Paddling Education

Durable, lightweight and affordable—the Ray Series kayak paddles by Aqua Bound represent some of the best values in the industry. We compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions on this series to help you decide what options are best for you.

Choosing the right paddle doesn't have to be difficult. As paddle experts, we're here to help! Take a look at some product features to consider when choosing what Ray Series paddle fits your needs.

A first multi-day sea kayak trip will be physically and mentally challenging for anyone. For someone with Type 1 diabetes it’s extra challenging, as 28-year old Rachel Anderson shares with us.

Kairacross is a unique packrafting and backpacking adventure event based in northern Finland during its “nightless night” season—midsummer. We had a chance to connect with Mikko Nenonen, co-owner of a Finnish paddlesports shop and participant in Kairacross.

Unless you’re pretty immersed in the paddling world, you’ve probably never heard of a packraft. It’s one of the coolest little boats available—and ideal for backpackers!

Alpacka Raft makes several different types of packrafts. How do you know which one is right for you? Aqua Bound Ambassador Caj Koskinen takes us through a few packrafts from their fleet to help you decide.

How much do you really need to know about choosing a kayak paddle? More than you think at first glance!

Backyard Adventures is all about maximizing days on the water. Look locally to have quick easy adventures planned for that last minute day off or change of schedule. 

On August 28, 2022 Aqua Bound Ambassador and sea kayaker, Nick Ray, will embark on a year-long mission to kayak around Scotland. This expedition he’s calling Scotland 365 is a celebration of life for Nick, and will—if all goes as planned—end on his 60th birthday.

Many non-kayakers and new kayakers are worried that if they try kayaking, they’ll flip over. Some even let that fear stop them from getting on the water. How easy is it to flip a kayak?

Our New Zealand friend, filmmaker Deane Parker, loves getting people on the stunning rivers of his home country in packrafts. Here he gets personal, sharing experiences with his own family, and how he and his wife have raised their three children to love paddling.

With the development of smart phone photography in the last decade or so, it’s easy for anyone to learn to take great photos while you’re kayaking, packrafting, canoeing or paddle boarding.

In May 2022 we released the short film Norway: A Kayaker’s Playground as a joint effort with our Norwegian Aqua Bound dealers and Ambassadors. In it we highlight Norway as a kayaking destination…

Are there challenges women face in the kayaking world that men don’t? That’s what we’ll explore here, with direct input from some kayaking women.

Wyoming isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when one thinks of kayaking—especially a Minnesotan like me. But Fremont Canyon, an easy drive from Casper, is worthy of any kayaker’s consideration.

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.”

Ahead stretches a meandering ribbon of cold, slow-moving water. For the last 6 hours my wife and I have lugged our packrafts over dozens of trees that lie across the banks of the river.

International Mental Health Awareness Month is drawing to a close. I’m a sea kayaker and I also live with chronic treatment resistant clinical depression. I’m also a suicide attempt survivor. This is why I believe sea kayaking is beneficial to me and my continued mental health journey.

Twin Cities Kayaking, based in Minnesota’s Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul, has a unique business model for their kayak rental and guide service. Instead of asking their customers to go to them, they go to their customers.

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.