Jimmy Styks paddle boards was founded in California in 2009. The first Jimmy Styks paddle boards were introduced when the new technology of inflatable boards was developed. The brand quickly made a name for itself by selling high quality boards to sporting goods stores. As the market matured Jimmy Styks was at the forefront of technology and quickly became popular to many types of paddling enthusiasts.

by Adrian Meissner

Every year I spend a little time over the holidays reflecting on the past year and thinking about what I would like to do differently in the next. This usually involves goals based around eating better, being more active, paddling more, spending more time with my kids/family, etc. This year, I’m going to try emotional goal setting (urged by my psychotherapist wife), that follow my heart. Here is how I plan to do it.

by Tom Gaffey

There are some incredibly breathtaking bodies of water on this planet. Some of them are tucked away at the far corners of the Earth, difficult to reach but worth the expensive plane ticket. But believe it or not, the United States and its varied landscapes is host to some of the best paddling in the world. We have found 13 of our favorite spots in the USA that you should make a point of visiting with your paddle in hand.

With over 12,000 square miles of water, Florida has enough water to paddle for a lifetime! And with some of the most unique waterways in the US, you're sure to be impressed with the scenery Florida has to offer!

by Tom Gaffey

It’s always a good time to make the choice to bring stand up paddling into your life. If you have never surfed or stood on any sort of floating board, however, the idea of taking up SUP boarding as a hobby might feel a bit intimidating or even overwhelming. In order to get started, you just need to make sure you have all the right gear and learn a few basics. Then, before you know it you’ll be paddling out into the great unknown on your own two feet.

by Allyson Saunders

This past summer, I was on a 23-day trip on two northern rivers in the Northwest Territories. By the time I left my home in Ontario and returned, I took a total of eight flights, paddled nearly 500km, and learned so much from my peers, from the river and the land, and unavoidably from myself.

Four kayakers set out to descend the fierce waters of the Karnali, as part of an expedition to one of the country's most remote and extreme rivers, with the intention of learning and enjoying the hidden secrets of this sacred river, before the lack of human consciousness destroys them forever.

Robert E Miller - Isle Royale, MI

by Adrian Meissner

If you paddle in cold weather and/or cold water, you may want to invest in a dry suit. Wearing a dry suit increases safety, enjoyment and the time you can spend on the water. Check out our guide to learn about the materials and features that make a good dry suit, and our top picks.

by Adrian Meissner

Recently I have discovered SUP snorkeling. It happened by accident, while staying in Bahías de Huatulco in Oaxaca, Mexico. While in Huatulco, I quickly developed a love for snorkeling and after a couple weeks at the easy-access spots near the beach, we started to take the SUPs to explore new underwater terrain further afield. Here is what I learned...

by Jeffery Lee

When you love being on the water, winter can be a very long time, especially for those of us who live in the Great Lakes region of the northern U.S., where paddlers often cannot find open water for half the year. But with the proper safety gear and other precautions, we can indeed venture out into a snowy, icy, otherworldly place, where even our usual paddling environs seem fresh and exotic. Let's take a look at how to address some of the hazards of cold-water kayaking.

• Win a $100 eGift Card to Patagonia

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Portable kayaks represent some of the greatest innovations in kayak technology. Portable kayaks have made kayaking accessible to many of us who, otherwise, simply couldn't store or transport a kayak. Check out our guide to buying a portable kayak!

by Luke Rovner (Kayak Hipster)

Flexibility is always a good topic of discussion when it comes to kayaking. Depending on our style of paddling, sometimes we might squeeze ourselves into the tightest of fits, or contort our bodies to have the maximum control possible over the kayak. But is this necessary for all types of paddling? Are there things we could do to help us along the way? Hopefully this will be an interesting discussion on the topic with a few possible takeaways on things to consider when it comes to flexibility.

Whether you have a winter offseason or not, proper boat storage is important when not in use. Fortunately, there are storage systems designed for every imaginable vertical or horizontal nook and cranny. Check out these 12 different storage ideas.

Boots do everything as expected and fit wide feet too!

by Adrian Meissner

In my family’s tradition, no Christmas is complete without a Christmas tree, decorations and Christmas cookies. If you decide to go camping for the holidays, you don’t need to go without. Whether you're kayaking in Baja California or in a hot-tent in Minnesota, making Christmas cookies at the campsite is a great way to get into the wild Christmas spirit.

by Allyson Saunders

We have all dealt with the frustrations of delayed shipping during the pandemic, and nowadays you have to preorder a lot of gear months in advance, so finding the perfect gift in time for the holidays can be challenging. Here are some of my favourite pieces of paddling gear that make great gifts and work within all budgets.

by Tom Gaffey

Holiday shopping can be taxing and altogether stressful. This is particularly true when you are shopping for a person who seems to have everything he or she needs. But if you find yourself struggling to find fun gift ideas for someone who happens to love stand up paddle boarding, you’re in luck. We have compiled a list of must-have gift ideas at all price points that are sure to fill the SUP lover in your life with lots of holiday cheer.