Wisdom for Far-North Canoeing
It's your first trip down a wild Canadian river. Things get scary fast. Question: Which of these methods would better improve your skills?
Camping Gear: Paddle or tent stake?
Camping out of a kayak, like other lightweight forms of camping, can be made easier by choosing gear and techniques that make chores quick and easy.
CANOE WORKSHOP: Northward-Bound
A sport canoe or kayak is like a hot Porsche; a wilderness tripping boat is like a lumbering 18-wheeler. Whom would you choose to drive a loaded semi down a winding mountain road--a Le Mans race-car pro or a long-haul trucker?
Get Your Dollies Here
In spite of jokes from passersby about "taking your kayak for a walk," a wheeled portage device might be just the ticket to make your paddle tours user-friendly.
Low-Brace Lowdown
Practice the low brace and make this tried-and-true technique your instinctive choice for maintaining stability.
Kayak Workshop: Tune Up Your Paddling Duds
The fundamental rule of clothing maintenance is to keep things dry when not in use and to keep them clean. Do a quick maintenance check of your paddling clothes.
Canoe Workshop: High-tech talk
"If a zipper looks weak, it probably is; if there's a knob that can break, it will; if there's an unsecured part that can be lost, bet on it."
Kayak Workshop: PFD Outfitting
We all want to fine-tune our gear to meet our needs, but is tinkering with a PFD a good idea?
Debunking the Tippy Canoe Myth
If you worry that a canoe is too unstable, applying these pointers will replace your anxiety with confidence.
Start with Number One
Whether you're paddling solo or in a group, your best chance of surviving a capsize is the ability to pull off a rescue.
