Paddling Education

Ray Series FAQ
Durable, lightweight and affordable—the Ray Series kayak paddles by Aqua-Bound represent some of the best values in the industry. We compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions on our Ray Series paddles to help you decide what options are best for you.
The New Whitewater Kayak Generation
In this video, kayak pro and Aqua-Bound ProStaffer Ken Whiting and his family take us on some beginner-friendly whitewater on the Ottawa River. This short film, part of the Paddle Tales series, was selected for the 2020 Kendal Mountain Festival...
How to Choose a Paddle Bag
If you’ve invested some significant cash into quality paddles, consider buying a paddle bag to store and transport them so they’ll stay in tip-top shape.
Kayak Fishing on Lake Erie [Video]
Join Paddle Tales host, Ken Whiting, for a kayak fishing trip on Lake Erie’s north shore, in southern Ontario’s Norfolk County region.
Comparing Budget Kayaks [Video]
In this video, Headwaters Kayak’s Dan Arbuckle compares two sit-on-top kayaks with a $250 price difference. What are the differences and why might you choose one over the other?
How to “Get Back in the Boat” after a Bad Paddling Experience
Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, packrafting, canoeing—these are all paddle sports meant to be fun, enjoyable, sometimes exhilarating. But if you’ve a bad paddling experience, that fun can quickly go out the window and even be replaced by anxiety and fear.
A Packrafter’s Guide to Paddle Feathering
If you’re a packrafter—whether beginner or experienced—paddle feathering can give a boost to your performance and enjoyment.
5 Reasons Why Kayaking is the Most Inclusive Paddlesport
Of all the paddlesports out there—canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, whitewater kayaking, packrafting—kayaking is the most inclusive.
Packrafting & Hiking 2,500 miles of Alaskan Wilderness
Dan Binde, from Lake Park, Minnesota, recently completed his third long traverse in Alaska, totaling 2,500 miles of hiking and packrafting over the past three years. We asked him to tell about his trips in this interview…
Bikerafting New Zealand’s Mikonui River
New Zealand is known worldwide for its spectacular natural resources. The Mikonui River and river valley are no exception. Deane Parker and a couple friends take us on a short tour of this beautiful river via bikerafting in this video…
Should You Buy a Folding Kayak?
If your storage space is limited and you want to travel often with your kayak (especially by air), you should consider a folding kayak. This video with Ken Whiting of Paddle Tales gives an overview of this unique kayak type and talks whether it’s a good fit for you…
Top 5 Pieces of Paddling Gear You Need [Video]
Paddling expert, Ken Whiting, gives us a quick overview of the top five pieces of gear he believes every paddler should own. This is true whether you kayak, canoe, packraft or stand-up paddleboard.
Kayak in Canada’s Amazon [Video]
Ken Whiting and Paddles Tales take us kayaking down the “Canadian Amazon,” Ontario’s Big Creek.
We're Still Here.
2020 was unpredictable and unprecedented, which might be the understatement of the year. For us at Aqua Bound, 2020 started like any other. Many of the same people in the same roles handling the responsibilities they’ve tackled for years. We...
The Next Step Up from a Box Store Kayak
If you’re new to kayaking like millions of people are in 2020, you’ll want to watch this video from our good friend, Dan Arbuckle, from Headwaters Kayak in Lodi, California.
13 Great Gift Ideas for Paddlers
The holiday shopping season is here again! We have you covered with 13 of our best gift ideas for all the kayakers, paddleboarders, canoeists and packrafters on your list.
A Packraft & Bike Adventure along New Zealand’s “Forgotten Highways”
Four Kiwis from New Zealand’s South Island journey through historic routes in the North Island in this award-winning film by Deane Parker.
Make Your Own Dehydrated Meals for Paddle Trips
If you love extended paddle trips, learning to make your own dehydrated food can save you money and add a ton of flavor to your camp meals.
Learn from “The Bikeraft Guide” Video Series
One of the most helpful resources out there for bikerafters is a video series called The Bikeraft Guide, produced by Four Corners Guides.
Launch Etiquette for Kayakers, SUPers and Packrafters
When you share a launch with motor boats, our friends at Paddle TV suggest four basic etiquette guidelines to follow…
Cold Weather Paddling Clothes: What to Wear on Top
As the weather cools down into fall and turns cold for those in the north, you can get by wearing anything in your closet for paddling. But there are tops designed specifically for paddling that’ll be more comfortable, and keep you warm and dry even in the coldest weather.