This is a great time of year to start gearing up for paddling season. If you’re new to the sport, or just need some new gear, we hope you’ll find this post helpful. So, what do you need to bring to ensure a great kayak or canoe trip with lots of fun? The more paddle trips you take, your list will grow (or shrink) or at least get fine-tuned based on what you like to do and what kind of paddling you do.

Here’s a list we compiled to get you started on a basic, half-day flat water paddling trip – MUST have items are starred (*):

Kayak or Canoe*
You may have your own boat or you may choose to rent one

Transport
If you’re going with an outfitter, you probably don’t need to worry about transport too much, but if you’re going on you’re own, consider:

• roof rack (click here to learn about roof racks)
• pull trailer (click here to learn about trailers)
• tie down ropes/straps
• wheeled cart (for portaging)

Gear

• paddle(s)* (click here to learn how to choose a paddle)
• folding backup/emergency paddle
• paddle float
• canoe float
• spray skirt (for kayaks)
• helmet (for whitewater or surf)
• PFD or Life Vest*
• dry bag
• bailer, bilge pump, sponges

Click here to continue reading the Paddling Checklist for Kayak & Canoe…

Here are some links to kayak and canoe outfitters where you may find some excellent deals on paddling gear:

Discounts On Camping, Hiking & Paddling Gear/Apparel At Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). See All On-Sale Items Now! Valid While Supplies Last.

NRS has the gear for all your paddling needs! Buy NRS, Astral, Kokakat, Level 6, Brunton, Gerber, Keen, Kavu, Werner, H2O Audio, I/O Bio, AIRE, Watershed, Snap Dragon, Aquapac, and many more of your favorite brands right here. Shop Now!

Free Shipping over $45.00 at Altrec Outlet

Up to 50% Off New Gear at Backcountry.com

FREE Shipping on Kayak Paddles at Outdoorplay.com

Here are some kayaking & canoeing races & events in Alabama.

Search our kayak & canoe events calendar to find more paddling events in Alabama and other U.S. States.

You can search our events calendar by U.S. State or Month.

Paddling

Delta Paddle on the Bartram Canoe Trail

Rice Creek Landing

Stockton,  Alabama

April 21-22, 2012

According to their website:

At this paddling event you will: explore the Delta, camp from your boat and celebrate Earth Month.

Paddlers will paddle to the Bartram Canoe Trail’s Twin Rivers Campsite.

No need for shuttles, paddlers will loop through the Delta, starting at Rice Creek Landing and returning to Rice Creek Landing.

Daily mileage: 8 to 10

Run-Paddle-Bike

Terrapin Tri -County Adventure Race

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Chief Ladiga Trail Campground

Piedmont, Alabama

According to their website:

Run the Pinhoti National Recreational Hiking Trail, Paddle the Terrapin Creek Canoe Trail, and Cycle the Chief Ladiga Biking Trail.

This race route includes three of Alabama’s premiere outdoor recreational areas. They are located within the tri-county area of Calhoun, Cleburne, and Cherokee.

The race will be 3 to 6 hours of challenging trail running, creek paddling & biking.

Individual teams or 3 person relay team

Run: 10k (6.2 miles), Paddle: 1.5 mile, Bike:  33.8 mile. Total Race distance 41.5 miles

For more information on these kayaking & canoeing events or to find other paddling events, paddlefests, kayak races, canoe races, festivals, adventure races or triathlons, click here to go to our kayak& canoe races & events calendar.