Paddling Education

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Whether new to whitewater and packrafting or looking to shake off the complacency cobwebs, getting out to practice whitewater safety skills is a fun and valuable time on the river. Here are five skills to get you going!

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.

At Aqua Bound, we love a good adventure and enjoy providing content that prepares people to enjoy more time on the water. We rounded up our top posts full of product details, safety tips, trip recommendations, and more.

When you choose a new kayak, one of the questions you’ll ask yourself is: “Do I want a sit-on-top or a sit-in model?” This video from Paddle TV covers the differences that will affect your decision.

The conservative line? The gnarliest line? Looking at a section of whitewater can be overwhelming at first, but breaking down what you see into W.O.R.M.S. can help simplify scouting. From class one to class five, this tried and true mnemonic provides a straightforward method of thinking and talking through reading a river to safely pick your line.

Dry bags are one of the kayaker’s most convenient and useful gear items whether you’re on the water for a couple of hours, a full day or a multi-day trip.

Expert kayaker and Aqua Abound ProStaffer, Ken Whiting, shares his tips and strategies for filming your own kayaking adventures with a GoPro action camera in this video.

When you’re considering what to wear kayaking, one of the most important safety tips to keep in mind is: dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Dress as if you’ll be in the water…just in case you end up in the water.

In order to be able to choose the best paddle for you, you need to understand the two main styles of kayaking: high-angle and low-angle, or the angle at which your paddle enters the water.

Are you a beginning kayaker? Here are eleven mistakes brand new kayakers sometimes make that can, at minimum, take the fun out of your first kayak trip.