily updates that monthly magazines can't match. Specialized publications serve niche audiences better than ever. And the photography? It's never been better.

FAQ

What happened to Canoe & Kayak Magazine?

Canoe & Kayak ceased publication in 2014 after 40+ years. Much of its content and subscriber base was absorbed by Paddling Magazine, which continues to serve the general paddlesports market.

Are digital subscriptions worth it compared to print?

Digital subscriptions typically cost 30-50% less and offer searchable archives. However, print magazines are better for trip planning (no battery required) and the photography displays better on paper. I maintain both for magazines I really value.

Which magazine is best for beginners?

Paddling Magazine offers the most well-rounded content for beginners, covering all paddle sports with appropriate skill-level articles. Their "Starting Out" section in each issue addresses common beginner concerns.

Do any magazines focus exclusively on kayak camping?

While no magazine focuses solely on kayak camping, Boundary Waters Journal covers canoe camping extensively, and Sea Kayaker (before it merged with Kayak Angler) had excellent expedition content. Adventure Kayak Magazine (now part of Paddling Magazine) previously filled this niche.

How can I access back issues?

Many magazines offer digital archives with subscriptions. Paddling Magazine provides access to former Canoe & Kayak issues. Used bookstores often have older paddling magazines, particularly in areas with strong paddling communities.

Are there magazines for specific kayak types?

Yes, fishing kayaks are well-covered by Kayak Angler and regional fishing magazines. Whitewater kayaks get extensive coverage in Kayak Session and Rapid. Sea kayaks are the focus of Ocean Paddler. Recreational kayaks get the most coverage in Paddling Magazine.

What about stand-up paddleboarding magazines?

While SUP-exclusive magazines have mostly folded, Paddling Magazine dedicates significant coverage to SUP, and The Paddler (UK) includes substantial SUP content. Outside Magazine also covers SUP during summer issues.

Do magazines offer gear discounts?

Some magazines partner with retailers for subscriber discounts. Paddling Magazine subscribers get discounts at certain paddle shops. Check the fine print of subscriptions for current offers.

Final Thoughts: Building Your Reading List

After two decades of paddling and reading about paddling, I've learned that different magazines serve different purposes. I keep Kayak Angler for planning fishing trips, Paddling Magazine for general interest, and Kayak Session for winter inspiration when I'm dreaming of spring runoff.

Start with one magazine that matches your primary paddling interest. If you find yourself reading every issue cover to cover, consider adding a second that covers a different aspect of the sport. And remember – the best paddle is the one that gets you on the water, but a good magazine can help you make the most of your time there.

The kayaking magazine landscape continues to evolve, with digital platforms gaining ground and print publications finding their niches. Whether you prefer the smell of fresh print or the convenience of digital access, there's never been a better time to be a paddler looking for quality content.

See you on the water – and in the mailbox!

Have a favorite paddling magazine I missed? Found a great regional publication? Drop me a line and I'll check it out for future updates to this guide.