Paddling Education

Why Replace the “SUP Paddle Included” with a Better One…Immediately

Most budget stand-up paddle boards come with a budget paddle. The best thing you can do to increase your SUP enjoyment immediately is to ditch that budget paddle and replace it with a better one!

Aqua Bound’s Customer Service Team: The Who and Why

We place a tremendously high value on serving our customers well. Why? Because you’re our reason for existence! It doesn’t matter if you’re a brand-new paddler or our biggest retail partner, our goal is to care for your needs and answer your questions the best we know how.

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!

Should You Choose an Inflatable SUP Board?

Paddleboards are super fun, they’re entry-level enough for even children to learn, and they provide a great workout if that’s your jam. Should you choose an inflatable board over a rigid one? We think it can be a great option.
 

What’s the Deal with Aqua Bound’s Geo Punch?

Geo Punch is our newest design for our high-performance Whiskey, Tango and Malta paddles. But it’s not just an eye-catching pattern—it uses our proprietary Lam-Lok™ technology to vastly extend the life of your paddle.

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.

How to Care for Your Packraft for Years of Use

Packrafts are designed to be tough enough to use for hundreds of miles at a time in backcountry waters, both flat and whitewater. But it’s essential you care for yours properly to ensure long life and top performance.

A New Zealand Packraft Film Explores River Running in the 70s

Filmmaker, Aqua Bound partner and New Zealander Deane Parker recently produced another packrafting film. It was selected by the UK’s prestigious Kendal Mountain Film Festival in 2024, as well as the New Zealand Mountain Film Festival.

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.
8 Reasons to Spend More on a SUP Paddle

When it comes to buying a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) paddle, the rule of thumb is to buy the lightest one you can afford. Why? What makes some paddles better than others?

Kayaking the Stikine - the “Everest of Whitewater”

British Columbia’s Stikine River sits just east of Alaska’s panhandle and about a hundred miles south of the Yukon provincial line. Often called “the Everest of whitewater,” kayaking the Grand Canyon of the Stikine was a dream trip for Thomas Franco.

Should You Get a Packraft?

Packrafts are still fairly new on the scene compared to other types of boats, but their popularity is growing. Should you get one? We’ll help you answer that question here.