Paddling Education

Sea Kayaking in the Land of Ice and Fire
Aqua Bound Ambassador Rachel Bott attended the Sea Kayak Iceland Symposium 2023 in Arnastapi, Iceland. In this blog post she tells us a bit more about the event, the conditions, and the awesome international instructors present.
Sea Kayaking Norway’s Coast near Trondheim
Aqua Bound Ambassador Reidar Sether grew up on the island of Hitra, along the central Norwegian coast. Come along as he shares his favorite things about this sea kayaker's paradise near Trondheim.
Where Do YOU Go for a Backyard Paddling Adventure?
Traveling to epic kayak and canoe destinations is amazing. But paddling locally can be equally wonderful and is a whole lot more accessible.
How to Choose the Best Life Jacket for You
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:
Kayaking Issyk-Kul: A Paddler’s Journey into the Heart of Kyrgyzstan
Hugo Desrosiers embarked on an epic 490-kilometer kayak journey around Kyrgyzstan’s Lake Issyk-Kul in May 2022. This Canadian's first attempt at a solo kayak expedition in a foreign country proved both a success and life-changing education.
Sea Kayaking Maine’s Stonington Archipelago
The Stonington Archipelago is a sea kayaker’s playground off the coast of Maine. This grouping of about 70 islands offers a ton to see and do from wildlife viewing to camping to learning about the history of this unique area.
Our Top Paddling Safety Tips
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.
Kayak vs Packraft: Comparing Inflatables
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.
What’s Your Favorite Local Kayaking Spot?
We asked some of our Ambassador team members to share their favorite local kayaking or packrafting spot with us. Maybe you live near these places, too, or are looking for a great travel destination.
How a Kayak’s Design Impacts Its Performance
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.
Learn to Read River Flow for Kayaking
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.
Folding vs Hardshell Kayaks
Kayak portability is a huge must for some paddlers. In this video, our friend Dan Arbuckle (of Headwaters Kayak) compares two highly-portable kayaks: a small hardshell model and a folding model.
How Do You Choose a Kayak for Fishing?
How do you know which fishing kayak is right for you? Aqua Bound Ambassador Ken Whiting goes over several tips for you to choose the right fishing kayak in this video…
Is a Sit-on-Top Kayak for You?
So you want to buy a kayak. How do you know if a sit-on-top or a traditional sit-inside kayak is best for you? Here are some things to consider.
Sting Ray Carbon Wins 2023 Best Paddle
We’re excited to announce that Aqua Bound’s Sting Ray Carbon kayak paddle has won Paddling Magazine’s award for 2023 Best Paddle!
6 More Kayaking Mistakes Beginners Make
Kayaking is such a great paddle sport for beginners. It’s easy to learn, fun and a great way to get active in nature. But there are things to learn, both for your enjoyment and safety.
My 4-Piece Kayak Paddle is My New Favorite Travel Buddy
Aqua Bound Ambassador Charles Bauer loves to kayak in new places both in the US and abroad. He’s found his Tango 4-piece paddle to be his favorite traveling companion…
Kayak the Paint Rock River in North Alabama
The Paint Rock River in North Alabama is a perfect choice for anyone who loves a relaxing day on the water. No tough rapids, lovely scenery, a refreshing summer float—whether you’re a new kayaker or an experienced one, you’ll love the Paint Rock.
Aqua Bound: Readers’ Favorite Content in 2022
Here’s a wrap-up of our readers’ favorite content for 2022—a great place to start if you’re new to Aqua Bound or just looking for fun paddling content.
Kayaking in Antarctica? Yes, Please!
What would it be like to kayak in Antarctica? Aqua Bound Ambassador and pro kayaker, David Horkan, knows first-hand. He works as a guide for an expedition cruise ship company that takes their guests there.
Glow in the Dark Kayaking? Why Not!
It’s nothing new to kayak in the dark, especially with a full moon or with lots of city lights to show us our way. But with new technology, glow-in-the-dark paddling opportunities are emerging.