As the snow on my lawn melts away, so does the time for planning paddling trips. Friends and family will soon book their summer holidays, outfitters will fill up their schedules, and parks will fill their campgrounds. If you haven't already, it’s time to start planning for summer 2023.

Paddling at night is epic, but it is also significantly more dangerous than paddling during the day. So while safety is always important while paddling, this becomes significantly more crucial when you decide to paddle out into the great unknown at night. You need to make sure you pack all the right gear and take all the necessary steps to prepare for this unique type of paddling trip.

British Columbia is home to some of the most spectacular bodies of water on the planet. This Canadian province borders the Pacific Ocean and contains thousands of islands, large and small, begging to be explored by boat. These many coastal islands, inlets, and narrow passages have been the homes of native tribes for thousands of years, as well as the habitat for countless animal species including eagles, bears, seals, and whales.

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.

Solo kayaking between the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas on Hood Canal in Washington State. March 18th, 2023.

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.

When you store a paddle board, it is important to protect it from the elements so it does not lose its structural integrity. Shelter the board from UV light, moisture, and also extreme hot and cold temperatures. When storing a SUP board, store it off the ground and consider investing in a protective bag or cover to ensure it has an extra layer of protection.

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!

Stand Up Paddling is a great and fun way to explore the world on the water while getting a bit of exercise. Once you get the hang of it you might even think you can just grab your board and paddle and venture into the great unknown. While this sounds romantic, it is important you consider your safety before paddling out. After all, the weather and water can change in an instant, turning a beautiful day into a dangerous one.

by Allyson Saunders

Learning a new sport as an adult can be an intimidating thing. There are so many different types and particularities within canoeing, that it is hard to know where to start. You may be asking yourself questions like, “Do I buy all of the equipment, or do I rent?” and, “Do I take lessons, or try to figure it out on my own?” If you are just starting out, you may find some relevant information to help get you started.