When it comes to kayaking, knowing how to bail out your cockpit is the best way to stay afloat – literally and figuratively! Even if you’re an experienced paddler, water can sneak its way in from a downpour or after a wild ride on choppy waves. A kayak bilge pump should always be part of your arsenal. If you find yourself up a creek without a paddle after taking on some water, having one nearby can help keep you from being weighed down during your journey. Plus, being familiar with how to use it is key since you never know…
Author: Arthur
Arthur
Arthur G. Moore is a veteran paddler. He has over 10 years of whitewater kayaking experience in his kitty. When he was young, he used to love kayaking in rapid III and rapid IV but as time went on, he decided to concentrate mainly on covering long distances on a standard touring kayak. He is currently working as a senior editor for Kayak Manual.
September is finally here bringing along with it the start to the fall kayak fishing season. It’s an anglers perfect season with temperate temperatures, quiet lakes, rivers and oceans, and most of all- great fishing. Fall is also the last chance to enjoy the sport for many who will soon have to put their kayaks away until Spring. Layer, Layer, Layer As we roll into the fall season paddlers will need to be prepared for the steady drop in temperature. The best way to do this is to layer your usual summer angling outfit. I recommend starting with two base…
Although we hate to admit it, it’s officially time to start thinking about kayak storage. With temperatures dropping and in many places, snowfall becoming more and more frequent, kayaks take a back seat to cozying up indoors and spending a little quality time next to the fireplace. With that said, we have a few storage tips and product recommendations to make your transition from fall to winter a breeze. Step 1: Prepping Your Boat for Storage Cleaning your boat and ensuring everything is secure and ready for Spring is an important step to take before storing your kayak for the winter. It will…
Before you set out on any boating excursion, be it fishing, long distance, camping, or whitewater, its crucial to have your dry hatch essentials prepared and properly stocked in your kayak. Although all of these different styles typically require different calibers of gear and equipment, there are some not so obvious basics, necessary for any adventure. Making sure you know exactly how waterproof your hatch is before you begin packing is the first step. If you are unsure on how waterproof the space is and don’t have time for testing, be sure to double pack all of your goods into dry bags and then…
Offshore kayak fishing presents challenges that some kayak anglers may not be prepared for. One example is the integrity of a flush mounted rod holder when fishing for large pelagic fish. In some cases a typical install using rivets may not be sufficient enough. When a large fish strikes it can put great stress on the rod holder and the rod holder can be ripped out causing you to loose the fish. In some cases can end up losing expensive equipment if it wasn’t secured with a leash and even worse, you can be left with a large open hole that water can flow into making your kayak…
Imagine gliding through serene, misty waters as the sun peeks over the horizon, or soaking up rays while sharing laughter with loved ones on a lazy summer afternoon. Now, here’s a splashin’ twist – did you ever think that as you paddle your way through these picturesque moments, you’re also rowing your way to a healthier you? That’s right, kayaking is like a secret exercise sauce, with every stroke flexing muscles and pumping up that heart. No matter if you’re a slowpoke or a speed demon, remember that each paddle is dipping into the fountain of fitness! So next time…
Are you in the market for a truck bed rack for your Chevrolet Silverado? No need to throw a fit—finding the right one is easy as pie! With so many racks available, it’s important to sort out the wheat from the chaff and determine what you need most. With countless racks available in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes – not to mention construction material and finish – picking the right one can be a bit of a tall order. But if you take your time, consider your needs and preferences carefully, there’s no reason why you can’t eventually…
Canoeing is often viewed as a “simple” activity by many. Proper form, however, can make all the difference in the world in taking a canoeist to the next level. The forward canoe stroke is the first stroke that a canoeist should learn to begin to perfect this sport. Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes Here’s How: Tips: What You Need
Water can be as wild and untamable as a runaway horse. That’s why it is so important for anyone who dips their toes in white-capped rapids to know how to stay afloat when they get thrown out of the boat! Being prepared with proper swimming & self-rescue techniques greatly improves your chances of making it safely back to shore, along with any gear you’ve got on board – keep that nugget of wisdom handy while navigating unpredictable waterways! Get to the Surface The first step when you find yourself upside down with no hope to roll your kayak or canoe is to…
Are you a skilled kayaker, canoeist or rafter? Don’t head out into the wild waters without having mastered throw bag technique. Throw bags have your back in those tricky swift water and whitewater rescue scenarios to pull struggling swimmers from depths of danger! Knowing how to use them effectively can mean the difference between life and death – read on for steps that’ll teach you all about this lifesaving art! Difficulty: Average Time Required: To Practice: 1/2 hour. In Real Life: Just Seconds Here’s How: Tips: What You Need