Paddling Education

Are there challenges women face in the kayaking world that men don’t? That’s what we’ll explore here, with direct input from some kayaking women.

Wyoming isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when one thinks of kayaking—especially a Minnesotan like me. But Fremont Canyon, an easy drive from Casper, is worthy of any kayaker’s consideration.

With the roar of the rapids, communication on the river with your paddling party and others can be challenging. Fortunately, there are international river signals that most people know around the world. Here are 5 need-to-know paddle signals for your next trip.

Whitewater kayaking is often seen as dangerous. But is it? As Ken Whiting, a 30-year veteran of whitewater kayaking, says: “Whitewater kayaking really is no different than any other outdoor adventure sport. It can be safe…it can also be dangerous. It depends on so many factors.”

Ahead stretches a meandering ribbon of cold, slow-moving water. For the last 6 hours my wife and I have lugged our packrafts over dozens of trees that lie across the banks of the river.

International Mental Health Awareness Month is drawing to a close. I’m a sea kayaker and I also live with chronic treatment resistant clinical depression. I’m also a suicide attempt survivor. This is why I believe sea kayaking is beneficial to me and my continued mental health journey.

Twin Cities Kayaking, based in Minnesota’s Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul, has a unique business model for their kayak rental and guide service. Instead of asking their customers to go to them, they go to their customers.

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a fun way to get a great workout and enjoy the water. Paddling along on glassy water is always a thrill…but isn’t always reality. Sometimes wind can become a real issue.

From hiking and kayaking to rock repelling and golf, the adventures are endless. Black Women Who Kayak+ continues to push the boundaries by taking individuals out of their comfort zones and giving them the opportunity to participate in activities and be in spaces less familiar to them.

When it comes to kayak paddles, there’s no such thing as “one size fits all.” Just as there are different sizes and shapes of people and different styles of kayaking, so there are different types of kayak paddles.

Sea kayaks and recreational kayaks, while similar, are different boats that require different skills to paddle. In this PaddleTV video, Aqua Bound Ambassador team member, Ken Whiting, covers the basic differences between sea kayaks and rec kayaks, and the pros and cons of each.

Aqua Bound Ambassador, Molly Hagbrand, is a professional kayak instructor and guide. She’s based in Sweden, but also does a lot of her work in the US and Mexico. She’s especially passionate about getting women on the water and in other outdoor activities.

The hard work of Danish filmmaker, Jacob Kastrup Haagensen, earned him Best Danish Film of the Year for his packrafting adventure documentary “Earning a River” in 2020 at the Nordic Adventure Film Festival (NAFF).

One of the most important gear items for kayakers, canoeists, paddle boarders and packrafters—that doesn’t often get a mention—is a good pair of polarized sunglasses.

In the middle of agricultural country and just over an hour away from Ottawa, Ontario is one of the top whitewater kayaking spots in the world.

If you don’t have your own kayak gear, rental companies and tour companies abound. What’s the best choice for your situation: to rent gear or go with a guided kayak tour?

Adaptive kayaking is one of the best ways people with disabilities can experience freedom and enjoyment in the outdoors.

Unless you keep your kayak or paddle board at a cabin or you live on a lake or river, you’ll need to tie it down to your vehicle to transport it. This video from our friends at Aquabatics Alberta (AQ Outdoors) gives you clear steps on how to tie down your kayak to your vehicle...

Kayaking is a wonderful entry-level paddle sport. It’s very possible to simply get in and start to paddle. But like everything, there are ways to shorten the learning curve and increase your enjoyment early on.

Which boat should you buy: a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard? All are wonderful options depending on where, how and with whom you want to paddle.

Tanya Walker is the founder of Black Women Who Kayak+ (BWWK+), an organization dedicated to getting women of color where they’re not typically seen—in outdoor spaces and connected to nature and each other.