A Perfect Blend of Speed and Stability

The Prima 125 is part of Hurricane’s recreational line, but let me tell you, it offers much more than just recreational paddling. One of the first things that stood out to me was how well this kayak blends speed and stability—two characteristics that don’t always go hand in hand. The Prima 125 is designed with a sharp bow and a long waterline, which translates to excellent tracking and speed on the water. Whether you're cruising on a lake or exploring coastal waters, this kayak moves with impressive efficiency.

Now, what really surprised me was how stable this kayak felt despite its sleek design. Stability is often a trade-off when you’re looking at faster, more performance-oriented kayaks, but the Hurricane Prima 125 kayak manages to keep you feeling secure even in choppy conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced paddlers who want a kayak that performs without feeling too tippy.

Lightweight and Easy to Handle

Another feature that deserves mention is the weight—or lack thereof. The Hurricane Prima 125 weighs in at just 43 lbs, which is incredibly light for a 12.5-foot kayak. This makes it easy to transport, whether you’re loading it onto your car roof rack or carrying it down to the water by yourself. Hurricane has done a great job with the construction, using a Trylon ABS plastic that’s not only lightweight but also durable and resistant to UV damage.

Comfort and Fit

Let’s talk about comfort, which is crucial if you’re planning to spend long hours on the water. The Hurricane Prima 125 comes with an Airestream seat, which I found to be one of the more comfortable kayak seats out there. It’s well-padded and adjustable, allowing you to find that perfect seating position. The kayak also has ample legroom, which is a big plus for taller paddlers like myself.

Versatility on the Water

One of the things I appreciate most about the Prima 125 is its versatility. While it’s certainly fast and nimble, it’s also versatile enough to handle a variety of water conditions. I’ve taken it out on calm lakes, slow-moving rivers, and even some light coastal waters, and it performed admirably in all settings. The Prima 125 also has enough storage space for day trips, with a rear hatch and bungee deck rigging to keep your gear secure.

Hurricane Prima 125 Kayak, who is it for?

The Hurricane Prima 125 is a kayak that offers a lot more than meets the eye. It’s a performance-driven kayak with a surprising amount of stability, making it a fantastic option for a wide range of paddlers. Whether you’re looking for a kayak to help you cover long distances quickly or one that offers a stable and comfortable ride for a day of leisurely paddling, the Prima 125 has you covered.

If you’re in the market for a new kayak and want something that combines speed, stability, and ease of use, I highly recommend giving the Hurricane Prima 125 a try. It’s a kayak that truly stands out in its category.

Until next time, keep exploring, stay safe on the water, and happy paddling!

The post Hurricane Prima 125 Kayak Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

How You'll be Using Your Kayak Fishing Paddle

When making a paddle selection there are a few things to consider. First, think about if you'll be using the paddle most of the time.

Even in pedal kayaks there may be times when it's too shallow to use that pedal drive. Plus, the drive could become inoperable if there's some kind of mechanical issue with one of the components. Either way, you'll need to break out a paddle to get where you want to go.

I stand up while I'm fishing quite a bit, so having a good paddle is super important to me.

Choosing a Kayak Fishing Paddle on Price

Now let's talk about the differences between paddles at various price points.

I don't have any paddles in the low end of the price range. So today, we'll be starting in the $100 to $150 range with the Bending Branches Angler Classic. To start with, the difference between paddles at different price points are materials, weight, and efficiency.

On a lower price point paddle in that $50 to $100 range you're going to have an aluminum frame and a plastic blade. That frame is going to be very flexible and have a lot of give. The same goes for plastic blades.

With materials like these you'll lose a lot of efficiency. Plus, you'll be carrying a lot more weight around all day. It may not seem like a big deal when we're talking about ounces. However, moving that little bit of extra weight over a long period of time adds up.

Bending Branches Angler Classic

All the paddles we'll be looking at today are in the Bending Branches Angler line.

We'll start with the Angler Classic which costs about $160. The Angler line goes from that starting point all the way to the top tier.

A few features come standard on paddles in the Angler line. One is that they all have a drip ring as well as a little notch cut into the blade. If you're wondering what the notch does, it allows you to retrieve hooks and lures. What you do is run your line through the notch and push the paddle down to the hook that's hung up below the surface.

The other thing all these paddles have is a measuring tape. I find that these come in really handy. This is especially true if you're a tournament angler who needs to cull fish before weigh-in.

If so, pulling a clunky board out every time you catch a fish can be a pain in the neck.

Angler Classic – Fiberglass Shaft and Polymer Fiberglass Blade

The Angler Classic has a fiberglass shaft and a polymer fiberglass blade. They're both far more efficient than their aluminum and plastic counterparts.

Since fiberglass doesn't flex as much, your energy will flow more efficiently through the paddle into the water. This means you'll move the boat easier without being too tired at the end of the day. It's also worth noting that it's quite a bit lighter.

Another big pro is that fiberglass is very durable. With the Angler Classic you don't need to be shy about pushing yourself off obstructions in the water which are common when you're kayaking.

Even if you stand up and move around frequently, you can use the paddle regardless of what position you're in.

There are also differences in the ferrule system. Some of these paddles can even be adjustable in length, but this is pretty standard for this price range. What you generally get is a fiberglass shaft with some type of polymer or fiberglass blade.

It's also a great starting point. I would definitely recommend that if you can't go any higher, at least try to get something in this price range.

If you can, you'll be a lot happier out on the water.

Angler Classic – Weight and Features

The Angler Classic comes in at 35 1/2 ounces. However, weight depends on paddle length.

As we take a look at these paddles you're going to notice that they all come with a drip ring. Many lower priced paddles don't come with drip rings. Essentially, drip rings stop water from flowing down the blade and shaft and ending up on your hands and lap. So they definitely keep you drier and more comfortable out on the water.

Angler Classics also have a snap button ferrule system which allows you to adjust the paddle to different angles. This is a big plus when you're paddling in the wind. It also makes it easy to tweak the paddle to match the motion of your stroke.

There are other options that will also allow you to adjust for the length in case you have multiple kayaks or you're moving from a high seat to a low seat position.

Don't Forget About Swing Weight

As we look through these different weights and materials, you'll also notice the difference in paddle swing weights. A big shout out to John at Paco Paddle for sending this one over. I think it's very important.

He suggests grabbing paddles and rocking, or swinging them back and forth when you're deciding which one to buy. By doing this you'll really feel the weight difference, especially in the blades.

As you move up in price point you'll notice that moving the paddles gets a lot easier. Weight is important because you'll be moving those paddles all day long out on the water. When you're going back and forth that little bit of extra weight really takes a toll. So keep that in mind as we move up the line and look at lighter materials.

And remember, those lighter materials are also going to add a lot of efficiency to your strokes.

Angler Ace

Moving up the line we have the Angler Ace which transitions into a carbon-fiber shaft.

This reduces weight right off the bat. The Angler Ace also has a carbon reinforced nylon blade which has even less flex than the Classic's blade.

The Angler Ace starts at around 30 ounces. So the weight savings here is about 5 1/2 ounces. Trust me, you can really feel the difference. And again, this is going to be very rigid and a lot more efficient out on the water.

This is my go-to paddle when I'm river fishing and pushing off lots of rocks and other obstructions in the shallows. It also works well when I'm stand-up fishing around oyster beds because the carbon reinforced blade can take a ton of punishment.

The price point here goes up to about $225, so there's a bump between the Angler Classic which comes in at around $160.

Angler Pro

Taking another step up the line we have the Angler Pro which costs about $325. So it's about a hundred dollars more than the Angler Ace.

The big difference here is the solid fiberglass blades. They're even stiffer and more efficient. You may already know this, but the more flex you have in your paddle the less efficient your strokes are going to be.

So as we move up the line these materials will add rigidity to the paddle to make it more efficient.

With paddles that don't flex, more power is transferred from your body to the water. This makes the whole process a lot more efficient. Unsurprisingly, more efficient strokes will move your kayak along easier with less effort.

This paddle also comes in at 28 1/2 ounces, but again, that'll vary depending on length.

Higher Price, Less Weight

As we compare various paddles you'll see that weight goes down as price goes up.

The Angler Pro is a great paddle if you'll be spending a lot of time in lakes and other large stretches of open water where you're not too worried about banging up the blade. However, this blade is super durable and I beat mine up quite a bit. In fact, it's the paddle I have on my Jackson Kayak Knarr most of the season in that nice Copperhead color.

Even so, I prefer to use this paddle in open water. When I know my paddle is going to take a beating on rocks and oyster shells I generally switch over to the Angler Ace.

Angler Pro Carbon

The Angler Pro Carbon is Bending Branches' top-of-the-line paddle.

It comes with a 100% carbon shaft like the Angler Ace and Angler Pro, but it has a carbon blade too. So with the Pro Carbon you get big weight savings and maximum stiffness, so it's the best of both worlds.

It tips the scales at just 25 1/2 ounces compared to where we started out at 34 ounces. That's almost a 10 ounce weight savings right there. This is the lightest paddle in the company's Angler line.

Again, those extra ounces definitely come into play when you're out on the water for long spells. This is even more true if you're in a big lake with lots of open water.

Angler Line Standard Features

With Angler line paddles you get this built in tape measure.

It's a very useful tool, but what I really like is these paddle's versatility and durability. This is a big deal because most of us use our paddles as general tools instead of just moving the boat.

I don't know about you, but I'm always pushing off things like rocks and sand. I also have a knack for beating up my gear while I'm fishing. In fact, I beat it up a lot more than I would if I was just paddling around for fun.

Cheap vs. Expensive Kayak Fishing Paddles Recap

There are a lot of different brands on the market, but I use a lot of Bending Branches products.

We've been partners for a very long time and I couldn't be happier with our relationship.

When you're considering paddles, make sure to think about all the things we looked at today. Here I'm talking about weight, rigidity, efficiency, and extra features. Price is definitely important, but it probably shouldn't be the only consideration.

I always recommend getting out in a kayak and trying out the paddles you're thinking about. By testing them in the real world you'll be able to see what feels right to you.

Of course, you also need a paddle that's the right length for you, your boat, and your style of fishing. And again, the main difference in paddles at various price points comes down to materials, weight, strength, and efficiency.

The more expensive materials are lighter, and as paddle prices increase the paddle also becomes more efficient. Efficiency is what gets your energy down the shaft, through the blade and into the water to move the boat. The more efficient your paddle, the more water will be able to cover while expending less energy.

In a nutshell, you really do get what you pay for when it comes to paddles.

Paddles: Bending Branches Angler Classic, Bending Branches Angler Ace, Bending Branches Angler Pro, Bending Branches Angler Pro Carbon
Fishing Kayaks: Jackson Kayak Knarr
Anchor: Power Pole Micro Anchor
Life vest: NRS Chinook PFD
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Cheap vs Expensive Kayak Fishing Paddles appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Types of Kayaks

When you are choosing a kayak there are three big choices you have to make. Do you want a portable or hard-shell kayak? Would you rather use a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak? Do you want a paddle or a pedal-driven kayak? 

Once you’ve narrowed down the options you need to decide if you want a recreational kayak, a touring kayak, or a sea kayak. While this blog post is all about touring kayaks, let’s break down the basics of the different kayak categories of kayak that exist.

Two big factors help determine what type of kayak you are looking at, and that is length and width. The longer and narrower a kayak is, the more effectively it will travel through the water.

Recreational Kayaks

These are kayaks that prioritize stability. This comes at the cost of speed and performance. Recreational kayaks are usually between 9’-12’ long. These kayaks are the widest kayaks available at around 30+” wide. This also means that they are the slowest because they are pushing the most water and therefore create the most resistance. 

Sea Kayaks

These prioritize performance. They travel as quickly and efficiently through the water as possible. Sea Kayaks are usually between 14’-18’ long and about 22”-24” wide. While these were originally designed to be used on the sea, they can be great on lakes, rivers, and ponds too. They are not exclusive to the ocean. 

Touring Kayaks

Touring kayaks fit in the middle of these two categories. They provide a great balance of stability and performance. They are kayaks that are still relatively stable but are also fun to paddle. Touring kayaks are usually between 12’-16’ long and 24”-30” wide. 

Which Different Touring Kayaks Are Available?

There are many different names for touring kayaks. But I typically categorize touring kayaks into three different groups:

• Recreational touring kayaks
• Touring Kayaks
• Performance Touring kayaks

The Recreational Touring Kayak

This kayak is in a class of its own. It is a kayak that is not designed for rough water but is designed to be a fun and efficient kayak to paddle in calm water. It gives up some stability for the “fun factor”. Recreational touring kayaks tend to be a little wider at around 26”-30”. 

You should not take a recreational touring kayak into rough water for a number of reasons. They tend to have big cockpits so that the kayaker doesn’t feel confined. This means that they can not take a kayak skirt. They also often only have one bulkhead in the back. A bulkhead is a wall in the kayak that separates it into different sections. These are important in rough conditions because without them a lot more of the kayak can fill with water if you flip. 

Recreational touring kayaks are also not designed to be rolled. So if you ever want to learn to roll then these are not the right kayaks for you. 

A great example of a recreational touring kayak is the Liquid Logic Saluda. 

Touring Kayaks

The basic touring kayak is a kayak for use in all conditions. They have two bulkheads, one behind the seat, and one just in front of your feet. So if you do flip it is only the center cockpit area that gets swamped. This makes rescues much easier. They also tend to have smaller cockpits that are designed to take spray skirts. You can roll a touring kayak. 

Touring kayaks tend to be a little narrower than recreational touring kayaks with a width of between 25” and 27” inches. 

A great example of a touring kayak would be the Pakayak BlueFin 142 which is 14’ and designed to handle both rough and calm water. It's an all-round and do anything touring kayak. 

Performance Touring Kayak

Performance touring kayaks are the next step up. And truthfully performance touring kayaks and sea touring kayaks are very similar. I tend to use the term interchangeably. 

Perfomance touring kayaks can perform well in any conditions. They travel very efficiently through the water and allow you to travel long distances with ease. 

How are they high-performance? Well, they have the same size cockpit as touring kayaks, they are designed to be used with a skirt and tend to have more conforming seats.

Performance touring kayaks are designed to be as rollable as possible. Usually, you can customize the hip and thigh hooks so you can get support in the right places. This helps with edging and rolling the kayak. 

They also have low back decks to make it easier to roll. 

Performance touring kayaks tend to be narrower, longer, and faster, in general just higher performance. But they do give up a lot of stability for that. Some of them can even feel a little tippy. 

To use performance kayaks safely in all conditions you need to have a guide with you or prior training. This is particularly the case if you are going to be traveling further from shore than you can swim. 

A good example of a performing kayak is the P&H Volan. It is a carbon Kevlar kayak that is a work of art! 

Who Are Touring Kayaks For?

To sum it all up the big question is, who are touring kayaks for?

Recreational Touring Kayaks

These are really for anyone who wants a kayak that will be fun to paddle. They need to be willing to give up some stability for a kayak that will travel through the water a little faster. But they will need to stick to calm conditions. 

Touring and Performance Touring Kayaks

Performance and touring kayaks can be used by anyone from novices to experts. These can be used in calm conditions by anyone looking to paddle a kayak that moves efficiently through the water. 

These kayaks also open the door to rougher water paddling, learning how to roll, and playing around in ocean surf. They allow you to enjoy a wide variety of calm and rough conditions and different paddling activities. But many of these activities will require training. 

The further you go down the road with performance touring kayaks the more opportunities you will have to push your limits and have fun. 

Find Your Kayak

There is a kayak out there for everyone: for each individual body size and shape and for every reason that someone might want to go paddling. Once you find the right boat for you it's amazing how much fun you can have on the water. 

Kayaks: Pakayak Bluefin 142, Wilderness Systems Pungo, Liquid Logic Saluda, Melker Rodloga, P&H Volan 160, P&H Leo
Paddles:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Choosing a Touring Kayak appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Perception Hangtime 11 Specifications

Price: $950 (USD)
Length: 10’ 10”
Width: 33”
Weight: 68 LBS (31 KG)
Capacity: 350 LBS (160 KG)
Best Use: Recreation

The kayak features, above all else, a padded stern seating area. It also has a reclining seat, six cup holders, a paddle park, a padded deck area, molded footrests or footwells, and bow storage with a bungee.

The great thing about paddling is that there really is a type of paddling for everyone. For some people, it's about going out and really pushing their boundaries. For other people, it is more about just getting out on the water and having a relaxing experience outdoors with friends and family. And that of course, is what the Perception Hangtime 11 is all about.

Portability

This is about an 11’ long kayak which is relatively short for a kayak making it easier to move around. It is also 68 LBS, which is about what you would expect for a kayak made this way. So it is not light or particularly heavy, making it a fairly portable recreational kayak.

Comfort While Paddling

Comfort is what the Perception Hangout 11 is designed for. So let's, first of all, talk about the comfort of paddling this kayak. The Hangout 11 comes with a really nice seat, something that Perception is really known for. It is not a fully framed seat. It has an adjustable frame at the backrest so you can choose to set it up for active paddling or chilling out. But it is sitting, with a nice thick pad, on the floor. That means it doesn’t contour as much to your butt as a full-framed or suspended seat, and there is the potential to get a soggy butt.

The other feature the seat has are straps on the side that allow you to lift the front of the seat in order to support your thighs. This provides your upper legs with great support so your legs don’t just flop down.

On the downside, there are the footwells. I am never a fan of footwells for two main reasons. Inevitably there is not a perfectly comfortable sitting option as footwells give you fewer options for leg length. The other problem is that you get a lot of support on your heel, but not enough on your foot's ball. So I usually prefer foot pegs and foot braces. But this complaint is by no means a deal breaker.

Comfort While Lounging

With the adjustable seat that you can crank right back, you can lounge very comfortably in the seat itself. Alternatively, the lounge seat is surprisingly comfortable. It is nice, big, and contoured, and the headrest can be adjusted to whatever position makes you feel most comfortable. It was really nice for resting on and off the water. You basically have a beach chair just built into the kayak.

Stability

The Perception Hangtime 11 is absolutely stable. It is a 33” wide kayak so it is designed to be stable as opposed to fast-moving. The pontoon-style hull of the Hangtime 11 lends itself to stability. You can stand up in it and in all honesty you would be hard-pressed to flip the Hangtime 11.

Performance

The Perception Hangtime 11 is designed for chilling out and not for paddling long distances or winning any races. That said I was surprised by how well this kayak tracked when paddling forwards. It has the pontoon hull, but also a nicely shaped bow that really helped cut through the water better than I was expecting. It is obviously not fast due to its dimensions, but it did a good job at tracking.

Features

The main feature is the lounge seat in the back, and that does a great job doing exactly what it is designed for – being a chill-out kayak!

Otherwise, you have the storage space with the bungees which is a handy feature if you want to bring a dry bag or other things with you on a paddle. There is also a paddle park which I used when just floating around. Behind the seat, there is a lot of storage, and even some extra bungees to put a tackle box or another gear bag.

There are not a tonne of features, but every feature on the Perception Hangtime 11 works and makes a lot of sense with the design of the kayak.

Value

Let's talk about the overall value of the Perception Hangtime 11. This kayak costs $950 (USD) which falls into the sub $1000 (USD) kayak. There are many kayaks in this price range and this is one that, if relaxing and chill-out floating sessions are your style, is pretty good value. Yes, there are definitely things I’d like to see in it such as foot braces. Yes, you will get a little wet using the seat which is not suspended, or sitting on the lounge seat. But overall it's great value for what it is.

This kayak is largely designed for chilling out in warm conditions and just going for a chill paddle with friends and family. So this is a great recreational kayak. You don’t see many innovations in kayaks and sometimes they can be gimmicky. But for me, the addition of a built-in lounge chair is awesome for the right person, making this the ultimate chill-out kayak. I tested the Perception Hangtime 11 on the Flint River.

PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Kayaks: Perception Hangtime 11
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 Perception Hangtime 11 Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The connection you develop with the environment is taken to the next level as you watch and listen while day turns to dusk, dust turns to night, and then night gives way to dawn. That’s why I was so excited to do a 3-day kayak camping trip across the Okefenokee Swamp.

Multi-day Camping in the Okefenokee Swamp

Many might question the comfort of a multi-day trip across the Okefenokee Swamp. The incredible efforts of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and their partners have made it a bucket-list experience. They maintain around 130 miles of paddling trails through the swamp. They’ve built and maintain several camping platforms in the swamp. There is a covered section to provide shelter, a picnic table, an outhouse, and enough space to pitch up to 6 tents. Each platform is like an oasis within an oasis.

Paddling the Okefenokee Swamp

Our trip involved covering around 32 miles over 3 days of paddling. We were crossing the swamp from east to west. While one could imagine paddling across a swamp being just a lot of the same, this couldn’t be further from the truth.  

The Hurricane Tampico Meets the Okefenokee

I decided this trip would be the perfect opportunity to test out the new Hurricane Tampico 130 touring kayak. A 13’ foot touring kayak with good stability and plenty of storage space, I felt the kayak would be maneuverable enough to navigate the tight spaces. It was fast enough to cover the 10+ miles we had to cover each day. Stay tuned for my full, unbiased review of the kayak.

The paddling trail started out winding through dense swamp bush with periodic openings into what they call the swamp prairies. Along the way, we encountered countless birds and many alligators. We were fortunate enough to have Dan Jones as our guide – one of the guides for Okefenokee Adventures.

With Dan being a naturalist, it was like having Wikipedia along for the ride, as he provided fascinating insight into the plants and creatures that we passed. 10-miles of exploring later, we found ourselves at Maul Hammock Shelter – our home for the night, and hands-down one of the coolest campsites in the world.

Our second day started like the first, but quickly changed as our waterway intersected the Suwanee River. Suddenly, we had a little bit of current helping us out. The dense brush also started giving way to taller forests of majestic cypress trees. 

The 11 miles we covered on this second day seemed to go by a little faster, partly because of the current, but largely because of the ever-changing and utterly dramatic landscape.  Our day of paddling came to an end at Big Water Shelter, which is found in one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve ever seen – covered with lilly pads, surrounded by cypress trees, and of course, filled with big alligators.

Third and Final Day

Our third and final day might have been my favorite, aside from the fact that it marked the end of the trip. The river opened up in sections to some larger lakes and we could see a lot more big gators sunning themselves on shore. 

The river would then tighten up and wind through thick cypress forests, with only a paddle’s width of room to get by. It was a 10-mile section of river that I never wanted to end. 

To many people, the idea of doing a multi-day trip through a swamp will sound horrendous. Truth be told, during the hot parts of spring and summer, it likely could be a little nightmarish. You might be fighting the intense heat and the bugs that come with it. 

Between the months of November and April (we did our trip in mid-April) the Okefenokee Swamp is a magical place to explore. It provided one of the most wonderful, beautiful and unique kayak camping experiences that I’ve ever had.

Looking to Try Camping in the Okefenokee Swamp?

For more information about guided or self-guided multi-day trips in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, visit okeswamp.org.

Check out my last article on the Okefenokee: Kayak Fishing with Alligators.

Kayak: Hurricane Tampico
Paddles:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

The post Kayak Camping in the Okefenokee Swamp appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Is Kayaking with Alligators Safe?

There is great comfort in knowing that over the past 75 years tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people have paddled the alligator-filled waters of the Okefenokee swamp without major incident. 

It’s a strong testament to the fact that alligators don’t look upon humans as prey. With my first day of paddling in the refuge, I quickly developed a comfort for paddling among the large reptiles. I adopted a very simple philosophy – respect the alligators, and they’ll respect you.

Kayak Fishing in the Okefenokee

My second day in the Swamp involved kayak fishing. The first tip I received from my guide from Okefenokee Adventures, was to land and release any fish I caught quickly. A hooked fish, thrashing about the waters trying to break free, is like a dinner bell to gators. 

Doing what I was told, upon hooking my first fish – a bowfin (mud fish) – I quickly reeled in the fish and dropped the lively creature into my kayak. Still full of energy, the bowfin went berserk between my legs in the kayak. After a few moments of chaos, the fish broke-free and bounced its way over the side of the boat. I had just learned the second lesson of fishing in the Okefenokee Swamp – be prepared to land a green fish in your kayak!

The Pelican Catch Mode 110

In the end, we had a great day of fishing in the Okefenokee. I also used the opportunity to test the Pelican Catch Mode 110 fishing kayak, which is one of the more affordable fishing kayaks on the market.

We test paddled the kayak the year before, but hadn’t ever used the boat in a real fishing situation. I can tell you that it doesn’t get more real than fishing in the beautiful, alligator-filled waters of the Okefenokee Swamp.

Check out my full review of the Pelican Catch here: Pelican Catch Mode 110 Review – Best Fishing Kayak.

Kayak: Pelican Catch Mode 110
Paddles:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon
PFD:   NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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The post Kayak Fishing in the Okefenokee with Alligators appeared first on Hazeadventure.

When I realized this year’s road trip would take me through the area once again, I reached out to Dan Truit, the host of the Southern Paddler YouTube channel. Dan led me down the Paint Rock last year. He is always game for a river trip and knows the rivers of Northern Alabama.

Finding the Flint River

Part of the Tennessee River Line, the Flint River flows south on the outskirts of Huntsville, Alabama. Its proximity to the city and the fact that it has enough water to paddle year-round makes it one of the most popular rivers in Northern Alabama. 

The joy of the Flint River is that it has mild current as it winds its way through the beautiful countryside. It’s a river that paddlers of all skill levels can enjoy. It has easy put-in and take-out access, and a few outfitters who provide canoe and kayak rental and shuttle services. 

Testing the Perception Hangtime 11

Always looking for opportunities to test new kayaks on my paddling adventures, the Flint River seemed like the perfect opportunity to test the Perception Hangtime 11 recreational kayak. What makes the Hangtime unique is that unlike most sit-on-top kayaks that use the back deck for storage (called a tank well), the back deck of the Hangtime was designed as a full-on lounge chair, for hanging out on or off the water. 

Testing a kayak that specializes in lounging while floating down a beautiful, spring-fed river is a tough job. I was up for the challenge!  

PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Kayaks: Perception Hangtime 11
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

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Best kayak for fishing rivers?

A sit-on-top hardshell is an excellent choice, and definitely the way to go for kayak anglers. A sit-on-top inflatable is a good choice if you don't mind sacrificing some performance and are mindful of the maintenance. Sit-inside hardshell kayaks can cut it in modest current, but will swamp if tipped over. If you ‘re looking to really attack the rapids, then nothing beats a whitewater kayak. Whitewater kayaks have spray skirts and these aren't a friendly fishing boat.

When it comes to fishing on rivers, many people prefer a sit-on-top hardshell kayak. Pedal kayaks have improved leaps and bounds over the years. For current, shallow spots, and rapids a paddle kayak is a great way to go for kayak fishing on rivers. 

Sitting Position for River Anglers

Quality fishing kayaks typically have seats that can adopt a high or low position. While casting out over calm waters, the high position offers a better vantage point to what lies beneath the surface. However, when you encounter some current, be sure to drop down into the low position, since this is a much more stable setup. 

Packing for Kayak Fishing Rivers

Packing for a kayak fishing trip will look quite different for a river run compared to a lake outing. My suggestion is to pack light, or as us river paddlers like to say: “Rig to flip”. Even if you know what you're doing and the river is relatively mild, it is always best to expect to flip. Then when this happens, all of your gear will be properly attached and stowed so that you don't lose anything.

Hard lessons

I learned this lesson the hard way while doing a 3-week paddling trip through the Grand Canyon. After an unexpected capsized raft, we lost all the food for the trip. Everything! So needless to say, that put a bit of a damper on the expedition. 

Selective packing

The best way to prevent losing valuable goods is to be more selective with your packing. Bring less rods; bring less tackle. This may mean some tough pre-game decisions. You'll be grateful for the minimal approach not only in terms of mitigating damage, but also for boosting performance. A bogged down kayak will be slower and less responsive across those winding and ever-changing waterways. 

How do you handle rocks while paddling rivers?

One of the main concerns kayakers have while paddling rivers is how to handle rocks. At any time, kayakers may find themselves getting pulled into sizeable rocks by the current. This happens more easily while fishing, since the focus tends to be elsewhere. Most people's natural reaction when drifting sideways into a rock is to lean away from it. This is an example of where our instincts mislead us.

Lean into the rock

You'll actually want to lean into the rock. The reason for this is that the current that's pushing into you will gain purchase on the kayak's edge (if you're leaning away from the rock/into the current) and flip the kayak remarkably quick! Conversely, if you lean into the rock/with the direction of flow, this will give the water a path under the boat, which will keep you upright until you're able to slowly push yourself around the rock and get on with your day. 

What's the best way to anchor a kayak?

The same principles for navigating rocks on the river apply to anchoring a kayak in current. If you like to drop an anchor while fishing on a river, it's important that you don't have the boat positioned perpendicular to the current. Once again, the force of the flowing water will pile up on the kayak's edge and flip you before you even know what's happening.

Anchoring a kayak

To be perfectly honest, I don't recommend anchoring at all while fishing rivers, but if you are set on doing so, you'll either have to maintain a downstream tilt (which is not easy to do), or drop the anchor from the ends of your kayak so that you're kayak points downstream (but beware that strong enough current will still accumulate and potentially cause problems). Keep in mind that if you want to linger in one spot, you can always beach your kayak and cast out from the shore. 

Flowing rivers can be great places to catch fish because they tend to be untapped wells. However, the reason these spots are less visited is because the current, rocks, and rapids can be difficult to manage, especially while trying to split your attention. But if you pack light, avoid anchoring, and act smart around rocks, you'll be set up nicely to snag big fish while going with the flow. 

Kayaks: Jackson Kayak Coosa, Jackson Kayak YuPik
Paddle: Bending Branches Angler Pro Versa-Lok
PFDs: NRS Zen (Product Details)
Clothing: NRS Guide Shirt, NRS Benny Board Shorts
Sunglasses: Wiley X

I hope you enjoyed this article. For more paddling/fishing content, check out PaddleTV, and sign up for our Hazeadventure newsletter to be notified of the latest and greatest tips, gear reviews, and outdoor excursions. 

The post Tips for Kayak Fishing Rivers appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Paddling rivers demands certain skills from the kayaker, and specific design traits from the boat. In this article, I'll unpack the different kayaks used for river trips so that you have a solid baseline to select the best kayaks for rivers.

What are the best kayaks for rivers?

Generally speaking, the best kayaks for rivers are ones that are stable. Kayaks that are shorter in length, more maneuverable, and won't “swamp” easily are the best kayaks for rivers. In my opinion/experience, there are four types of kayaks that check these boxes: sit on top kayaks, sit on top inflatable kayaks, recreational sit inside kayaks, and whitewater kayaks. Let's look a little closer at each style. 

Sit On Top Kayak

Sit on top kayaks are reliably stable, comfortable to sit in with adjustable seats in the higher-end models. Any water that comes aboard will simply drain back out through the scupper holes. If you happen to flip while you're out there, you can either just right the ship and climb back on, or you can drag it ashore more easily than a sit-inside that's full of water. 

Inflatable Kayak

Contrary to (somewhat) popular belief, inflatable kayaks can be amazing river-running boats. They're as comfortable as a floating lounge-chair, but quality models are surprisingly durable (as long as some care and attention is given). Inflatable kayaks also tend to be spectacularly stable.

You'll be amazed how difficult it is to flip one of these, even in rough conditions. I consider them the 4×4 of the kayaking world. The main drawback here is that they are rarely high-performing crafts – certainly not compared to a hardshell of the same class. But if you just want to chug along casually, a sit-on-top inflatable is a perfect way to go. 

Sit Inside Kayak

Sit inside kayaks aren't ideal for whitewater rivers, but if the current is consistently mild, then there's no reason why you can't take an everyday kayak down your local waterway. If you do tip over the kayak, the cockpit will swamp. This probably means swimming while dragging the boat to shore in order to empty it out. But if you like the feel of a sit-inside kayak and want to really get after it on the river, just be aware of any strong current.

Whitewater Kayak

A whitewater kayak is the ultimate high-performance sit inside kayak. These playful boats can handle anything from Class 1 moving water to Class 5 waterfalls. They have small cockpits (where you sit inside) that are designed to be sealed from the water with a skirt.

These river kayaks are short and wide (i.e. stable and maneuverable). The only real limitations of whitewater kayaks are those imposed by us whitewater kayakers. If you are starting to whitewater kayak, practice your kayak roll in a local pool. This will make sure you are able to stay in the kayak if you get knocked over in the waves.

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If you're looking to switch it up and kayak rivers instead of lakes, these are the four types of river kayaks. You don't have to be a pro kayaker to take on varying levels of river current. It certainly helps to have the right river kayak for the job. If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more paddling tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to PaddleTV and sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter. 

Sit on top kayak: Jackson Kayak YuPik
Inflatable kayak: Star Inflatable Kayak
Sit inside kayak: Jackson Kayak Tupelo
Whitewater kayak: Jackson Kayak Rockstar V
Paddle: Aqua Bound Shred Whitewater Paddle, Bending Branches Angler Classic Fishing Paddle
PFDs: NRS Zen, NRS Chinook
Helmet: WRSI Current Helmet

The post Best Kayaks for Rivers appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Should you wear a helmet while kayaking?

While the guidelines are straight-forward in terms of PFDs on kayaks, the helmet question can be a bit more subjective. When some paddlers encounter any kind of current, they will always reach for the extra head protection. A good general guide is whitewater kayaking requires the use of head protection.

Moving water naturally presents a higher risk of flipping. You never know when a nefarious rock may be lurking just underneath. So why take the chance, right? It only makes sense to wear a helmet at all times if you're not sure what to expect of yourself or the waters up ahead.

Whitewater vs Calmer waters

Experienced paddlers may feel sufficiently confident with a stable boat and moderate conditions that they will continue without a helmet. Since I have been paddling whitewater for over 30 years, I'll make a judgment call about whether or not I need to “suit up” when I see what's coming up ahead. This is especially true when traveling on a longer river trip in a raft.

If I was in a raft (or a stable kayak like a fishing kayak) and saw some Class 1 rapids coming up, I wouldn't be concerned about head injuries. This doesn't mean that passing on a helmet is the right answer for all people in similar circumstances, it just means that's what I'm personally comfortable doing. Having said that, most boaters should wear a helmet in any whitewater to be safe.

Do I need a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD)?

The bottom line (in my opinion, and according to many regional bylaws) is that if you're on the water, in any capacity, you need to wear a life jacket or PFD (personal flotation device).

PFD should warn when paddling

I know the dangers can seem non-existent when paddling a stable boat in calm conditions, but you never know when something unexpected might come along, flip you into the water, and cause some real issues. If you have a PFD on at all times, then any potential blips are nullified even further.

While a vest makes the most sense in most situations, strong swimmers on a stand up paddleboard may prefer an inflatable PFD. This is worn like a fanny pack, and activated by pulling the auto-inflate tab when needed. For more beginner SUP tips feel free to read: SUP Tips for Beginners – Top 5 Lessons and How to SUP – Beginner’s Guide to Paddle Boarding. 

One other note on life jackets is that, given how slick and feature-rich they come these days, wearing one doesn't have to be a chore – it can be a bonus. I use the easy-access pockets to store my cell phone, sunscreen, chapstick, and any other little things that make sense to have on me while paddling. If you invest in a good PFD (that also fits well!), then you'll be more inclined to wear it. 

Helmets: WRSI Current Helmet
PFDs: NRS Chinook, NRS Zen PFD, NRS Odyssey PFD
Paddles: Bending Branches Angler Pro
Sunglasses: Wiley X

So even though I support paddlers making their own judgment calls, I also recommend everyone use caution. If in doubt, wear additional safety gear. I think paddling current and whitewater is super fun, but there are real risks that shouldn't be taken lightly. I hope you're feeling confident and excited for your next river-running adventure. Stay tuned for more paddling tips, gear reviews, and episodes of Paddle Tales on PaddleTV. 

The post When are Kayak Helmets Needed? appeared first on Hazeadventure.