Paddling Archives

Austria’s Oetz River Needs Your Help — Here’s What You Can Do

This series of short videos from NRS sheds light on the plight of one of Austria’s wildest, most scenic rivers.

Written by Andrew Marshall September 21, 2023

The Best Standup Paddleboards of 2023

Looking to invest in a standup paddleboard but don’t know where to start? Check out our list for the best paddleboards of 2023.

Written by Mary Murphy and Morgan Tilton September 07, 2023

Capable Roof Cradle That Folds Down Small: Küat Class 4 Kayak Rack Review

This folding kayak roof rack seems neat on spec, but is even more awesome than we thought after rigorous testing.

Written by Mary Murphy September 06, 2023

Hiking Over to Drop Into ‘Perfect’ Whitewater: Sending Cali’s Cherry Bomb Gorge

Is there a better section of whitewater river in the world? With this crew, their stoke, and based on this edit, I’d say no.

Written by Mary Murphy August 29, 2023

‘Sheri’ Reveals the Amazing Woman Behind Alpacka Raft

What does it take to build the next generation of packrafts? Apparently, just an adventurous kid and one of the coolest moms ever.

Written by Andrew McLemore August 25, 2023

The Best Packrafts of 2023

We’ve spent the last 15 years testing the best packrafts out there. Here’s everything you need to start packrafting right now.

Written by Jason Magness and Nick Belcaster August 22, 2023

Beginner-Friendly BOTE WULF Aero 10’4″ Is the Sweet Spot for SUPs

The BOTE WULF Aero 10’4″ inflatable paddleboard has the ideal mix of stability, balanced size, and maneuverability for a beginner SUPer.

Written by Seiji Ishii August 18, 2023

Isle Pioneer Pro SUP, a Definitive Review: The Most Maneuverable Inflatable Paddleboard

The Isle Pioneer Pro is an inflatable paddleboard that’s rigid yet still portable and easy to store. Learn why we liked it, and who it’s…

Written by Berne Broudy August 15, 2023

Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 Review: The Lightest, Most Packable Inflatable Kayak

The easy-to-transport Aquaglide Cirrus Ultralight 110 is the lightest inflatable kayak for your expeditions. Check out our review!

Written by Berne Broudy August 14, 2023

Decathlon Itiwit Adult Ultra SUP Review: Basic, Budget, Too Barebones?

For minimalist paddleboard outings, the Itiwit Ultra Compact SUP is a lightweight, versatile, and affordable option.

Written by Alex Tzelnic August 08, 2023

Paddle Like a Kayak, Stand Like a SUP: STAGE 2SIDE Double-Sided Paddle Review

Can one paddle really do it all? The double-sided, adjustable, multi-configuration STAGE 2SIDE SUP Paddle is one of the most versatile paddles on the market…

Written by Mary Murphy August 01, 2023

Four-Man Paddling Team Topples Mississippi River Speed Record

A team captained by lifelong Minnesota native Scott Miller ran the river in a blistering time, breaking the human-powered speed record.

Written by Andrew Marshall July 18, 2023

Alpacka Whitewater Refuge Packraft Review: A Heckuva Lot of Paddling Muscle in a Truly Packable Size

Function over form has always been the rule for packrafts, but boats like the Alpacka Whitewater Refuge are bending that rule.

Written by Nick Belcaster July 11, 2023

King of the Alps Extreme Kayaking World Championship: Watch the Winning Run

The King of the Alps Extreme Kayaking Race requires skill, knowledge, but above all, confidence to take on some of the biggest water in the…

Written by Mary Murphy June 23, 2023

Leinenkugel’s ‘Canoebicle’ Takes Remote Work to the Water

Does your job allow you to drink beer while chilling on a river with your laptop? If so, Leinenkugel has a surprise for you.

Written by Andrew McLemore June 21, 2023

The E-Bike of Watersports, Electric SUPs: Awesome Innovation, or Just a Fad?

There are very few electric paddleboards (e-SUPs) on the market. The SUP community at large wonders if they’re a gimmick or a true innovation.

Written by Mary Murphy June 21, 2023

First Packraft Descent of the Little White’s Class V — Including Spirit Falls

Warning: Attempt Class V whitewater packrafting at your own risk.

Written by Mary Murphy June 05, 2023

‘Always So Good’: Dane Jackson Cruises Down Classic Cali Whitewater Route

Gorgeous scenery, fast rapids, easy logistics, and just a short drive from Sacramento: The Yuba River offers iconic kayaking.

Written by Andrew McLemore May 30, 2023

‘World’s Most Portable Boat’ Boasts 12V Electric Motor, Fits in a Trunk

‘The barriers to becoming a boat person are gone,’ the maker of this lily pad-shaped, aquatic electric scooter says.

Written by Sam Anderson May 30, 2023

The PFD Women Actually Want to Wear: Astral Layla PFD Review

The Astral Layla PFD has been a longtime favorite among female paddlers for over 20 years for its women’s-specific fit. It’s ideal for active water…

Written by Mary Murphy May 26, 2023

‘Little White Salmon’ Kayak Race: Best-Kept Secret in the PNW?

If you’re not part of the whitewater community, you would probably never know about this epic kayak race in the Pacific Northwest.

Written by Mary Murphy May 25, 2023

Summer Gear Deals: Explore the Memorial Day Sale at Backcountry

Get up to 60% off gear for camping, paddling, climbing, and more during Backcountry’s Memorial Day sale.

This Just In: Kelly Slater Launches Yet Another Surf Brand

The man won 11 surfing world titles and 55 world tour victories. He’s one of surf history’s most iconic figures and brings that expertise to…

Written by Mike Misselwitz May 18, 2023

At ‘World Class Kayaking School,’ the Legendary Zambezi River Is the Classroom

Need to up your river skills? There’s no better place to learn, apparently, than at this World Class Kayak Academy.

Written by Mary Murphy May 17, 2023

The Best Coolers of 2023

We tested the best hard coolers of 2023 with options for every budget. Top picks include RTIC, YETI, and more!

Written by Mary Murphy and Austin Beck-Doss May 16, 2023

British Vets Embark on 1,300-Mile, Unsupported Kayak Quest: The Inside Passage

This unique team is embarking on one of the most extreme paddle routes you’ll find in the Western U.S.

Written by Mary Murphy May 09, 2023

What Is ‘The World’s Toughest Canoe Race’ Like? Find Out at the Texas Water Safari

Gators, sunburn, and sleep deprivation, oh my! If you like canoeing and type II fun, the Texas Water Safari may be the right race for…

Written by Pam LeBlanc May 03, 2023

Inflatable Hardboard, Say What? How the ISLE Pioneer Pro Stands Up to a Stability Test

Hardboards vs. inflatable paddleboards: is it really possible to get the best of both worlds, in one SUP? ISLE’s newest Pioneer Pro model hopes to…

Written by Mary Murphy May 02, 2023

Goodness Gracious, Great Falls! Dane Jackson’s Latest Lines Down the Potomac

Great Falls is the definition of the ‘good boating’ Maryland has to offer.

Written by Mary Murphy April 20, 2023

Dale ‘Greybeard’ Sanders: The Man, the Myth, the Mississippi

Dale ‘Greybeard’ Sanders’ motto is, “Someday I’ll get old.” His latest expedition proves that nothing can hold this octogenarian paddler back.

Written by Mary Murphy April 19, 2023

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