Paddling Skills & How-to

Gear & How to Use It!

Canoe Gear Basics - How to assemble the essentials, with advice for both tightwads and connoisseurs.

Packing List: Canoeing - The essential, soup-to-nuts packing list for anyone heading out on a wilderness or weekend canoe trip.

Packing List: Sea Kayaking - A complete checklist for sea kayakers headed out for anything from a weekend overnighter to a major expedition.

Cold Storage: Preparing canoes and kayaks for winter - Winter's temperature fluctuations and low humidities can wreak havoc on an improperly stored kayak or canoe. Store it the right way so you can start paddling with the first warmth of spring.

Ship Shape - The no-mess way to spiff up a canoe's woodwork.

GearPro: Tips for Paddlers - Keith reveals six comfort- and convenience-enhancing tips for canoers.

Discovering the World of the Sea Kayak - Discovering how to flee humanity by sea, and other useful skills possible in a sea kayak.

Choosing the Right Canoe - What a difference a hull makes.

Buying Technical Outerware - The new fabrics and new constructions demystified.

Ready to Raft - Running rapids is exhilarating — and cold! Pack right to stay comfortable.

The Art of Open Canoe Surfing - The thrill of riding big waves is the reward but first the basics.

Touring in your Sea Kayak - What to look for when buying a boat.

Paddle Low Down - What makes a good paddle.

How to Choose a Canoe - Determining the boat that's right for you.

Canoe Shapes & Sizes - What's right for you? From agile whitewater to steady flat water, help in deciding.

Selecting a Paddle - Your most important piece of equipment.

Outfitting Your Kayak - Often times custom padding is the answer to a snug fit.

Navigation

The River Next Door - Exploring your own local waterways, by maps and by feel.

Useful Tips

Holes Happen - Patch a leaky kayak or canoe with this sanding-free method.

Paddling and Pedaling - Paddle down a river, then shuttle back on bike: simple and satisfying. Alan Kesselheim gives five great destinations for paddling and pedaling.

Get Ready: Rafting Trips - Paul Cleveland takes you through the steps of planning a rambunctious river adventure.

Trail Safe - How safe are we in the wilderness? Read about the dangers posed by fellow humans in the great outdoors and find out what you can do to stay safe in Michael Bane's new book,"Trail Safe".

The Family that Floats Together - Alan Kesselheim explains how the whole family can go canoeing, kids and all.

Travel Tips for Grizzly Country - Naturalist Dave Smith provides wise advice on how not to run into the big bear.

Whitewater Surfing Safari - Tips on whitewater kayaking techniques. The more you know, the more fun you'll have.

Treating Water - Intestinal distress will ruin your trip. Don't risk it!

Kayak Cookery - Eating well on a long kayaking trip is a matter of planning, packing, and good taste.

Surviving Outdoor Emergencies - Overcoming the seven enemies of survival.

Tripping with Tots - Taking the family on a slow float to anywhere.

Technique

Single Blade Power Stroke - An efficient canoe stroke to keep you moving on course.

11 Common Open Canoe Mistakes - Learn to spot common errors in your paddling.

Essential Kayak Paddling Strokes - The basics are the hardest to master.

Sea Kayaking 101 - Learning the basics — stroke, boats, and gear — in a most unlikely place: Manhattan.

Whitewater Surfing Safari - Tips on whitewater kayaking techniques. The more you know, the more fun you'll have.

Canoe Rescue Techniques - Sooner or later, one of these will come in handy.

Energy of the Water - Using the rivers currents to propel your canoe.

Whitewater Surfing Safari - Tips on whitewater kayaking techniques. The more you know, the more fun you'll have.

Canoe? I can. - Paddling orientation games for all ages.

Paddle Techniques - Reading the river and knowing what stroke to use: a primer.

Elements of the Eskimo Roll - Step by step guide to coming around when your down.

Basic River Strategy - Reading water and maneuvering a kayak.

River Basics - The right strokes and the right strategy makes all the difference.

Near Misses - Real-life stories of brushes with whitewater death - and tips on how to avoid one of your own.

Air Traffic Control - Hole occupied! Humorous guide to whitewater hand signals.

Slalom 101 - Whether you're merely curious about slalom or dream passionately of running the gates on the Olympic Whitewater, why not start practicing now?

Rodeo 101 - OK, so maybe you aren't gunning for fame and fortune as a rodeo star, wowing the crowd as the TV cameras record your triumph. That's no reason you can't push your own performance envelope a little and have some fun with friends at the local play spot.

Family

First Strokes - Enough with the freeloading! How to turn your little passenger into first-class paddler.

Canoeing Kids - Paddling can be a lot like play.

Home on the River - The pros and cons of family rafting trips.

Whitewater Kids - A foam call for the whole family.