Paddling Education

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 great outdoors—specifically on the water.

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.

In honor of International Women’s Day 2022, March 8, we want to introduce you to the fabulous women on Aqua Bound’s ProStaff team.

When you’re ready to graduate from your entry-level kayak to an upgraded model, here are the top five considerations to look for. Or if you haven’t bought a kayak yet but want to get into one your skills can grow with, there are some great tips.

We firmly believe that paddling is for everyone! Just as we want to see people of all ages and ethnicities out on the water, we want to see people of all sizes out on the water.

Kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding with your children is the very best way to introduce them to the wonderful world of paddling. Here, we’ve collected our best content about paddling for families with young children, whether it’s kayaking, SUPing (stand-up paddle boarding) or canoeing.

A kayak helmet, while not the normal piece of gear most recreational kayakers think of, is essential for a few specific types of kayaking. Anytime kayakers, canoeists or packrafters are in intense paddling situations a helmet is a wise idea, and could even save your life.

When kayaking in the winter there are considerations to think about in addition to general kayaking safety. In this video, Aqua Bound ProStaffer, Ken Whiting, discusses winter kayaking. He covers suggested gear and also the important question of whether you should head out alone.

Charles Bauer didn’t start kayaking until he retired from his high school teaching career in 2020. Ever since, he’s loved getting on the water and bringing others with him. Now his website, The River Chaz, is a resource for other kayakers (hikers and bikers), too.