Paddling Education

Exploring Sörmland, Sweden by Kayak and Canoe

Michael O’Dwyer is on a mission to explore his corner of Sweden by canoe and kayak—and to inspire others to do the same. He’s compiling his experiences into a guidebook to showcase the rich paddling opportunities the region has to offer.

How to Paddle a Tandem Kayak
A tandem kayak—a kayak built for two—can be a great way to get out on the water both for a recreational paddle and for a longer touring excursion.
How Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe Passionately Serves Paddlers

Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe isn’t just a paddle shop. It’s a paddling center with a focus on education and a passion for the water for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages near their Portland, Oregon headquarters.

What Paddlers Are Saying about Our Ultralight Tetra

We’re super excited about our Tetra Ultralight kayak touring paddle—and others in the kayaking world are, too. Let’s look at how the Tetra can benefit your kayaking life with some video reviews…

What You Need to Know to Kayak in Rough Water

Kayaking in rough water isn’t for everyone. It’s challenging, can be intimidating and can be dangerous. If you want to paddle rough water, here are a few things you’ll need to know…

Which Kayak Paddle Gives You the Best Bang for Your Buck?

What do you look for when choosing a kayak paddle? What’s the difference between a $150 paddle and a $500 paddle? We’ll answer these questions and more here…

Do You Need a Wetsuit or Drysuit for Paddling?

When you paddle on cold water or in cold weather, a wetsuit or drysuit a key safety gear in case you capsize. But which is best for you? Let’s look at the differences…

Round-Up of Our Best Paddling Safety Topics

Kayaking, pack rafting and paddle boarding are generally very safe water sports. But they do carry risks. Here at Aqua Bound, we prioritize paddling safety for everyone at all skill levels.

Kayaking + Birding by Sound = Joy!

A wonderful way to connect with nature is to “bird by sound.” To learn to identify bird species around you by their song or call. Add kayaking to the mix and you have a perfect combo of joy and relaxation!

Introducing Aqua Bound’s New Ultralight Tetra Kayak Paddle

We’re thrilled to introduce our new-for-2025 Ultralight Tetra kayak paddle. This premium touring paddle has already won awards in the industry and garnered excitement among kayakers everywhere.

Kayak & SUP Paddling Safety: Risk Factors

Paddling is a wonderful way to enjoy nature, get some exercise, socialize, challenge yourself and have some adventure. Know and follow basic paddling safety and you’ll enjoy it for years to come.

Surviving on Rapids & Ramen: A Month-Long Kayaking Journey in New Zealand

Aqua Bound Ambassador Trey Harrell recently spent a month paddling world-class whitewater in New Zealand. Trey’s trip was full of challenges, excitement, and unforgettable experiences. He’s sharing highs, lows, and everything in between.

Eian Fritid Kayak Shop in Norway

Eian Fritid is Norway’s oldest kayak shop, established in 1989 by Hege Eian’s father, Stein. It remains a family business, now run by Hege and her mother, Inger Line.

4 Risky Weather Scenarios when Kayaking

Because kayaking and other paddling sports are outdoor activities, the weather plays a big role in enjoyment and safety. Let’s look at some risky weather scenarios that can impact your kayaking negatively, and how to prepare for them.

The Wonderful World of Sea Kayaking in Vancouver Island

Aqua Bound Ambassador Bree Roberts has guided sea kayak tours in the territories of the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples on Vancouver Island since 2012. She has a lot to share about this area that has become her favorite in the world.

Is Kayaking an Easy Entry-Level Activity for Kids?

Yes! Kayaking is one of the easiest entry-level activities for kids. Children as young as four or five can kayak in some conditions with no experience.

Terrain360 and Its Benefit to Kayakers

Terrain360 is a web-based resource that showcases 360-degree virtual “tours” of natural resources like hiking trails and water trails. Its many applications include benefits for kayakers, canoeists and other paddlers.

Ocean Kayaking Tips for Beginners
Are you eager to try an ocean kayaking adventure? If you’re a beginning kayaker, there are some important things to keep in mind when considering paddling in the ocean.
PaddleWays App: Your Pocket Guide to Paddling
The PaddleWays app is a feature-packed digital tool for those in the paddling world.  NRS partnered with onWater (a water recreation app) to develop it and launched PaddleWays in mid-2023.
Add These 26 Kayaking Books to Your Reading List
You wouldn’t believe the kayaking adventures people have had over the years! Here’s our list of suggested books for those of you who love to enter into the stories of those who’ve challenged themselves in ways few others have.
Retailer Spotlight: Kayak Freak, Denmark
Kayak Freak of Handbjerg, Denmark is northern Europe’s largest kayak shop. Their 2,500-square-meter building houses 1,000 kayaks of all sorts at any given time, along with canoes, SUPs and any paddling accessories you could want.