Tom Watson

The four fundamental dimensions for a kayak are kayak length, kayak width, kayak deck/cockpit height…

Performing a “bombproof” roll is probably at the pinnacle of kayaking skills. From ancient…

Assisting a capsized paddler to get back upright into a stable, water-free boat is the main purpose…

Bracing provides support while leaning your kayak: 1) more aggressive boat handling during turns;…

From a safety standpoint, sustaining injury to loaders or damage to your boat/vehicle are major…

Protecting your feet from cold and abrasive/rough surfaces are the two primary functions of paddling…

First, of critical importance: If you don’t have your emergency kit/gear on you, you DON’T have it!…

The options available to add running lights to a kayak involve several factors including what type…

When it comes to being visible in your kayak, the color of your boat and PFD play a critical role in…

Whether it’s a corp of seasoned, experience-hardened paddlers or an extended flotilla of friendly…

While the motivation for a kayaker to venture out alone is individual and personal, taking proper…

What an itinerary is to a traveler, a “Float Plan” is to a paddler embarking on an extended kayak…

River obstacles are serious hazards on any waterway - from placid, slow-moving streams to raging,…

Driving a car safely involves much more than merely focusing only as far ahead as the taillights of…

Casting out a rescue throw line, either contained within a Throw Bag or gathered in coils requires…

Throw ropes are a critically important “life line” in certain rescue situations where approaching…

A painter line is simply a rope tied onto the bow of your boat. It is usually attached to a deck…

Whether it’s passing information along a raging river channel, across a wide expanse of ocean or…

Any re-entry type of rescue, whether a solo effort or assisted, can be taxing on the capsized…

Attempting to re-enter your kayak after a capsize can be a very exhausting effort, even with the aid…

Firm foot support is key to proper kayak posturing in the cockpit. Bracing your feet while paddling…

Protecting or shielding your hands from the elements while kayaking makes gloves and other…