Paddling

The Best Packrafts of 2026

We’ve spent the last 20 years testing the best packrafts out there. Here’s everything you need to start packrafting right now.

Written by Jason Magness and Nick Belcaster May 21, 2025

Oru Beach LT Sport Review: Origami Kayaking at Its Best

The Oru Beach LT Sport Kayak is back in black, with a more rigid design, rails for attachments, and a gel cushion seat that turns…

Written by Ian Graber-Stiehl May 12, 2025

The Best Dry Bags of 2025

Need to keep your gear safe and dry? We tested and reviewed the best dry bags including top picks from YETI, SealLine, NRS, and more.

Written by Morgan Tilton and Sean Jansen May 12, 2025

Meet the Big-Wave Surfer Who Calls North Carolina Home

Surfer Mason Barnes has made a name for himself chasing giant waves. Still, nothing beats catching the warm, familiar waves of his hometown in Wrightsville…

Sponsored by Visit North Carolina May 06, 2025

E-Foil for Everyone: 5-in-1 Watercraft Transforms to Fit Rider’s Comfort Level

The Propel eFoil has five modes. Each can be a stepping stone to foiling or just another fun way to ride over water.

Written by M.T. Elliott May 06, 2025

Surfing in North Carolina: A Guide to the East Coast’s Best Waves

From wild wave breaks in the Outer Banks to the lively surf culture of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina has thrilling waves for all levels of…

Sponsored by Visit North Carolina May 02, 2025

Watch ‘Where Eagles Dare’: Columbia River Gorge Steep and Deep Kayaking

Come along for an adventure deep in the Columbia River Gorge’s Eagle Creek with some of the world’s best kayakers. Watch the ‘Where Eagles Dare’…

Written by Bryon Dorr April 28, 2025

Rugged, Reliable, Perfect for New Whitewater Paddlers: NRS Neutron Packraft Review

The new NRS Neutron Packraft is a thick-skinned vessel aimed at paddlers new to whitewater, and it impressed us with just how tough it is.

Written by Nick Belcaster April 23, 2025

Kick Off Camping: Free Entry at All National Parks on April 19

National Park Week kicks off with a free entry day, and extends to April 27 with events, themed days, and volunteer opportunities.

Written by Will Brendza April 14, 2025

‘Pushing the River’: Read Some of the Wildest Canoe Stories Never Told

What happens when dozens of canoe teams tackle a 450-mile race down the Mississippi River in 1949? Read and find out.

Written by Andrew McLemore April 09, 2025

Kayak Turkey Hunting: Gear Up, Rig Right, Tag Out

Most turkey hunters overlook one of the most effective tools: the kayak. When properly rigged, a kayak becomes your stealthy, silent partner.

Written by Wesley Littlefield April 07, 2025

The E-Bike of the Seas: Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu ePDL+ 120 Review

The new Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu ePDL+ is the first recreational kayak to sport an electric pedal drive, making this one speedy little craft…

Written by Nick Belcaster April 04, 2025

Kelly Slater-Designed Board Shorts: 4-Way Stretch, Made With Recycled Fishnets

Surfing champion Kelly Slater asked for several upgrades to his brand’s shorts, including improved drawcords, waistband, and reinforced seams.

Written by Josette Rolfe March 19, 2025

Meet Canada’s Canoe Museum: ‘A Family Reunion for Your Boat’

The world’s largest collection of paddle boats now offers canoe workshops, voyageur tours, and a celebration of backcountry exploration.

Written by Andrew McLemore February 24, 2025

Natural Selection Tour ‘Surf’ Kicks Off: 12 Athletes Ride ‘Jaw Dropping’ Waves This Week

Travis Rice’s newest evolution of his Natural Selection Tour debuts this week with the highly anticipated surf event — and athletes are ‘frothing’ to compete.

Written by Will Brendza February 18, 2025

Another Paddlesport Merger: Jackson Kayak Acquires Eddyline Kayaks

Two U.S.-made kayak manufacturer icons are now one. Jackson Kayak continues to build its portfolio, first with Werner Paddles, and now with Eddyline Kayaks.

Written by Bryon Dorr February 13, 2025

Trans-European Kayak Expedition: Duo Paddles, Portages From Ireland to Istanbul

Two Irishmen have overcome rough seas, frozen canals, and logistical nightmares to cover 1,200 miles. And they’re barely halfway done.

Written by Andrew McLemore February 03, 2025

Whitewater Rescue Vest Gets the Torture Test: Kokatat HustleR PFD Review

Bumped, bruised, and dragged, the Kokatat HustleR Rescue Vest survived my swiftwater training course and is a perfect option for serious paddlers.

Written by Claire Barber January 14, 2025

Meet the Alpacka Mage: A Lighter, More Versatile Whitewater Packraft

Lighter than the brand’s toughest whitewater model, but with more cargo capacity, the Alpacka Raft Mage balances versatility with performance.

Written by Andrew McLemore January 06, 2025

10-Lb. Canoe Carries 800 Lbs., Fits in Your Pack: Alpacka Raft Rendezvous Review

The Alpacka Raft Rendezvous isn’t your pop’s canoe — it’s better. Lighter, more packable, and easy to paddle, this packraft is our new tandem go-to.

Written by Nick Belcaster December 18, 2024

Watch ‘¡Ay Chihuahua!’: An Epic Mexican Exploratory Kayak Adventure

Two of the world’s best exploration kayakers grab a guidebook and work to tick off the un-run rivers in the Chihuahua and Sinaloa areas of…

Written by Bryon Dorr December 04, 2024

Watch Ganga Girls: Be Inspired to Chart Your Own Course in Life

Watch ‘Ganga Girls’ and be inspired by what the river can bring to a group of young women in India.

Written by Bryon Dorr December 02, 2024

Watch ‘Gabon Uncharted’: Top Kayakers, Vivid Storytelling, Epic Location

The SEND crew goes big paddling down massive rapids in Africa. Exploratory whitewater kayaking and storytelling combine in this new film from RedBull.

Written by Bryon Dorr November 26, 2024

The Best Kayak Paddles of 2026

Up a creek again? A good kayak paddle is essential to making the most of your time out on the water, and we tested the…

Written by Nick Belcaster November 20, 2024

The Best PFDs of 2026

You can have all the paddling chops in the world and still take the dunk. We’ve tested the range of PFDs and found the best…

Written by Nick Belcaster November 15, 2024

New-Look Natural Selection Tour Aims to Disrupt Ski, Bike, and Surf Competitions

The newest evolution of the Natural Selection Tour will include skiing, surfing, and biking events. As with the original snowboarding competition, each event will be…

Written by Drew Zieff October 28, 2024

Orlando Is a Surprisingly Good Place to Get Your Outdoor Adventure Fix

Athletic Brewing Company’s “The Great Urban Outdoors” series aims to uncover hidden gems, and this episode looks at Orlando, Florida. It didn’t disappoint.