Paddling Education

Are You Making this Common Paddling Mistake?
One of the biggest mistakes we see novice paddlers make—whether kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding—is using just their arms and shoulders to paddle and not their whole core…
15 Amazing National Parks to Kayak in the US & Canada
2020 isn’t the best summer to travel to faraway national parks because of social distancing and limited services. But it doesn’t hurt to dream a little!
Bent vs. Straight Shaft Kayak Paddles

A common question we get as we’re helping people find the right paddle for them is: What’s the difference between straight shaft and bent shaft kayak paddles? Why should you choose one over the other? We’re going to help solve this dilemma for you…
8 Ways to Find Kayaking Spots Near You
If you’ve not paddled much before—or even if you have, but haven’t fully explored the waterways around you—how do find the best places to kayak (or canoe, stand-up paddle board or packraft) near you?
How to Self-Rescue if You Capsize Your Kayak [Video]
Watersports are generally very safe, but we still need to know what to do in case of an emergency. For kayakers, that includes knowing self-rescue skills. Watch this video from expert kayaker, Ken Whiting, and the ACA…
Aqua Bound’s Sting Ray vs. Tango Kayak Paddles
Our Sting Ray and Tango kayak paddles are both designed for low-angle paddling, making it easy for you to spend long days on the water without fatigue or soreness.

Here we explore how they’re similar and, especially, how they’re different, so you can make your best paddle purchase decision…
Aqua-Bound Goes to Patagonia
Entomologist and packrafter, Dr. Isaí Madriz, recently covered remote areas of Patagonia by packraft, bamboo bicycle and on-foot in search of some of the rarest groups of insects on the planet.
When Our Kayak Trip Plans are Disrupted by Worldwide Pandemics
Chris Whittaker and Nuka de Jocas had planned that 2020 was the year for an epic kayak expedition in Alaska. Then along came COVID-19…
Why Kayaking, Canoeing and SUP are Great for the Whole Family
We think paddling is one of the best things your family can do together! Here’s why...
How to Size Kayak & SUP Paddles from Home
When you can go into a paddle sports retailer and size a paddle, that’s great. But if you don’t live near one or they’re not open when you want to buy a paddle, it’s easy to size yourself from home, too.
Comparing the Sting Ray vs. Manta Ray Kayak Paddles
Aqua-Bound’s Ray series of kayak paddles has been our best-selling line for many years now. There are several options within this series, so here we compare the Sting Ray to the Manta Ray so you know which is right for you.
The Many Benefits of Paddling Locally

There’s something adventurous and exotic about planning kayak, packraft, canoe or SUP trips in faraway places. Somehow we imagine a road trip or overseas destination will be better.

But paddling locally can be just as fun…and in our current situation, the best choice!

Paddling + River Clean-up = Good News in Hard Times

Are you hungry for good news? We are, too. Kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, packrafting…these are fun and relaxing. But while we’re on the water, let’s clean up our lakes and rivers and add some good news to this hard season we’re in!

Aqua Bound’s Posi-Lok™ vs. Snap-Button Ferrule Systems
At Aqua-Bound we use three different ferrule systems for our Sting Ray and Manta Ray kayak paddles: the snap-button ferrule for our fiberglass shafts, and the Posi-Lok and Versa-Lok ferrules for our carbon shafts. Here, we’ll focus on comparing the Posi-Lok with the snap-button ferrule.
Why Paddling is a Super Social Distancing Activity
We think kayaking, packrafting and stand-up paddling are three of the best activities you can do in our new social distancing world. Here’s why… It’s Easy to Socially Distance in a Kayak, a Packraft or on a SUP Board That...
“Just Me, Nature” - A Film about Solo Packrafting in Sweden
Just Me, Nature is the short film by Jacob Kastrup Haagensen about his solo packraft trip through Tresticklan National Park in Sweden. The Copenhagen native who founded UrbanPackrafter.com now lives in Sweden. Busy with work and family life, he managed...
A Roundup of Packrafting Podcasts
If you love the convenience of podcasts, here’s our not-to-miss list of podcasts geared to packrafting…
Never Say Never: Packrafting the Grand Canyon

“I’m never packrafting the Grand Canyon.” That’s what I told my partner, “Doom,” not even a year after I moved to Mancos from the Front Range to be with him.

Take ACA’s Online Paddlesports Safety Course at Your Own Pace

The American Canoe Association (ACA) makes it easy for you to take their Paddlesports Safety Course—you can take it online from anywhere…

Aqua Bound’s Bent Shaft Whiskey & Tango Kayak Paddles

For the kayaker who wants a high-performing, ultra-light and ultra-comfortable paddle, look no further than Aqua-Bound’s new bent shaft Whiskey or Tango…

Kayaking at Puerto Vallarta’s Los Arcos National Marine Park

With its beautiful blue-green water, semi-tropical temperatures and variety of marine wildlife, Los Arcos National Marine Park near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a wonderful kayak destination…