Kayaking should be all about fun. But it is not. This is an adventure sport where your mind and physical strength get tested all the time and therefore, you need to cheer yourself up every now and then. And what better way to cheer you up in the midst of such mayhem than by sipping on coffee. But wait for a second! How can you possibly drink coffee while paddling on a river or lake? Well, thanks to kayak cup holders, now anyone can enjoy coffee or tea while paddling out in the water without losing balance or without spilling…
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.
Increasing the storage capacity of the kayak is never easy. You simply can’t afford to skip items like – fast aid kit, Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), Flotation Bags, Paddle Leashes, Throw Bags, etc while paddling in turbulent weather. These accessories can save your skin when things start going south and therefore, there is no question of heading to the sea or river without them. Now storing these accessories in a kayak is definitely a challenge in itself. You will have to come up with ingenious solutions to deal with the space crunch. The easiest way to increase the storage capacity…
The lowest compartment of a kayak or any other watercraft for that matter is known as the bilge. Since Bilge sits below the water level, it is quite obvious that over time, it will accumulate some water due to leaks or waves. Now draining out of this bilge section of the kayak with a bucket or a mug is hard work and soon it will make you feel exhausted. This is the reason why it makes sense that you should invest some of your hard-earned dollars on a powerful bilge pump to get the job done. Bilge pump makes the…
Humans need a water temperature of about 72 degrees to maintain thermal balance. If you lose your kayak and are immersed in 60-70 degree water in summer paddling gear, you may lose consciousness in 2-7 hours. This is not long enough for someone to find you alive if it is dark by the time help is contacted. When sea temperatures dip below about 60 degrees, what you wear protects you from “cold shock” and “gasp reflex,” which can take your life within moments of capsizing, if your head goes underwater (as it does when you capsize a sit-inside kayak). Individual variation…
Have you been struggling to balance your fishing rod while kayaking? Well, you are not alone. Veterans paddlers around the world face the same problem and their redemption is a simple device named – Kayak Rod Holder. This is a ridiculously simple solution to such a seemingly complex problem, right? But most people tend to ignore the importance of a rod holder. Some paddlers eventually learn it the hard way. Fishing on a kayak should be stressful and relaxing right? So, why bother about your fishing rod all the time. Just purchase a good quality kayak rod holder and enjoy…
Whether by kayak, canoe or raft, you can float the Missouri River from Rulo, Nebraska to St. Louis, Mo. fully in the Kansas City District. These 498 miles of river have some of the richest viewing in our area. You will see a palette of colors. In the spring and summer, mostly shades of green. American Sycamore, Silver Maple, Box Elder and River Birch are some of the trees that line the banks. Sand bars offer an opportunity to picnic — with caution as not to disturb wildlife particularly on those marked for endangered species. You will do well to…
In theory, paddling is simple. There are only three types of strokes: propelling, turning and bracing. But just these three strokes can seem daunting considering the multitude of variations and stroke combinations. At the most advanced level, just a simple flex of the wrist can alter the direction of travel and angle of the boat. Paddle First the paddle. In a canoe, choose the side you want to paddle on. This is your on-side. Your hand on this side of the boat is your shaft hand and holds the shaft of the paddle. Your other hand is your grip hand,…
Paddling is an excellent form of exercise. It helps you stay fit and at the same time, it relaxes your body and mind to a great extent. But if you keep paddling for hours, calluses can develop on your hands. The constant rubbing may lead to the formation of a blister on your hands. This is the reason why seasoned kayakers love to get their hands on kayak paddle grips before going out on a long kayaking trip. Paddle grips will keep your hands protected from blister and as the name suggests, paddle grips will ensure that you have a…
Carrying a kayak on a truck is definitely not easy if you have not already installed roof racks on it. But if you have already added Tonneau Cover on your truck, you might find it really difficult to transport a kayak on it without damaging the Tonneau Cover in one way or the other. But it does not have to be that complicated. Transporting a kayak on a truck that has got Tonneau Cover is simple if you know what you do. Now simple people tend to opt for kayak trailer to transport a kayak in such situation. Now it…
So you finally got the kayak, maybe even a paddle that doesn’t squeak when it gets wet (imagine that), and now – you’re realizing that water doesn’t exactly stay outside the boat like it’s supposed to. That’s where spray skirts come in. They’re weird-looking, snug-fitting, sometimes frustrating rubbery things that somehow make a world of difference when you’re in choppy water, windy conditions, or just trying to keep your butt dry. But picking one? Feels like solving a riddle written by people who assume you’ve been kayaking since birth. And don’t even get me started on sizing. Some brands use…