Kayakers throwing their paddles—it might seem strange at first, right? You see it happen and you think, “Why would they do that?” But turns out, there’s actually several good reasons for it. From keeping their balance, to rescuing someone, or even just avoiding injury, letting go of the paddle can sometimes be the smart move. Keeping Balance in Rapids In whitewater rapids, things get pretty wild. Water crashing everywhere, pushing the kayak around. Sometimes, a kayaker will toss their paddle to keep their balance. Sounds weird, right? But when you’re about to tip over, having the paddle stuck in an…
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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…
For those unfamiliar, once installed, the Advanced Elements Accessory Frame allows one to add any aftermarket 1” rail-mount, and customize with your choice of rod holders, a fish finder, camcorder, cameras or other equipment. The Accessory Frame System can be installed on most Advanced Elements inflatable kayak models as well as many other boats providing enough deck space is available. (The frame requires 22” wide for the front grommets and 23” wide for the rear grommets.) As an added convenience, this kit comes with 2 sets of 4 grommets, allowing one to use it on two different kayak or to…
It’s a common occurrence – you just purchased an inflatable kayak or paddle board and excitedly open the box to discover – bent fins! While this might appear devastating at first, straightening an integrated bent fin on an inflatable is a fairly easy task – basically, the application of heat allows it to return to normal. (Please note, this is just for the integrated flexi-fins found on many inflatables, not the removable rigid fins.) Here are three options: 1. If it is a minor bend, flip your inflatable upside down and let it sit in the sun for a while.…
Whitewater rafting and kayaking have seen a significant rise in popularity, attracting millions of enthusiasts. Nearly 10 million individuals partake in rafting annually, while 2 to 3 million engage in kayaking. These activities have become synonymous with adventure and excitement, often featured in advertisements promoting various products. Dr. David C. Fiore from the University of Nevada School of Medicine provides a detailed analysis of the injuries associated with these sports. According to Dr. Fiore, “As the popularity of whitewater boating continues to increase, physicians may expect to see more patients who are injured by this activity.” The demographics reveal that…