Author: 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.

So you’re staring at a wall of paddles, thinking they all look the same but also not really. Long sticks with blades, right? Except some look skinny like broom handles, others broad like shovels, and then there’s the weird bent ones that look like they were made wrong but they’re not. The paddle thing gets confusing fast. People think the kayak itself is the star, but no, your paddle is literally the thing that makes you move. Mess it up and you’ll hate every second on the water. Blade Shape Matters More Than You Think Some blades are narrow, like…

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Getting a solid kayak paddle under $200 ain’t as simple as picking the one with the coolest color. Some are too heavy, others bend like a pool noodle, and a few just plain don’t feel right in your hands. If your arms feel dead after 30 minutes on the water, chances are you got the wrong paddle. This list here? It breaks down 5 solid options that actually hold up, feel decent, and won’t wreck your shoulders or your budget. Best 5 Kayak Paddles Under $200 01. Karltion Kayak Paddle N/A The Karltion Kayak Paddle is a lightweight, adjustable paddle…

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Picking the best kayak anchor cleat ain’t just a quick grab from the shelf. Some slip, others rust fast, and a few don’t even hold tight when current kicks in. If your anchor line keeps loosening or snags during fishing, that’s a problem. You need something that fits your setup, holds firm, and don’t rattle every time you move. These 5 top-rated anchor cleats for kayaks actually get the job done without messing up your trip. Best 5 Kayak Anchor Cleats 01. MIZUGIWA Kayak Anchor Cleat N/A The MIZUGIWA Kayak Anchor Cleat is a compact and track-compatible solution for paddlers…

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Lifting a kayak onto your roof rack ain’t fun—especially when it weighs more than your cooler. If you’ve ever wrestled a boat solo and nearly dented your car, you already know why a kayak lift assist ain’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a must. But not all of ’em work the same. Some are made for tall SUVs, others better for small cars. This list shows 5 top-rated kayak lift assists that actually make loading easier without snapping parts or scratching paint. Best 5 Kayak Lift Assists 01. Malone Telos XL Load Assist N/A The Malone Telos XL Load Assist is…

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Picking the best kayak keel guards ain’t something you should just rush through. That front keel part? It’s the one hittin’ the rocks, sand, ramps—pretty much everything first. Without protection, your kayak hull wears down faster than you’d expect. Whether you paddle on rivers, lakes, or coastal bays, a solid keel protector can stop damage before it starts. But there’s so many types, sizes, brands—it gets confusing quick. Some peel off in a week, others outlast your kayak. In this list, you’ll see which kayak keel guards actually hold up, which work better on fiberglass hulls, polyethylene, or even inflatable…

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Finding the best trailer hitch kayak racks ain’t as easy as it seems. You’d think they all work the same, right? Not really. Some racks fit like a glove, others rattle like crazy or block your tailgate. And if your kayak’s a heavy beast or you got a small hitch? Whole thing can turn into a headache. So picking the right rack depends on your vehicle type, kayak weight, and how often you hitting the water. Whether you’re hauling a single fishing kayak, stacking two sit-on-tops, or just need something that won’t rust in salty air, you gotta know what’s…

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Finding the best kayak racks for cars without rails ain’t as easy as picking one off the shelf. Without factory roof rails, your choices get limited real quick—and one wrong move can leave your kayak scratched up or worse, flying off mid-drive. Whether you’re using a small sedan like a Toyota Corolla or something like a Honda Civic, you need a rack system that grips tight, stays stable, and don’t mess with your roof. In this guide, you’ll see what actually works for bare-roof cars, not just what sounds good in ads. Keep reading—you’ll save time, money, and probably your…

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Starting out with kayaking? You’ll quickly realize your paddle matters just as much as the kayak itself. Lotta beginners focus only on the boat — big mistake. A heavy or awkward paddle can wreck your shoulders and suck the fun right out the water. That’s why picking the best beginner kayak paddle ain’t something you just wing. This list ain’t about overpriced gear either. You’ll find 5 solid kayak paddles for beginners that are comfy, lightweight, and make paddling feel smooth — whether you’re on a calm lake or a slow-moving river. Each one’s picked based on real-world use, not…

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Picking the best kayak rack for truck ain’t as straight as it looks. One rack works perfect on a Toyota Tacoma, but feels off on a Ram 1500. You probably seen a bunch online—some with flashy names, others looking all the same—but only a handful actually hold up once you’re 50 miles deep, highway wind howling, kayak bouncing in the back. This list of top 5 truck kayak racks ain’t about hyped-up junk. It’s put together thinking about real stuff – rack weight, how they mount, if they rattle on rough roads, and whether they actually last longer than one…

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Transporting a kayak to and from the water is an integral part of the paddling experience, yet for many enthusiasts, the act of lifting a kayak onto a vehicle’s roof rack presents a significant hurdle. This challenge intensifies considerably when dealing with what are often termed “heavy” kayaks. The difficulty stems not merely from the absolute weight of the watercraft, but from a complex interplay of factors: the kayak’s inherent awkwardness, its substantial length and width, and the increasing height of modern vehicles, particularly SUVs and pickup trucks. Many individuals, even those who consider themselves physically strong, report considerable struggle…

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