Why River Kayaking Is Special — And Risky

Rivers are often narrower than lakes or oceans, which means if you capsize, shore is usually within swimming distance. This makes river kayaking generally safe, but the strong and sometimes unpredictable current demands respect. Understanding common river kayaking mistakes is key to staying safe and enjoying your trip.

1. Not Wearing a Proper PFD

One of the most critical river kayaking mistakes is neglecting your Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or lifejacket. Think of your PFD as a seatbelt for the water—it might seem unnecessary 99% of the time but can save your life in that 1% when things go wrong. Importantly, choose a paddling-specific PFD designed for comfort and freedom of movement so you’re less likely to want to remove it mid-trip.

2. Ignoring Water Levels and Current

Many kayakers underestimate how dramatically water levels affect river currents, and how quickly levels can change. High water or flood conditions can make currents much faster and more powerful, increasing the chance of being flipped or swept into hazards.

One of the biggest river kayaking mistakes is heading out without checking current water conditions or knowing when to bail early if the water level starts to change and things get dangerous.

3. Using the Wrong Kayak for River Conditions

Taking the wrong kayak on a river can be a fatal mistake. If there is only very mild current, then any kayak will do the trick. But if the current gets a little stronger, choosing the right kayak is critical. In particular, recreational sit-inside kayaks without bulkheads may fill with water if swamped, making it difficult or impossible to control. Bulkheads are walls inside the kayak that separate the boat into separate watertight compartments. Sit-on-top kayaks and inflatable kayaks are always good choices for rivers with current, because they won’t swamp and always float.

Understanding your kayak’s capabilities is key to avoiding serious river kayaking mistakes. Learn how to pick the best kayak for your next river adventure.

4. Underestimating Hazards Like Low-Head Dams and Strainers

Low-head dams and strainers (fallen trees or log jams) are deceptively dangerous. They can trap kayakers and swimmers underwater, making them deadly river hazards. One of the most avoidable river kayaking mistakes is not scouting ahead or portaging around these obstacles, especially if the current pushes you toward them.

5. Not Wearing a Helmet When Needed

While not every river trip requires a helmet, paddlers should wear one when there’s a reasonable chance of flippingin white water above Class I. Skipping helmet use is a common river kayaking mistake that can lead to serious injury.

Stay Safe and Enjoy the Rivers

Rivers are some of the most rewarding places to kayak, but they demand respect and preparation. Avoiding these top river kayaking mistakes—wearing your PFD, checking water levels, choosing the right kayak, scouting hazards, and wearing a helmet when needed—will keep you safe and help you fully enjoy your adventure.

Paddle smart and make rivers your favorite paddling spot!

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1. Always Wear a PFD

For all kayakers, the use of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is non-negotiable. Just like a seatbelt in your vehicle, it might feel unnecessary—until it isn’t. PFD's save lives. Always wear it, even in calm or shallow water. If comfort is an issue, invest in a paddling-specific PFD, and know that there are PFDs designed to accommodate different types of kayaks. For example, some paddling PFDs will have little flotation, or no flotation in the back, to accommodate the high-back seats that quality recreational kayaks often have. If you're looking for a paddling specific PFD, I'm a big fan of NRS lifejackets.

2. Use Your Paddle Properly

One of the most common mistakes beginner kayakers make is using the paddle incorrectly. Make sure the cupped (concave) side of the blade faces you. If they do so, then the Logos should be upright and readable on the blade. If they're not, it means your blades are on the wrong side of the kayak, and you need to rotate the paddle 180-degrees. Your hand placement should be slightly more than shoulder width apart, with your hands an equal distance from the blades. To test your hand placement, put your paddle on your head. This should create a 90° angle at your elbows. When you're paddling, you should maintain a light and relaxed grip on the paddle.

Some paddles will have drip rings on each end. if yours does, position the drip rings a hand’s width from the blades. This will prevent water from running off the blade, down the paddle shaft to your hands, where it will then drip onto your lap.

Another consideration is the feather, or twist of your paddle. This refers to the angle difference between the two blades. There is no right or wrong when it comes to paddle feather. I would recommend using anything between a 0 and 45° twist. Most quality 2-piece kayak paddles let you modify the twist of the paddle.

Choosing the right paddle length is key to comfort and efficiency. Read an article about Kayak Paddle Size and Length.

3. Power Your Strokes with Torso Rotation

Strong arms help—but your core should do the heavy lifting. Many beginner kayakers underestimate the value of torso rotation. Rotate your torso with each stroke to maximize power and reduce fatigue. This technique also improves control and allows you to paddle longer with less strain.

Check out my tips to learn the three kayaking strokes that form the foundation for good paddling technique.

4. Prepare for a Capsize

Capsizing happens—even to the best of us. Beginner kayakers should stay within swimming distance of shore unless they’ve learned how to reenter a kayak from the water. it's also critical that you dress for the water temperature, not just the air temperature. Below 65°F/18°C? You’ll want to consider a wetsuit, dry suit or other technical paddling apparel to help prevent hypothermia. For more information, PaddleTV offers a detailed video on the gear you should consider when paddling in cold conditions.

If you're paddling in warm water, and on bodies of water that are protected from strong wind and waves, then you don't NEED to take a paddling course. But, the American Canoe Association does have a free Paddlesports Online Safety Course that is worth it for all beginner kayakers. If you want to explore more broadly with your kayak, it is highly recommended that you take a kayak safety and rescue course.

5. Know Your Limits as a Kayaker

Accidents happen when paddlers overestimate their skills. Beginner kayakers should be honest about their fitness and experience, and they should know about their kayak’s capabilities. Sit-on-top kayaks are safer overall because they won't swamp. On the other hand, sit-inside models tend to perform better, but they need proper flotation like bulkheads or float bags in order to be safe if you're going to travel further from shore than you can comfortably swim.

Make the Most of These 5 Rules

Stick to these five golden rules—wear your PFD, use your paddle correctly, engage your torso, be ready for a capsize, and know your limits—and you’ll steer clear of the most common beginner hazards. Beginner kayakers will find kayaking safe and fun—if they respect the water, their gear, and their own limitations.

For more in-depth tips and gear reviews, check out Ken Whiting’s videos on Paddle TV. Paddle safe—and have fun out there!

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My Hammock Experience

A couple of years ago, I went on a multi-day river trip who used hammocks, and who couldn't believe I hadn't tried one. The following year, I did another river trip with a different friend who used a hammock, and sung their praise. Although I was skeptical, especially since decades of kayaking had taken their toll on my lower back, I headed out on a short kayak camping trip with a hammock in my boat instead of a tent, and with an acceptance of the fact that I was probably going to have a miserable night's sleep. Much to my surprise, I had one of the better night’s sleep that I’ve ever had camping, and learned some valuable lessons about hammocks (and tents) in the process. Here's what I can share with you:

The Benefits of a Tent

There are a number of benefits to tent camping. Some of the most notable benefits are that they come in wide variety of sizes to accommodate solo campers, or entire families/groups, and they offer more versatile space to stretch out and store gear. This roominess is also a real benefit if you're stuck at camp, and dealing with rain or bugs. The tent becomes a refuge—a place where you and others can relax comfortably – maybe even play a game of cards.

Tents are also versatile. You can pitch them pretty much anywhere as long as the ground is reasonably flat. This makes them a solid choice for all kinds of terrain, from mountain tops to beaches, and river banks.

The Benefits of a Hammock

Before doing a real hammock camping trip, I would have struggled to identify any significant benefits of the hammock. But I quickly learned that there were many. Being elevated off the ground has a number of benefits. For one, you don't need to worry about waking up in a pool of water, as you do with a tent. They’re also incredibly easy to get in and out of. This means no more crawling around on your hands and knees. You simply sit down into the hammock, and when it's time to get out, you swing your legs out and stand up. Hammocks are also more convenient when kayak camping, because the hammock packs into a number of very small bags, which fit inside a kayak very well.

When it comes to sleep quality, I was pleasantly surprised. I have some lower back issues, and I wasn’t sure how a hammock would feel over the course of a full night out. It turns out that they can be very comfortable! Fortunately, I did some research before my first night out in a hammock, and learned that using a sleeping pad and/or underquilt goes a long way to keeping you warm on cooler nights, as it provides insulation underneath your body, where your sleeping bag doesn't help.

Hammock vs Tent: A Quick Breakdown

• Comfort: Both can be comfortable if set up correctly. With a tent, you’ll want to find the flattest possible ground, making sure your head is higher than your feet if a perfectly flat surface isn't available. With a hammock, the key is tension—make sure it’s not too loose, and use a sleeping pad in the hammock for comfort and insulation. If it's a particularly cold trip, consider an underquilt.
• Sleep Quality: When set up properly, both a tent and hammock can provide a great nights sleep, if you have the appropriate accessories. For a tent, this means not skimping on the sleeping pad you use. I highly recommend a sleeping pad that inflates to 3-4″, and a camp pillow, if getting a good night sleep is a priority for you. For a hammock, this means using a sleeping pad or underquilt to insulate you from below, and having an integrated bug net if needed. This is why I was using the ENO JungleNest Hammock.
• Setup: Tents require flat ground, while hammocks need two trees spaced just right. Both are easy enough to set up once you get the hang of it, but if it’s raining, setting up a tarp first can make the process a lot easier for both options.
• Weather and Bugs: A tent offers more space to escape bugs and bad weather. But with the right bug net and tarp setup, a hammock can be just as effective, though less comfortable for lounging in during long rainy spells.

When to Choose a Hammock vs Tent

For me, the decision now comes down to the trip itself. If I know the area well and am confident that there will be plenty of trees to hang a hammock, I’ll likely bring a hammock—it's cozy, it's easy to set up, and it's nice to avoid the hands-and-knees scramble of tent camping.

On the other hand, if I'm not confident that there will be appropriate trees for hanging the hammock, or if I’m heading into a bug-heavy area where the weather could trap me in camp, I will bring a tent so that I have more space and protection to hang out.

Whichever you choose, it’s all about enjoying the great outdoors and making the most of your camping experience. That being said, trying new things adds a layer of adventure to your trips, and so if you haven't already done so, give hammock camping a shot—you might just discover your new favorite way to sleep under the stars.

Stay tuned for more gear reviews, tips, and Backcountry adventures!

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First, let me emphasize something important—kayaking is an incredibly safe activity overall. However, like any sport involving nature's elements, it demands respect and preparedness. That's why I'm passionate about sharing these insights; to ensure your time on the water is not just exhilarating but also as safe as possible. I want to give a special shout-out to our partner, the American Canoe Association (ACA). They've been instrumental in promoting paddling safety and education. Check out their paddling course for more great information.

Wear Your PFD (Personal Flotation Device)

Let's start with the basics. Wearing a PFD isn't just a suggestion; it's non-negotiable. As my friend Chad Hoover humorously puts it, “PFD stands for ‘pretty freaking dumb' if you don't wear one.” Whether you're paddling calm waters or braving more challenging conditions, a PFD is your seatbelt on the water—an essential piece of gear that can save your life in unforeseen circumstances.

Dress for Immersion

One of the gravest mistakes paddlers make is not dressing appropriately for immersion. Imagine a warm day on the beach; it's tempting to wear light, cotton clothing. However, when you're paddling and there's a chance of immersion in cold water, cotton becomes your worst enemy. Opt instead for synthetic fabrics like fleece or polypropylene that insulate even when wet, or consider a wetsuit or drysuit for added protection.

Know Your Limits: Distance from Shore and Re-Entry

Another critical point is understanding your capabilities when it comes to re-entering your kayak from the water. Practice re-entry to the kayak, practice this skill in calm conditions before venturing further from shore. It's not just about physical strength; it's about confidence and preparedness for any scenario that might arise.

Respect the Weather

Bad weather can escalate quickly, posing significant risks if you're unprepared and potentially becoming a fatal kayaking mistake. Always check the forecast and be ready to adjust your plans. Never feel compelled to push forward through hazardous conditions; having the ability to wait it out or find shelter can make all the difference.

Awareness of River Hazards

Navigating rivers adds another layer of complexity. Dams and log jams can be lethal if not approached with caution. Avoid low-head dams and steer clear of log jams, especially in high-water conditions where currents are stronger and more unpredictable.

Stay Grounded: Standing in Current

Standing up in fast-moving water might seem harmless, but it can lead to serious accidents. The riverbed is often uneven and can trap your foot, making it impossible to regain stability. Always swim to shallow water before attempting to stand.

Protect Yourself from the Elements

Lastly, don't overlook protection from the sun and heat. Wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and choose clothing that shields you from UV rays. Staying hydrated is equally crucial; invest in reliable water filtration systems if paddling in fresh water.

By being aware of these common pitfalls and taking proactive measures, you can significantly enhance your safety and enjoyment while kayaking. Remember, preparation and knowledge are your best allies on the water.

I want to give a special shout-out to our partner, the American Canoe Association (ACA). They've been instrumental in promoting paddling safety and education. Check out their paddling course for more great information.

For more in-depth tips and insights, subscribe to my PaddleTV YouTube channel, where I cover a wide range of paddling topics and gear reviews. Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep exploring!

Happy paddling,

Ken Whiting

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1. Spring paddling tips #1: Give Your Gear Some Love

You rely on your gear as a kayaker, so you have to keep it well-maintained. Spring is the right time to maintain your gear, so here are some ways to keep it well-maintained. 

Waterproofing Treatment

In Spring, the weather and the water are colder. Depending on where you live, it can still be freezing. So, when on the water, you will need your dry wear to stay dry. Dry gear needs to be treated with a waterproofing treatment for it to keep working well. 

Waterproofing treatments are easy to use, and there are many options available. My go-to is Nikwax, which I have been using Nikwax for a decade. 

303 Protectant

The 303 Protectant spray has been a go-to product in the kayaking industry for many years. It protects your gear in a variety of ways.

It protects the gaskets on your dry suit or top from drying out and cracking and is also a UV protectant. Therefore, 303 Protectant protects anything likely to be hit by the sun. For example, it helps keep kayaks from fading or deteriorating due to harmful UV rays. To use it, all you do is spray the product on a surface and wipe it down with a rag.  

2. Start Slowly

Likely over the winter, you have not paddled much, if at all. So, you should not expect that you can still do the things you were doing at the end of the last paddling season. It is an easy trap to fall into.

The problem with diving straight into a big day of paddling is that it can lead to overuse injuries. These might simply be blisters on your hand. However, it could lead to something worse, such as tendonitis in your wrist or shoulder. Overuse injuries like tendonitis can stop you from paddling for a longer chunk of time. So, when you start kayaking again at the beginning of the season, it is important to lower your expectations. Do not try to paddle as far, and don’t try to do as much as you were at the end of last season. Instead, work your way up to the longer, harder paddles. 

Another good idea to avoid injury is to do some related exercises before you get back into your boat. Doing this allows your body to get back into shape for paddling. These exercises can be as simple as push-ups. When I know the paddling season is about to begin, I start doing daily push-ups. I start strengthening my body and getting it ready. 

3. Bring an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is a dry bag filled with items you might need in an emergency, such as extra gear. In the springtime, temperatures can often drop significantly at the end of the day. You need to prepare for changing conditions in case you are out on the water longer than you intended. Extra gear can mean extra layers (tops and bottoms), hats, gloves, or anything that will keep you warm on the water. 

If you intend to travel further from shore, your emergency kit needs to contain gear that will help you keep warm overnight. In springtime, there is always the risk that you might get caught in a storm and be unable to get back to your starting point. In that case, you need to have gear that will allow you to survive camping out overnight. It does not have to be comfortable, but you do need to be able to survive. 

In a situation like this, the things you bring depend on where you are. It can include items like a fire starter, a lighter, a knife, zip ties, and a rope. Extra food, snacks, and water are also essential. You need to bring anything that you can fit in one or two dry bags that will, in a pinch, help you survive. 

The worst situation you can be in is being stuck on the water, feeling like you need to push through unsafe conditions to get back home just because you are underprepared. Bring an emergency kit so you can be more comfortable if things do not go as planned out on the water. And, so you can spend an emergency night out on the water if needed. 

4. Bring a Thermos

The easiest way to improve a Spring paddling trip is to bring a thermos. Bring a thermos with something warm to drink. I can guarantee that everyone in your group will love you. They will especially love you if you bring my favorite drink: baileys and hot water! One part of Baileys with eight to ten parts of hot water makes a delicious Baileys tea. 

If you bust a thermos out with something warm and tasty, your friends will love you. Not only that, but it really can change the mood of a trip, especially when people are a little cold and down in the dumps. So make sure to bring a thermos with something warm to drink. 

5. Dress for Immersion

Dressing for immersion is the biggest tip I can give anyone paddling in Spring conditions. At this time, the water is colder than usual, so you have to dress to be able to handle an unexpected swim. 

There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to what to wear. It depends on factors such as how cold the water is, the air temperature, how long you might be in the water, and how far away you will be from a warm and dry place. If it is cold conditions and you are soaking wet, your battle against hypothermia is not over until you can get to a place of warmth. All of these factors play a role in how you dress for immersion. 

In the Coldest Conditions

In the coldest conditions, you only have two choices. You have to either use a wetsuit or a dry suit. 

Wetsuits

The benefit of a wetsuit is that it is much cheaper than a dry suit. Other than that, there are not too many benefits. Wetsuits do the job and provide a great option for paddling in cold conditions. 

The neoprene in a wetsuit insulates you when it is wet. It holds a thin layer of water between you and the neoprene itself. Your body heats that water, and the neoprene layer lets you keep the heat in. For a wetsuit to work most effectively, the wetsuit needs to be form-fitting. Otherwise, the insulating layer does not work effectively. 

Wetsuits work, which is why you see surfers in the freezing cold ocean using them and staying warm enough while active. However, wetsuits are not as good an option as dry suits for paddling. The reason for that is that dry suits keep you completely dry. Wearing a wetsuit means you need to be wet! 

Dry Suits

Dry suits keep you dry because they have gaskets. Rubber gaskets on your neck, wrists, and ankles provide a waterproof seal. The suit is made from a waterproof, breathable material that lets you wear even your street clothes underneath it and stay dry. However, street clothes are not the right gear for paddling in the Spring. 

The dry suit does a great job of keeping you completely dry but does not provide insulation. So, underneath the dry suit, you need to wear layers that will insulate you. How many and which layers depend on how cold it is. But it is always a good idea to wear several different layers. That way, you can take layers off or add layers if you need to. 

I always wear a thin layer of merino wool as a base layer on both the top and bottom. I then wear a thicker fleece layer over the top of those. The size of this layer depends on the temperature outside. The joy of these materials is that they are moisture-wicking fabrics. Any sweat is pulled away from my body and does not cool me down. 

A dry suit is the ultimate protection against the cold but is expensive. It is one of those things that is worth buying if you intend to spend a lot of time out on the water in cold conditions. However, if you are not, it might be better to wait for warmer weather before you get out on the water. 

On your feet

My go-to shoe when paddling in cold conditions is the NRS Boundary boot. I have used this boot for over a decade because it is so good. It is a wetsuit boot, but unlike a wet suit, it is fully waterproof unless you step into deep water and the water gets over the cuff. So it keeps your feet warm. 

I wear the NRS Boundary boot over a dry suit with feet. That way, I can wear socks inside my dry suit and then put my warm, waterproofed, and socked feet into the shoe. So, there is no way my feet will get wet, even if I step into deep water. That makes for toastie feet. If you intend to wear a wetsuit boot over a dry suit, buy a wetsuit boot that is a little bigger than your usual boot. That way, you have space for the dry suit and socks!

On your hands

When it comes to keeping your hands warm, there are several choices. There are, for example, wetsuit mitts and gloves. You can find wetsuit mitts and gloves in many styles and thicknesses. 

You can also use something called pogies. To use pogies, you attach them to your paddle using velcro over the top of the paddle. Then, you slide your hands into the pogie and hold your paddle as normal. The joy of using pogies is that you have direct contact with your paddle. Pogies are ideal to use when performance is important, for example, when paddling in rough conditions. Due to the direct contact with your paddle, they allow you to have more control. 

I did, however, recently learn a limitation of pogies. At the beginning of the winter, I took a multi-day trip alone. To keep a long story short, while I was resting my boat floated away by itself. I had to swim after the kayak. Luckily, I had a dry suit on because the weather was below-freezing. But because I was using pogies on that trip, I ended up swimming with bare hands. Despite only being in the water for about a minute, my hands were numb and useless with no gloves. Until they warmed up, I could not do anything. 

This experience was a bit of a wake-up call that, while paddling, pogies are my favorite. However, you cannot always gear up based on the best situation, instead, you have to plan your gear for the worst-case scenarios. In cold conditions, the worst-case scenario is going for a swim. So, learning from that, next time I paddle in very cold conditions, I will not use pogies but will wear something that will allow me to manage a swim much better. 

In Cool Conditions

When the conditions are not as cold but are still cool, you should still dress for immersion. You still need to dress in a way that will let you survive a swim – whether it is comfortable or not. 

There are lots of different options for what to wear in cool conditions. So, you may not need to wear a wet suit or dry suit, but you might be able to wear a paddling top or splash top with no gaskets. If the water is not too cold, you may not need to stay fully dry, so a splash top could be sufficient. 

In cool conditions, you will always need to wear layers – and particularly moisture-wicking layers. These layers should be moisture-wicking and insulating to keep you warm. The one rule is that you should never wear cotton while out on the water when it is cold because it does not insulate when it is wet. Cotton does the opposite. It draws warmth from your body. So, on hot days, a cotton T-shirt is not a bad idea – but that is a different story. In cool water, in springtime, do not wear cotton. 

In cooler conditions, I often wear the NRS Hydroskin, which has a wetsuit material on the outside and a fleece inside. It acts like a wetsuit when it is wet and insulates when it is both wet or dry. I will then add different layers of fleece. But the great thing about these layers is that they last a long time if looked after properly. 

On your feet and hands

In cooler conditions, booties are a great option to wear on your feet. I use wetsuit boots made of neoprene and designed to insulate when dry or wet. I will use this style of boot until it gets too hot to use them anymore. 

If your hands get cold quickly, several different types of light gloves can take the edge off of the cold. 

The reality of paddling in the Spring is that you need to have the right gear. If you intend to paddle in cold conditions, you need to invest in the right gear because hypothermia is a real thing that can creep up on you. Gear up and make conservative decisions in the Spring to keep yourself safe. 

Happy paddling! 

Cold Water Gear: NRS Flux Dry Top, NRS HydroSkin Pants, NRS Boundry Boots, NRS Wetsuit, NRS Pogies, NRS Wetsuit Booties
Kayaks: Swell Watercraft Scupper 14
Paddles: Aqua Bound Manta Ray
PFD:  NRS Zen PFD, NRS Ninja Lifejacket

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When to Use a Skeg 

If you paddle a touring or sea kayak on a windy day, you might notice that when the skeg is up, the kayak naturally turns towards the direction of the wind. This phenomenon is known as weather cocking and happens when your kayak has a keel that cuts through the water. The kayak does not start turning because of the direction of the bow. Instead, it is because the wind blows the stern of the kayak downwind faster than it blows the bow. 

To stop weather cocking you have two main options. The first is to paddle harder on one side than on the other. This way, you can keep the kayak moving more or less in a straight line. However, this is not an ideal or comfortable solution for long as it causes you to paddle unevenly. 

The other option is to use something to keep the stern in place, which is where the skeg comes in. 

How to Use a Skeg

When you notice you need to paddle unevenly to keep your kayak straight, it is time to drop the skeg. Skegs can be lowered to different levels. The depth of the skeg will affect how firmly the stern is held into place. If you lower it fully, it is possible that the stern is held too firmly in place. This might cause the kayak to start turning in the other direction. 

The amount you need to drop the skeg depends on the strength and direction of the wind and your kayak's tendency to weather cock. Every kayak with a keel does weather cock slightly. However, a lot of inflatable kayaks do not weather cock. They have a flat bottom, which is why many of them do not need a skeg. 

If you have a skeg, it just takes a little experimenting to see how much you need to lower it. The goal is to be able to paddle evenly on both sides and in a straight line. The depth the skeg needs to go will differ every time you are out on the water. However, using your skeg will make paddling in the wind much more enjoyable! 

Kayak: Melker Ulvon
Paddles:  Gearlab Outdoors Greenland Ipik
PFD:   NRS OSO Lifejacket
Storage: Gearlab Outdoors Deck Pod 2
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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Carving Drill

Carving is an important skill for a variety of reasons. It is how you make solid and efficient eddy turns and good ferries. It also unlocks the door to many cool play moves like surfing waves. So it is invaluable for whitewater kayakers to learn to carve instead of letting the boat spin out. 

How To Do the Carving Drill

First, you need to start kayaking and get some speed. Then you will establish turn momentum, put your kayak on edge, and use only forward strokes on the inside of your turn. Doing this keeps the kayak carving in a circle. 

It is only possible to take strokes on the inside of a turn and keep going in the same direction if you do two things. The first thing is to keep the boat balanced on the edge. You do this by balancing on one butt cheek and fine-tuning the tilt using the opposite knee. 

The second thing is to have the correct paddle position. Your paddle has to be vertical when you take a stroke. If the paddle shaft is more horizontal, it will kill your spin momentum. Because the paddle is vertical, you are not relying on it as a brace. It does not provide any balancing support, therefore, you have to rely on your own balance. 

How to Apply Power

Once you become comfortable with that carving drill in both directions (which is important), you need to add power. I was once told that whitewater kayaking is all about technique and not power. There is some truth to that because good technique will take you a long way in the sport, while power alone will take you less far. But, as in any sport, you need good technique, but for that to be useful, you need to be able to apply power. 

So how do you start applying power to the carving drill? Well, you need to get moving and carving again. The next step is to start pulling more aggressively on the paddle. With every stroke, you should thrust your hips forward. When you do this, you involve the whole body, which provides more power. 

Application of the Carving Drill

You might recognize this as the boof stroke. It is the stroke you take when you go off a waterfall and thrust your boat over the lip. When you are boof off a waterfall, you need to hold your boat on edge. The last stroke before you go off the waterfall should be vertical so that you keep your boat straight. Boofing is just one of many applications of this stroke. 

A more common application of the carving drill is in eddy turns. When you approach an eddy and want to cut into the main current, you need to paddle toward the eddy line with some speed. As you cross the eddy line, you should thrust the kayak across the line and into the main current to avoid getting spun. 

Pivot Turns

This drill is intended for kayaks with a slicey stern, so half-slice sterns or playboats. It does not work in a creek boat. 

So what are pivot turns? Pivot turns involve sinking one end of the kayak (usually the stern) under the water to make your kayak spin faster. Pivot turns are important to learn because they allow you to control your kayak's spin momentum. Whitewater kayaks are designed to turn, not to go straight, so you need to learn how to control the spinning momentum a whitewater kayak already has. 

Pivot turns also allow you to harness the power of buoyancy energy. Buoyancy energy is the energy your kayak has any time the end of it is underwater. The end of your kayak does not want to stay underwater instead, it wants to come to the surface. You can use this to your advantage. Pivot turns also teach you edge control. 

A Forward Sweep Pivot Turn

You can practice the pivot turn using a forward sweep and a backward sweep. To do a forward sweep turn, you should sink the stern of the kayak as you take a forward sweep. 

Once the stern has been sunk, it doesn’t want to be underwater so, before the stroke is finished you have to level off the kayak. If you don’t level it off in time, the stern will “hit the wall” and pop back off to the surface. 

If you do level the stern off in time, then it comes back to the surface in the direction you want it to come back in. This keeps your kayak spinning in full circle.

There are some useful things to note when doing a pivot turn. At the beginning of the stroke, you can be the most aggressive at throwing your stern downwards. As your stern goes further underwater, it has more and more buoyancy energy, so you start to lose power.

This is the point where you need to level your angle so that it is completely level by the time you finish your stroke. So you do not go directly from underwater to completely leveled in one go. Instead, you start as aggressively as possible and gradually level it off. 

How to Practice the Pivot Turn

You can practice pivot turns in a variety of different ways. Firstly, you can practice it with a forward sweep, making sure to get comfortable with it on both sides. After all, you won’t only have to edge in one direction. You can also practice it with a back sweep. This is known as a stern squirt. 

You could practice this on eddy lines, but it is better to practice on flat water. When doing pivot turns on flat water, you can see if and when you are doing something wrong. If you don’t level your boat off on time when on flat water, you will “hit the wall”, and lose all of the spin momentum you initiated. 

Backpaddling

Backpaddling is a simple skill that is very important for multiple reasons. 

1. It Develops Backpaddling Awareness

The more backpaddling practice you have, the more you develop your backpaddling awareness. The most likely time to panic is when you are turned backward while on a rapid. And the reason this can feel so scary is that most people have far more awareness when paddling forward than when facing backward. This awareness comes with practice and spending time going backward. 

The biggest jump in my whitewater skills came one summer when a buddy and I decided to spend the entire month doing our regular paddles backward. We ran every rapid backward, caught every wave backward, and did everything we would normally do forwards, but backward instead. We were beaten and battered a few times, but our whitewater skills had improved massively by the end of the month. 

I am not recommending that everyone should try this. But, there are less aggressive ways to practice backpaddling and develop your backpaddling awareness. For instance, when you get a nice eddy line, practice your eddy turns backward, practice your ferries backward, and if you are bold enough, you can even practice rapids backward. 

2. It Works The Front Deltoid Muscles

Backpaddling works the front deltoids. The deltoids are muscles in your chest that you don’t often use when forward paddling. Working these helps to balance the body out when you do a lot of forward paddling. 

Backpaddling Tips

When backpaddling, particularly with a slicey stern, it helps to keep your weight slightly forwards. If you tilt your kayak slightly into each backward stroke, it lifts your stern edges out of the water. 

These are the three drills that all whitewater paddlers should practice regularly and master. Doing these three things regularly will have a profound effect on your whitewater kayaking. 

The Pyranha Ripper 2

In this video I used the Pyranha Ripper 2 half slice whitewater kayak. This boat is a great river running kayak and is fun to play with as well on waves. Check out my review here: The Pyranha Ripper 2 Review: The Best All-Round Whitewater Kayak?

Kayak: Pyranha Ripper 2
PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Zen Whitewater Vest
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Shred
Shirt:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men’s Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts

The post Key Tips for Whitewater Kayakers appeared first on Hazeadventure.

To illustrate how easy it is to repair your inflatable kayak, I drilled a hole in my Sea Eagle 385. So let’s fix it. Many thanks to Sea Eagle for their support over the years… man do I feel bad about drilling a hole in their kayak! You'll see that the provide all you need to quickly get back on the water! I have a whole bunch of posts, stories and reviews of Sea Eagle products. Check them out here: Sea Eagle Articles

1. Find the Puncture

When you have a small puncture in your inflatable kayak and can't find it, there is a simple solution. Spread soapy water over the surface of the kayak and the soap on top of the leak will start bubbling. It very quickly becomes clear exactly where the leak is!

2. Dry and Mark the Hole

Once you’ve found the location of the hole, you will need to clean it. Ideally, you need to remove anything oily from the surface. You can do this using toluene or paint thinner. Then, dry the kayak completely. 

Make sure to mark the hole on the kayak so you don’t lose track of the leak. It can be easy to lose track of the leak when the kayak is deflated. 

3. Find a Patch

Once you know where the leak is and have dried it off, you need a patch. Most inflatable kayaks come with a patch repair kit so you can patch up your inflatable kayak if it happens to puncture. 

The Sea Eagle 385 repair kit includes glue and several different patches depending on which part of the kayak needs patching. Some inflatable kayaks come with one generic patch to use anywhere on the kayak.

You may also receive tear aids, which are very flexible second-skin-type patches. You can apply these directly to the leak which in 99% of cases it will stop the leak immediately. Tear aid is a great temporary solution for when you are on the water. However, this is not a long-term fix, so you still need to patch the kayak for a more long-term solution. 

4. Prepare the Patch

The first thing to do to prepare the patch is to cut it to the correct size for the hole. The patch does not need to be huge. All you need is at least half an inch of fabric from the edge of the hole on all sides. It is best to create a circular shape patch. Patches with hard, squared corners are more likely to catch on things and will ultimately lift-off.  

Cut the patch with good, sharp kitchen scissors. If you do not have these, a sharp knife works as well. 

5. Deflate the Kayak

You will need to deflate the kayak to glue the patch. When the kayak is inflated, the material is stretched. You do not want to glue an unstretched patch onto a stretched kayak because this will strain the patch and the glue. When the kayak is deflated, neither material will be stretched. 

6. Glue the Patch

After double-checking that the area is clean and dry, it's time to start gluing. You should apply glue to both the patch and the kayak in two layers. If you want to be very precise, you can trace the patch onto the kayak so you know exactly where to spread the glue. 

To break the gluing process down, apply the first layer of the glue to the kayak and the patch and then let it dry. Once this layer is dry, apply a thin second layer to the kayak and the patch and let that almost completely dry. Before it fully dries, place the patch and gently work it on. Then leave it to cure for a short while. 

7. Re-inflate the Kayak 

Once the patch is dried and cured, you can re-inflate your kayak and test to make sure that it has fully covered the air leak. I prefer to inflate my inflatable kayaks using a battery-powered pump (mine goes up to 15 psi) so that I can use minimal effort! 

It is a good sign if you cannot hear any air leaks when the kayak is fully inflated. But to double-check that there is no leak, you can do the bubble test again. If you don’t see any bubbles, your kayak is good to go! 

It Is That Easy

Getting a small hole in an inflatable kayak is not a deal breaker. It is not the end of your kayak and you can easily patch it. That being said, if there is a leak on a seam, it is a much more difficult process. Seam issues can be the end of your boat. But if you get a puncture anywhere else on your kayak, you can very easily repair it. 

Kayak: Sea Eagle 385 FT
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt

The post Repairing Inflatable Boats appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The Boats I'm Showing Off

For this article, I'm going to be using the Perception Hangtime 11 paddle kayak and the Perception Showdown pedal kayak. Though both are in different categories, both represent their niche very well.

Where Will You Use Your Kayak?

Where you intend to use your kayak is a factor that will answer the paddle or pedal kayak question immediately. You can use a paddle kayak anywhere and for any type of kayaking (with the right kayak). On the other hand, the pedal kayak does have some serious limitations. They do not perform well in:

• Rivers with current
• Shallow waters 
• Zones with thick vegetation 
• Surf zones

These are just a few examples of places where the pedal system is a liability. In these environments, you should not use a pedal-driven kayak but instead, choose a paddle-driven kayak. 

Boat Control

A paddle kayak offers a lot more control. The paddle allows you to make small corrections, and quickly turn, stop, or reverse. You have a lot more control using a paddle kayak compared to a pedal kayak. 

That being said, some pedal kayaks are remarkably maneuverable, but it depends on the type of pedal kayak. Some pedal kayaks don’t even offer you the ability to reverse which can be very limiting. Even if you have a pedal-driven kayak, you will need to carry a paddle with you. 

Kayak Speed

A pedal-driven kayak is generally considerably faster than a paddle kayak. Although this isn’t the case for every single kayak, when you take two kayaks with comparable build, style, and size, the pedal kayak is generally faster. 

Comfort

The comfort of a kayak depends on what works best for you and your body. That being said, pedal-driven kayaks tend to be slightly more comfortable than paddle-driven kayaks. The reason for this is that the ideal position to pedal in is leaning-back and lounging. The lounging position is more comfortable for a lot of people, especially for those with tight hamstrings. It can, however, exacerbate back problems. So comfort-wise there is no clear winner and it depends more on what position is most comfortable for your body. 

Another aspect to take into consideration regarding comfort is the shoulders and knees. A lot of people have shoulder pain, in which case a pedal-driven kayak is a better choice. On the other hand, the pedal-driven kayak can aggravate bad knees, in which case a paddle-driven kayak might be a better choice. At the end of the day, it comes down to your specific body and how it works. The best way to decide which method is most comfortable and enjoyable for your body is to test out both a pedal and a paddle-driven kayak before buying one.

Pedal Kayak Advantages

The pedal kayak has a distinct advantage when it comes to kayak fishing and photography. When you drive your kayak with your feet, your hands are free to fish or hold a camera. They are not completely free because you still need to use them to steer the kayak every once in a while. 

The other caveat is that you lose some boat control with a pedal kayak, which means you will have less control over where your boat is moving or pointed to than in a paddle-driven kayak. But as a general rule, there is a real advantage to using the pedal kayak for fishing and photography. 

Price

Price is one of the biggest factors for most people. You pay a hefty premium to get a pedal kayak. You can expect to pay $1000-1500 (USD) more for a kayak with a pedal drive system. This is a lot of money. It is, however, absolutely worth it for people who want to use a pedal-driven kayak. As a general rule, people who choose to buy pedal-driven kayaks end up loving them. 

Some people argue that you save a bit of money when purchasing a pedal-driven kayak because you don’t need to spend on a paddle. However, you do need to take a paddle with you when using a pedal kayak. You might have a mechanical failure or end up in a situation where you need the paddle to maneuver the kayak. So the reality is that you do pay a hefty premium for the pedal-driven kayak. 

What is The Right Choice?

The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong choice to make. It is completely up to your personal preference and situation. The kayak location will influence your choice. In some locations, a pedal-driven kayak will simply be the wrong choice. Physical limitations are also a factor to consider, whether you have bad knees, shoulders, or other limitations. 

I am a paddler at heart and have been paddling for 35 years so personally would always choose to use a paddle-driven kayak. That being said, I can appreciate the benefits of a pedal-driven kayak, particularly when I am fishing or filming. I am glad that I don’t need to have just one kayak. If you can only have one kayak then you have a much more difficult choice to make! 

I did a post a while ago on the Showdown and the Hangtime. Check out the Perception Showdown 11.5 Kayak Review – Pedal Fishing Kayak and the Perception Hangtime 11 Review.

Kayaks: Perception Hangtime 11, Perception Showdown
PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece
Shirts and Tops:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men’s Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Pedal Kayaks Vs Paddle Kayaks: Which Should You Choose? appeared first on Hazeadventure.

There are a lot of advantages to using tandem kayaks. They are wide and, therefore, stable. Tandem kayaks can move fast because you have two people driving them along. But you can also power tandem kayaks with just one person. So you don't need to paddle all the time. This is great for people who tire easily, are lazy, or prefer relaxing on the water. 

So, here are 3 tandem kayak tips to make the most out of your tandem kayaking experience. 

Tandem Kayak Tip #1

Tandem kayaks have often been called divorce boats. That is because paddling adventures in a tandem kayak can become heated debates on the water. But that only happens when people go for a paddle without appreciating why the other person is on the water. When you understand what both paddlers hope to get from an experience on the water, you can adjust the paddling trip plans to accommodate that. 

For example, when I recently went on a trip with my wife, we planned what we wanted out of the trip. I like pushing myself to my limits while my wife prefers relaxing on the water. So if we had planned a long trip, she would’ve become overly tired, maybe a little cranky, and neither of us would enjoy it. Instead, I created a paddling trip that we would both enjoy and altered my expectations. We ended up having a wonderful experience.

Tandem kayaks do not need to be divorce boats. You can have an incredible experience with the people you love, on the water, in a tandem kayak. You just need to have the right expectations. 

Tip #2: Stronger Paddler Should Be in the Stern

There are a couple of reasons why the stronger or more active paddler should sit in the stern. If the person in the bow stops paddling, the person at the back can continue to paddle and keep control of the kayak. You can keep making good headway with only the person in the stern kayaking. On the other hand, if the person in the stern stops paddling, the person paddling in the bow will have more difficulty controlling the kayak. So the stronger and more active paddler should always be in the stern of the boat. 

Tip #3. Paddle in Unison on Same Side

Paddling in unison looks prettier when you are out on the water. But more importantly, you are less likely to clash paddles when you paddle in time with each other. Ultimately this will make paddling in a tandem kayak far less frustrating because you can take a clean and full stroke each time. By paddling in unison you will have a less frustrating and more efficient trip. 

When paddling in unison, it is important to note that the person in the bow of the kayak sets the pace. The stern paddler then matches the bow paddler's pace. Sometimes your natural stroke pace might be different from each other. To deal with this the stern paddler can always communicate and ask the bow paddler to adjust their pace. 

Tip #4 Use Opposite Sweep Stokes to Turn

The most efficient way to turn a tandem kayak is to use opposite sweep strokes on opposite sides. To do this the bow paddler does a forward sweep stroke on one side of the kayak while the stern paddler does a reverse sweep stroke on the other side. This turns the kayak very effectively. 

What is a sweep stroke? Well, that is a stroke where you hold the paddle low and sweep the paddle out in a wide arc. You are not propelling the kayak forward in this stroke, you are turning it as much as possible. 

Using these tips I enjoyed my last tandem kayaking trip a lot more than I expected. So I will be adding more tandem kayaking to my paddling trips in the future. 

If you're interested in this specific tandem kayak, feel free to read my full Wilderness Systems Targa 130T review as well.

PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Kayaks: Wilderness Systems Targa 130t
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece
Shirts and Tops:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men’s Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Tandem Kayak Tips appeared first on Hazeadventure.