Paddling Education

Stand-up paddleboarding is a fantastic full-body workout that people of all ages can learn how to do and enjoy. We’ve collected 23 helpful tips to get you stand-up paddle boarding quickly.

The kinds of water conditions that make ideal kayaking, packrafting and paddle boarding depend on a couple of key factors: your experience and the type of boat and gear you have.

In this two-part video series, our friend Dan Arbuckle from Headwaters Kayak compares five open-cockpit recreational kayak models for features, value and performance.

Aqua Bound Ambassador Ken Whiting covers the essentials of how to choose the best life jacket for you, no matter what type of paddling you do:

If you’re on the lookout for a wonderful way to get kids more interested in the great outdoors, water activities are a perfect place to start. In this blog, we dive into tips to get kids started paddling and learn about 5-year-old Astrid's first time packrafting!

Safety should always be a top priority when you kayak, canoe, packraft or paddle board. Here are some essential safety guidelines, including tips from a couple of our Ambassadors.

Inflatable kayaks have become very popular while packrafts are still being discovered by many paddlers. Both are great options for the right situation. We compare them here so you can decide which is the best choice for you.

Hardshell kayaks are designed and built with various shapes and lengths that directly impact their performance. Aqua Bound Ambassador Ken Whiting takes us through these differences in this video so you can make the best buying choice.

Paddling on rivers—whether with a kayak, canoe, packraft or paddle board—requires a knowledge of how rivers flow and a solid foundation of paddling skills. The faster the river and bigger the rapids, the more knowledge and skills you need.

When it comes time to choose a SUP board (stand-up paddle board) there are a few questions you’ll want to answer.

One of the most wonderful things about kayaking—and all paddle sports, really—is that it’s easier on our body than many outdoor activities. But the aches and pains do come sometimes, so how can we minimize them?

When it comes to learning how to paddle a kayak, there are a few things that are helpful for you to know. You’ll be able to paddle easier and longer, and fully enjoy your time on the water.

New and experienced bikerafters alike can glean loads of wisdom from Lizzy Scully and Steve Fassbinder, the duo that runs Four Corners Guides and brought us The Bikeraft Guide, published in 2021. Here, they give us a look into what you should include in your bikeraft kit.

A ferrule system is the mechanism that connects the two halves of a kayak paddle together in the center. Aqua Bound’s Posi-Lok ferrule system makes it super easy to connect, disconnect and change feathering angles.

Aqua Bounds' Versa-Lok^TM adjustable ferrule system offers you the ultimate in kayak paddle versatility and usability. Whether you’re a recreational flatwater paddler, a seasoned touring kayaking, an avid packrafter—you’ll love this durable and easy-to-use ferrule.

A first multi-day sea kayak trip will be physically and mentally challenging for anyone. For someone with Type 1 diabetes it’s extra challenging, as 28-year old Rachel Anderson shares with us.

Alpacka Raft makes several different types of packrafts. How do you know which one is right for you? Aqua Bound Ambassador Caj Koskinen takes us through a few packrafts from their fleet to help you decide.

Many non-kayakers and new kayakers are worried that if they try kayaking, they’ll flip over. Some even let that fear stop them from getting on the water. How easy is it to flip a kayak?

With the development of smart phone photography in the last decade or so, it’s easy for anyone to learn to take great photos while you’re kayaking, packrafting, canoeing or paddle boarding.

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.”