Ral Partha RP-383 Town Folk Laborers (NPC Encounters) Townsfolk

by Adrian Meissner

As paddlers, we depend on pristine natural environments to enjoy our sport, and many paddlers fancy themselves environmentalists or at least environmentally conscious individuals. It is ironic that our beloved sport requires large amounts of gear, usually transported on a large vehicle, often to far off wilderness destinations. As paddlers, we should take a pause and think about what we can do to keep our waterways pristine and rehabilitate them, as well as minimize our overall ecological footprint.

Paddlers often say that we're all "between swims." Flipping is always a possibility. Do you know what to do? Take the quiz and find out.

The best inflatable SUP for you is going to be different than the next paddler, and that's okay. You have to factor in everything from your experience, planned water types, durations, budget, and preferences. So use this list as a starting point to get some ideas and read some reviews of our top picks for inflatable SUPs.

When you're on the coast in the Pacific Northwest, you know you can count on good paddling no matter where you go! Coastal paddling on the ocean, alpine lakes with gorgeous mountain views, or rivers that flow from the high mountains into the ocean, you have got options in Washington!

Kayak Hipster demonstrates 3 things to try next time you're working on your forward stroke. The forward stroke is our main way of moving our kayak, so any little thing we can do to make it more efficient can help us in the long run.

by Adrian Meissner

Before I was domesticated, I spent more than a decade working paddling gigs between paddling trips. The transition into family-life inevitably eroded my regular dose of wild adventures and I feared spiralling into insanity. I made it my mission to raise a family that would love canoe trips. What follows is a short guide that compiles 12 years of lessons on how to have a great time with your family on the river.

Ryan Lilly with Old Town Watercraft takes you through the different factors to consider when choosing your first or next fishing kayak.

Sally Cummings - Merritts Mill Pond, Marianna, Florida

by Adrian Meissner

For whitewater canoeists, having the right paddle will maximize your skills for the best performance on the river. The material your paddle is made from determines many of its characteristics. Having a good blade with the characteristics you value enhances your skills and makes the activity that much MORE enjoyable.

by Luke Rovner (Kayak Hipster)

We’ve all been there before. All through the cold months we dream of putting the heavy coats and extra layers away. So, when Spring finally comes around, we’re eager to get back outdoors immediately. But paddling in the Spring can prove to be the toughest time of the year to dress appropriately for our environment.

by Adrian Meissner

Be ready when the ice melts and make the most of this paddling season. Spring is the time to take inventory, check, repair, and replace your gear, and to check in on yourself, so you are ready to paddle when the ice melts.

• Win a Vibe Skipjack 90 Kayak Prize Package from Vibe Kayaks
• Win a Summit Kayak Pack Paddle Prize Package from Sawyer Paddles and Oars
• Win a Waterwalker All-around SUP from Thurso Surf

All March Sweepstakes winners have been contacted and will be posted on the Sweepstakes Winners page.

Kayak Hipster demonstrates 3 things to try next time you're working on your sculling draw. An efficient sculling draw will help reduce wasting energy to move your kayak around.

Without a Paddle is a canoe film about snowboarding, that blends a 140km winter paddle from the foot of the Mica Dam to the top of the Revelstoke Dam with the history of the upper Columbia River.

Ken Whiting answers the big question for new paddlers - Do you go for a canoe, a kayak, or a stand up paddle board?

by Tom Watson

A float plan is an essential part of any kayak trip that has the potential for developing into a situation where you might not return when you hope to. Weather, injuries, lost gear can all lead to reasons why you can't return at an anticipated time. If you end up being overdue to the point of concern, will anyone know where you were?

The PFD, or life jacket is your single most important piece of safety equipment. You need to choose one that fits well and you should wear it whenever you're on the water. This means wearing it securely and not just throwing it over shoulders, because it can actually impede your ability to swim if it's not worn correctly.

Spring is right around the corner, and for many of us that means the start of the paddling season. This is your reminder to have a spring check list to make sure every venture onto the water is complete - and that all gear works as intended. Here is a basic list of 10 items to check before your first paddling trip of the season.