Paddling Education

Bobby Puttonen runs Stockholm Nature, an adventure company in Stockholm, Sweden, where kayak tours play a large role. We got Bobby off the water long enough to answer a few questions about the business and kayaking in his part of the world.

When Brent “Yak” Van Dam broke two vertebrae in his lower back six years ago, he thought his whitewater days were over. But he was introduced to packrafting, a little boat that made all the difference.

If you’re new to kayaking, you might think “a paddle is a paddle.” But before long, you’ll learn there’s a big difference between the types of kayak paddles available. One of the major choices you’ll make is whether you want a high-angle or low-angle kayak paddle.

The crystal-clear lakes of Grand Teton National Park are begging to be paddled, not just photographed! One of the most picturesque spots in North America, the Teton Range hosts several of these lakes with stunning mountain views.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is pretty straightforward: you need a paddleboard, a paddle and a personal flotation device (PFD). Other paddleboard accessories can make your time on the water safer, more comfortable and more fun.

Lightweight kayaks are so much easier to move around than heavy ones. It may even make the difference between you getting on the water more…or even at all. In the video below, Aqua Bound Ambassador Ken Whiting shares his take on 10 kayaks that are lighter than the norm. 

What’s it like to live and sea kayak in the far north of Norway? Aqua Bound Ambassador Joachim Larssen is based there. He tells us about life there in this blog, as well as some of his cross-country sea kayaking adventures around the world.

Aqua Bound Ambassador Ella Vallance grew up working in her family’s sea kayak business in British Columbia, Canada. She loves making sure their guests get to eat incredible food on their kayak trips.

We introduced our Whiskey and Tango models in 2017 for people who need something lightweight, are paddling long distances, or looking for the best on the market. Our team of engineers has done rigorous testing to design a product for experienced paddlers who want a smooth paddling stroke.

With the insanely busy schedules many of us have, the thought of a paddling micro-expedition can be so appealing. It can be a great way to experience adventure on the water in a short time close to home.

Ilia Smirnov took to an 18-foot canoe in May 2026 and paddled all 2,350 miles of the Mississippi River, from the headwaters to the Gulf Coast. He completed his journey in just under 34 days.

Aqua Bound’s Ambassadors come from a wide range of nations and paddling expertise. We asked them what their favorite paddle is and, not surprisingly, received a wide range of answers.

Two Aqua Bound Ambassadors from Europe—Jacob Kastrup Haagensen and Jeremie Lamart—have been collaborating on a unique media project that combines whitewater paddling and poetry.

Aqua Bound Ambassador McKenley Newman is an American who’s lived in Germany for the past ten years. His whitewater kayaking adventures have taken him around the globe, so he’s the right person to talk with about this niche paddling sport.

Aqua Bound Ambassador McKenley Newman grew up in the US but has lived in Europe for the last 10 years. He has extensive whitewater kayaking experience on both continents, which has given him an insider’s perspective on their similarities and differences.

When Florian Guillier reached out to us in 2024 to tell us about his planned hike and packraft trip in New Zealand’s South Island, we knew we had to be part of it.

When we hear the word “kayaking,” most of us think of a long, thin, covered boat with a hole in it that we move with a double-bladed paddle. And we would be right. But did you know there are at least five unique types of kayaking?

At 80% the size of Lake Ontario, some people think Georgian Bay should be considered the sixth Great Lake. This Canadian offshoot of Lake Huron makes a wonderful paddling destination for novice and experienced sea kayakers alike.

Aqua Bound Ambassador Dane Hallinan has been sea kayaking in Australia for almost two decades. From year-round kayaking options to his country’s unique wildlife, Dane shares why his part of the world is special for kayaking.

When most paddlers think of a kayak paddle, they think of a 2-piece model. But did you know 4-piece models are available too? How do you know which is best for you?

The Collegiate Whitewater Festival (CWF) is a unique opportunity for student whitewater kayakers to gain racing experience in a supportive and safe environment.