Author: Arthur

The 50-90 rule in kayaking is a guideline that helps paddlers make decisions based on wind, water conditions, and their own endurance. It’s rooted in practical experience, offering advice that can keep you safer out on the water. Here’s what it boils down to: when you’re out kayaking, if you’ve traveled 50% of the total distance of your trip and used 90% of your energy, it’s time to reassess. This rule is about ensuring that you have enough stamina to return safely, especially if conditions change unexpectedly. Paddling is more than just moving a kayak across a body of water.…

Kayaking, right? Fun, peaceful, sometimes adrenaline-pumping, often a way to connect with nature. But then comes Lilo Kayak, and you’re left thinking, what’s this all about? Well, let’s break it down. A Lilo kayak isn’t your traditional kayak made of plastic or fiberglass. It’s a relatively new concept, and in simple terms, it’s a fusion between a kayak and an inflatable lilo. If you’re familiar with a lilo, you already know it’s usually a simple inflatable mat used for floating on water. But, in recent times, adventurous spirits have started using lilo-like inflatables for exploring rivers, lakes, and streams. What’s…

A ducky kayak is a type of inflatable kayak, known for being lightweight and easy to transport. Unlike the hard-shell kayaks, these are inflatable, so you can just deflate them and pack them away when you’re done. Super convenient. It’s named “ducky” because of its wide, round shape which kinda makes it look like a duck on the water. A Bit of Background Ducky kayaks originally came from military inflatable boats used in World War II because soldiers needed to move fast across water. By the 60s, people started using these inflatables for fun, and they quickly became popular for…

A Danish-style kayak? It’s a boat design that’s been around for hundreds of years, but somehow still feels like a hidden gem. These kayaks trace their roots to Greenland, originally developed by the Inuit people. However, when the Danes got their hands on the design, they made a few tweaks. If you’ve ever wondered what separates a Danish kayak from the rest, you’re about to find out. Speed and Maneuverability Danish kayaks tend to focus on maneuverability and speed, particularly in coastal waters. One thing that sticks out immediately is how the boats are typically shorter and lighter than the…

Ever tried squeezing a bulky kayak into a small car? With drop-stitch kayaks, that’s a problem of the past. These innovative inflatable kayaks use drop-stitch technology, allowing them to be inflated to high pressures and become rigid like hard-shell kayaks. So, what’s the secret sauce? It’s all about thousands of tiny threads connecting the top and bottom layers of the kayak. When you inflate it, these threads pull tight, creating a firm structure that doesn’t bend or wobble on the water. You’ll notice the difference immediately. The kayak feels sturdy beneath you, offering better performance and handling. According to the…

Sea kayaking can be a relaxing, peaceful paddle on a gloriously sunny day, observing the myriad of coastal wildlife around our shores. For me however, sea kayaking is an extreme sport which at best takes place in a tidal race. A tidal race occurs when huge quantities of sea water move with the rising or falling tide through a constriction. This narrowing can occur between two landmasses such as islands or large rocks. It can just as easily arise from beneath, as a shelf or reef on the sea bed pushes water upwards. If a large volume of water is…

Kayakers take a lot of pride in their boats. This holds doubly true for paddlers of fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber, and other composite kayaks. They are light, glide through the water, look super cool, and, of course, expensive. It is, therefore, absolutely essential that these water vehicles are stored properly so that no damage befalls them when they aren’t even in use. Here are some tips on how to store your composite kayak and protect your baby and investment. 01. Store Your Composite Kayak Indoors Composite kayaks are no little matter. That is they are rather long. This means that unless you…

All kayakers, regardless of their experience level, have faced challenges when trying to board a kayak at some point. While such a mishap can often lead to moments of embarrassment, there are several proactive measures you can take to minimize the chances of finding yourself unexpectedly drenched before your journey even begins. Ultimately, mastering this skill requires a combination of practice, a good sense of balance, and perhaps a touch of good fortune. Here’s How 01. Decide Where You Will Get Into Your Kayak When you get to the place you will paddle you will need to decide where you…

Anyone who paddles a kayak or canoe must have a way to transport them to and from the water. Serious paddlers have this fact in mind whenever they make an automobile purchase. While canoe and kayak roof racks can be fitted to virtually any type of vehicle, some manufacturers make it easier than others. This step-by-step will describe how to secure a canoe or kayak to a factory installed or after market roof rack. While there are many fancy attachments now-a-days to help transport canoes and kayak, the strapping method for the most part remains unchanged as it is the…

Trying to strap two kayaks to a factory installed roof rack or aftermarket roof rack without roof rack attachments can be a challenge. Most roof racks will easily support and carry two kayaks at a time if they are placed on the roof rack using the proper method. This article will explain the steps for safely and securely strapping two kayaks to a roof rack. Some steps require further explanation. Click the heading of these steps for a more in depth explanation and a photo illustrating the procedure mentioned. Moreover, different types of kayaks and different car models might require…