Paddling Education

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.
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.
How to Paddle with Young Children
Paddling with very young children is different than with those old enough to learn to paddle their own kayak or SUP board. Our friends at Paddle TV have several helpful videos about getting on the water with our little ones.
How to Choose a Kayak or SUP Board that’s Right for You
Beat “analysis paralysis” when it comes to choosing a kayak or stand-up board!  The folks from Happy Paddlin’ have a wonderfully helpful formula for folks to choose a kayak, canoe or SUP board with less confusion and more confidence: FIT.
When to Teach Kids to Kayak & Paddleboard
When we get kids into paddling—kayaking, SUP, canoeing or packrafting—they can have a lifetime of fun and adventure on the water. But how young can they start?
Tips for Kayaking Urban Waterways
One thing we’ve all learned in the past few months during COVID season—paddling close-to-home can be wonderful! For many of us, that means paddling near urban centers large and small.
How to Kayak & SUP with Your Dog
We can tell a lot of you love to kayak, canoe, packraft and paddleboard with your dogs—we see so many of our 4-legged friends in your social posts! If you haven’t tried taking your dog along with you yet, but have wanted to try, we’ve collected some tips that’ll help you…
Plan a Multi-Day SUP Trip: 10 Things to Consider
So you want to go on a multi-day SUP trip? Here’s a collection of 10 things to keep in mind when you plan your trip, culled from around the paddleboard world…
10 Cheap “Dad” Hacks for Kayakers
Our good friend, Dan Arbuckle of Headwaters Kayak, along with pal, Ethan, heads into a local retailer to check out their supply of their list of 10 cheap “dad” hacks to bring along on all your kayak trips with your family.
Leave No Trace: Let’s Paddle Responsibly!
There are so many new paddlers out this summer due to COVID restrictions and social distancing practices. That’s great news! But inexperienced paddlers may not know how to paddle responsibly and with Leave No Trace principles in mind.
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…
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…
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.
How to Shuttle Boats & Paddlers with Social Distance

We’re all longing to get out of the house and on the water in a kayak, packraft or SUP board. Not just because of two months+ of quarantine, but because the weather’s beautiful and summer is upon us! How do we do that in a safe, socially-distanced way?

How to Launch Your Kayak in a Surf Zone [Video]
Join kayak expert Ken Whiting as he shows us how to safely launch and land your kayak in a surf zone…
How to Get Back on Your SUP Board
Whether an intentional or unintentional dunking happens while you SUP, getting back on your board is something you need to learn…
How to Keep Your Kayak or SUP Paddle in Tip-Top Shape
Even the toughest paddles in the industry appreciate a little love. At Aqua Bound, we know our paddles perform best when they receive the proper care.
Kayaking: Technique vs. Power [Video]
One of the reasons kayaking is such a great water sport for so many is that finesse—good technique—is more important than power…