Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Sometimes you forget things, things break or you’re out longer than you anticipated. Sometimes the weather is different than you expected. Sometimes someone gets hurt or lost. With the ten essentials below, some resourcefulness and creativity, there’s a good chance you can ensure your basic needs are covered even when the unexpected happens.

by Vibe Kayaks, LLC

The go anywhere, do anything, angler's multi-tool of kayaks, the Sea Ghost 110 is the ultimate “choose your own adventure” pro-level watercraft. As the powerhouse sibling to its bigger brother 130, the 110 has a toe-controlled rudder to easily maneuver ultra-tight quarters to get you to spots power boats can't, as well as the perfect balance of speed and stability for any size adventure.

Getting dressed for paddling in the spring can be difficult with the varying air and water temperatures. If you need some guidance on getting dressed, answer 4 quick questions and instantly learn what you need to wear for your next paddling trip!

A lush outdoor playground, Oregon is peppered with waterways carving their way through the dense foliage of the Pacific Northwest! Check out all canoeing trips in Oregon for every level of canoeist.

Body Glove

Our Expert's Review

This was just right for an early spring day, on a moderate to vigorous inshore paddle, with 45-60°F air temperature and 40-60°F water temperature... Because it’s on the thinner side, the Variant 3/2 has great range of motion and is easy to wear all day. It’s light and dries fast, which would make it a great choice for multi-day trips.

by Luke Rovner (Kayak Hipster)

After lots of research, maybe some classes, maybe some demo days, or maybe after finding the right sale or used opportunity, you finally have your kayak at home and are ready to go. Now what? How do you move it around? How do you get it on your vehicle and transport it safely? Here’s some tips that might help.

In this video, Lex, the Paddlin' Dutchman, builds his own kayak stands to store his kayak. This simple DIY was done with some old wood, a miter saw, screws, and some cam straps.

Fred Pishalski - Victoria, BC

by Adrian Meissner

As paddlers, we depend on pristine natural environments to enjoy our sport, and many paddlers fancy themselves environmentalists or at least environmentally conscious individuals. It is ironic that our beloved sport requires large amounts of gear, usually transported on a large vehicle, often to far off wilderness destinations. As paddlers, we should take a pause and think about what we can do to keep our waterways pristine and rehabilitate them, as well as minimize our overall ecological footprint.

Paddlers often say that we're all "between swims." Flipping is always a possibility. Do you know what to do? Take the quiz and find out.

The best inflatable SUP for you is going to be different than the next paddler, and that's okay. You have to factor in everything from your experience, planned water types, durations, budget, and preferences. So use this list as a starting point to get some ideas and read some reviews of our top picks for inflatable SUPs.

• Win a ADVANCEDFRAME® Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements
• Win 1 of 3 Pursuit Wetsuits from Gill

All April Sweepstakes winners have been contacted and will be posted on the Sweepstakes Winners page.

Kayak Hipster demonstrates 3 things to try next time you're working on your forward stroke. The forward stroke is our main way of moving our kayak, so any little thing we can do to make it more efficient can help us in the long run.

by Adrian Meissner

Before I was domesticated, I spent more than a decade working paddling gigs between paddling trips. The transition into family-life inevitably eroded my regular dose of wild adventures and I feared spiralling into insanity. I made it my mission to raise a family that would love canoe trips. What follows is a short guide that compiles 12 years of lessons on how to have a great time with your family on the river.

Ryan Lilly with Old Town Watercraft takes you through the different factors to consider when choosing your first or next fishing kayak.

by Adrian Meissner

For whitewater canoeists, having the right paddle will maximize your skills for the best performance on the river. The material your paddle is made from determines many of its characteristics. Having a good blade with the characteristics you value enhances your skills and makes the activity that much MORE enjoyable.

by Luke Rovner (Kayak Hipster)

We’ve all been there before. All through the cold months we dream of putting the heavy coats and extra layers away. So, when Spring finally comes around, we’re eager to get back outdoors immediately. But paddling in the Spring can prove to be the toughest time of the year to dress appropriately for our environment.

by Adrian Meissner

Be ready when the ice melts and make the most of this paddling season. Spring is the time to take inventory, check, repair, and replace your gear, and to check in on yourself, so you are ready to paddle when the ice melts.