Several years ago when I first started canoeing, I rented a canoe and received a quick basic lesson on how to paddle from the rental company. I was then sent on my way down river and told that in about 3 hours I should see a little sign that would mark the takeout point and the end of my paddling trip.

That was the only canoeing lesson that I have ever received. Even if I wanted to take a canoeing lesson I wouldn’t have known where to even look, let alone if they even offered lessons back then. But today, you have a lot of options in receiving canoeing and kayaking lessons.

Whether you are looking to paddle flat water or whitewater there are many places that offer paddling lessons. You usually do not have to travel very far from your home to find a paddling course.

If you are interested in receiving paddling lessons whether it is beginner or advanced here are several places to look:

• Check your local YMCA.
• Contact a local paddling club. Many times paddling clubs offer lessons and trips for beginners. You can find links to clubs on some of our Places to Paddle pages.
• You can also find local paddling clubs listed at American Whitewater and at American Canoe.
• Check out our Whitewater Parks page to see if there is a park near you. Many parks offer whitewater paddling instruction.

There are many books on paddling, canoeing and kayaking magazines and paddling instructional DVD’s available to help you get started.

Before you start your paddling whether it is canoeing, kayaking or rafting you should always get a paddling lesson and safety instructions. Remember, never paddle alone!

It’s about that time again. At least for those of us in the north and mid-north of the U.S. - event time. Race time. Although, I’m not a racer - I’ve said that many times before. “Flatwater” is what I go by and for a good reason! It’s not that I’m not competitive, I am. But something happens to me when I get my kayak onto the river…I relax.

Kayaking is a relaxing sport for me. So the idea of racing never thrilled me. Still I’ve been talked into it once and probably will be again. Although I placed “OK” in my first race, I could have done much better, if only I’d paid attention to some important kayak race form details…

Let me tell you about my first (and only) kayak race experience. Now I don’t often admit to doing something “dumb”, but when I signed up for my first kayak race, I did something dumb. I didn’t read the entry form…enough. Oh I read it, right up to the part where it said “tick off your race category”. I saw a box for “boats 10 foot and under”. Well, I’ve got a 9.5 foot flatwater Islander kayak (formerly Swifty). Well, that right there tells you that I’m not a racer! But it gets better…

You see, there were actually two categories for kayaks 10 foot and under.The first one was meant for Whitewater or Surf Kayaks (not me) - although why would anyone want to get in their whitewater kayak and race down a flatwater river is beyond me…still, I digress. The second 10 foot and under category was meant for Recreational Kayaks (me).

So there I am at the starting line, a bit perplexed as to why other people in touring kayaks are starting way before me, and why I’m hanging back with all of three other entrants and their in whitewater boats. Of course I felt stupid and all the other racers, and the race officials kind of looked at me like I was stupid. Well, let’s face it…I was stupid! I should have read the form more closely. Its not the first time not reading has got me into trouble.

Point of this story? Kayak racing season is coming up again. Will I race again? You’ll have to stay tuned to this blog for that answer!

And if you’re looking to race or just participate in a kayak or canoe event in your area, please check out our Paddle Events and Races Page.

If you would like to suggest an event or race that we don’t have in our calendar, please use our Contact Page to send us the details. We’ll add it.

Paddling First Aid Kits are a good idea for all paddlers, whether they are in a kayak, a canoe or a raft.  You can carry a basic first-aid kit for short float trips but you will have to add to it for longer more secluded trips. Be sure to enclose your kit in a watertight or waterproof container or bag.

Here is a basic list of what should be included in your first-aid kit:

• Waterproof container to hold  the contents of your First-aid kit
• Band-Aids
• Ibuprofen, acetaminophen
• Antibiotic cream
• Sunscreen lotion
• Prescription medication
• Bug bite cream
• Antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers
• Antihistamine
• Alcohol wipes
• First Aid-manual
• Emergency phone numbers
• Whistle
• Mouth barrier for CPR

You will need to add to your first-aid kit depending on your personal experiences, needs, length of trip, number of people in your party, and paddling environment. You may also consider building or purchasing a survival kit too, especially if you are intending to paddle, hike or camp in remote areas.

You can purchase a ready made first-aid kit or put one together yourself. Just make sure you check the kit regularly and replace any used or expired supplies. You may also want to take a first-aid course so you will know how to use the contents of your kit. If you haven’t taken a first-aid course  recently, take a refresher course - first-aid procedures do change. Your local Red Cross will most likely have first-aid and CPR courses.

Just remember whether you kayak, canoe, raft or participate in other outdoor activities, you should always bring a first-aid kit along. 

 Click here to learn more about what to include in your first-aid kit and what sort of first-aid and survival kits are available to buy.

The groundhog saw his shadow and we have 6 more weeks of winter. But that’s not stopping at least three canoe and kayak races and events from happening in March. So paddlers get your kayaks and canoes ready, and hit the water:

March 8th is  Texas’ largest canoe and kayak race, the 36th Annual Buffalo Bayou Regatta. This is a 15 mile race through the heart of Houston. Bring out your competitive side or paddle it just for fun. If you are unable to bring your own kayak, you can rent one. Click here for more information: 36th Annual Buffalo Bayou Regatta.

Rest for two weeks than head on over to Florida for a 7 day paddlefest down the Suwannee River (March 20-27). But you better hurry and register. Registration is limited to the first 300 paddlers. You don’t need to paddle the whole week. They have shorter options. Click here for all the information you need. 

Then head north to Enfield, CT and the 16th Annual Scantic Spring Splash-downriver canoe and kayak race (March 29). Their race date is listed as tentative on their website, so be sure to double-check it in the weeks to come.

 If your waiting for the 6 weeks of winter to pass than check out our paddle races and events page for more race and events that are happening all year long all over the United States.  If you have a race or event you would like to add to our list, please send it to us. Just use our simple Contact Form.

Three years ago at a family reunion my family and I had an opportunity to rent inflatable whitewater kayaks and paddle down the Tuckaseigee river in Bryson City, North Carolina. Some of my family members had never been rafting, canoeing or kayaking before that day. After some instructions they had no problem maneuvering and paddling their inflatable kayaks down the river. It was a fun and exciting paddle. We added two more paddlers to the family that day.

Lack of space was the reason why I had not taken my own hard shelled swifty kayak that trip. There have been many times when I have traveled and wished I had taken my swifty. But sometimes space to carry the boat has been an issue.

If you really want a kayak but do not have the space to store it, why not consider an inflatable kayak. Inflatable kayaks pack down to fit in a storage bag that you can easily fit in your trunk and store in your closet. No need for roof racks!

You can purchase an inflatable kayak designed for whitewater or flat water kayaking. Many come with a self bailing drain valve. They can weigh as little as 26 lbs. and can be inflated in about 10 minutes using a foot pump.

Inflatable kayak prices can range from under one hundred dollars to a thousand dollars. Just remember the lower end range many not have the quality and be as durable as you many want in your inflatable kayak. As always, do your homework.

If you are interested in inflatable boats, check out these options from Sea Eagle. They have been selling inflatable kayaks/canoes/boats since 1968. Their inflatable boats come with a three year warranty.

Inflatable Kayaks:

Sea Eagle 380xd Inflatable Kayak

340xd Explorer Kayak

Inflatable Canoe:

Sea Eagle 330ST canoe package

If a good quality inflatable kayak is out of your price range, why not consider buying a used one? CLICK HERE. Sea Eagle also sells used inflatable boats. And they also come with a three year warranty.