Paddling Guides
Expert tips, safety advice, and destination guides for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.
Kayaking for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
Read articleGetting Started
Is Kayaking Dangerous?
Kayaking carries real risks like cold water, wind, and boat traffic, but it's statistically safe when you wear a life jacket and match conditions to your skill.
Kayak Safety Tips: A Complete Guide to Paddling Safely
Follow these kayak safety tips covering gear, weather checks, on-water rules, and emergency prep to paddle with confidence every time you launch.
What to Do If Your Kayak Flips
Learn exactly what to do if your kayak capsizes: staying calm, re-entering your boat, and the gear that makes recovery easier.
Kayaking vs. Canoeing: Which Is Right for You?
Kayak vs canoe: compare stability, speed, gear capacity, and learning curve to find the right paddling craft for your goals and water conditions.
How to Kayak Fish: A Beginner's Guide to Kayak Fishing
Learn how to kayak fish with this beginner's guide covering gear, kayak setup, fishing techniques, and safety tips for getting started on the water.
How to Transport a Kayak on Your Car
Learn how to safely transport a kayak on your car using roof racks, foam blocks, and straps. Covers loading techniques, tie-down methods, and what to avoid.
What to Wear Kayaking: A Complete Clothing Guide
Learn exactly what to wear kayaking based on water temperature, season, and conditions. Covers wetsuits, drysuits, layers, sun protection, and what to avoid.
Can You Kayak Without Knowing How to Swim?
Learn how non-swimmers can kayak safely with proper gear, calm water conditions, and essential precautions for beginners.
Do You Need a Permit to Kayak?
Learn when kayaking permits are required. Covers federal waterways, state registrations, park fees, and fishing licenses.
How to Launch a Kayak from a Boat Ramp
Learn proper boat ramp etiquette, launching techniques for different kayak types, and how to handle busy ramps with motorboats safely.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding with Your Dog: A Complete Guide
Learn how to safely kayak and SUP with your dog. Complete guide covering vessel selection, training, safety gear, and launch locations.
Types of Kayaks: How to Choose the Right One
Choose the perfect kayak type for your paddling goals. Compare sit-on-top, touring, whitewater, fishing kayaks and more.
Explore by State
Best Kayaking in Alabama: Top Spots and Launch Points
Discover Alabama's best kayaking spots across 243 launch points. From Mobile Bay's calm waters to Gulf Coast adventures, find your perfect paddle.
Best Kayaking in Alaska: Top Spots and Launch Points
Discover Alaska's top kayaking destinations with 194 launch points across pristine waters. Find protected bays, scenic channels, and wildlife viewing spots.
Best Kayaking in Arizona: Top Spots and Launch Points
Discover Arizona's 134 paddling locations including desert lakes, Colorado River access, and mountain reservoirs for all skill levels.
Best Kayaking in Arkansas: Top Spots and Launch Points
Discover Arkansas's 487 kayaking spots from calm bayous to spring-fed rivers. Find launch points, difficulty levels, and seasonal advice.
Best Kayaking in California: 20 Top Spots
Discover California's best kayaking spots from Monterey Bay to San Diego Harbor. 722 launches across bays, lakes, and rivers for every skill level.
Best Kayaking in Colorado: 20 Top Spots
Discover Colorado's best kayaking spots from high-altitude lakes to calm reservoirs. 166 launch points across mountains and plains.