Expert Advice: Learn Articles, Tips & How-To’s

Search our extensive collection of how-to articles and videos to help you safely raft, kayak, SUP, camp, fish and care for your NRS gear and apparel.

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1:04

How to Strap a Kayak to the NRS Yak Yak Boat Cart

Securing your kayak or canoe to the NRS Yak Yak Boat Cart is quick and simple. In this video, we show you how to use the two included NRS 6 Loop Straps with Buckle Bumpers to attach your boat to the Yak Yak.

  • How To
  • Kayak Touring
  • Gear
1:44

How to Strap a Rowing Frame to a Raft

In this video, the experts at NRS show you our favorite technique for strapping down a rowing frame on a raft. Knowing how to properly secure a rowing frame to your raft is an essential skill for any rafter.

  • How To
  • Rafting
  • Straps
2:09

How to Adjust a WRSI Helmet

Proper adjustment of your WRSI helmets O-Brace Harness and Interconnect Retention System is essential for your comfort and safety while paddling. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your WRSI helmet is adjusted for optimal comfort and performance on the water.

  • How To
  • Safety
  • Gear
1:16

How to Set Up a River Wing

Setting up a river wing is easy once you know the proper techniques. In this video, we demonstrate how to securely set up the NRS River Wing using the included break-down poles, as well as by substituting oars for the poles.

  • How To
  • Camping
  • Gear
0:46

How to Tie Up a Raft on the Shore

One of the fastest methods to tie up a raft on shore is to use a taut-line hitch knot to secure the bow line to a sand stake, tree or other solid anchor. In this video, we demonstrate how to use a sand stake, locking carabiner and rope to create a secure and adjustable tie-off to secure your boat.

  • Rafting
1:07

How To Rig a Bow Line on a Raft

This video demonstrate how to use a bowline knot to secure the bow rope to the D-rings on your raft. We also show you how to coil the rope and secure it with a 2 NRS strap to keep it safely coiled and knot-free for easy deployment.

  • How To
  • Rafting
1:24

How to Inflate & Set Up Your Inflatable SUP Board

Learn how to inflate your NRS inflatable SUP and operate the valve and pressure gauge to ensure the board reaches, but does not exceed, optimal pressure.

  • How To
  • Stand-Up Paddling
3 MIN

Beware the Rats: Protect Boating Gear from Rodents

How to protect your rafting and boating gear from mice, rats, and other rodents.

  • Repair
  • Rafting
4 MIN

Cold Shock and Cold-Water Safety: 5 Golden Rules for Paddlers

Cold-water immersion is the leading cause of death in paddlesports. Learn how cold shock affects the body and follow the five proven safety rules that help paddlers prepare for immersion and prevent tragedy.

  • Apparel
  • Safety
5 MIN

Life Jacket Fiction and Fact

The life jacket is the first line of defense for every paddler. Learn to dispel the misunderstandings, misconceptions and myths about PFDs.

  • Safety
  • Gear
10 MIN

First Aid on the Water

Stop thinking about getting a medical kit for first aid on the water and just do it! You and your paddling partners will be glad that you did.

  • Safety
13 MIN

Packing for International Paddling

Packing for an international boating adventure can be intimidating. World traveler Kyle "Smitty" Smith offers his expertise in figuring it out.

  • Apparel
  • Rafting
  • Whitewater Kayaking
2:11

Emptying Kayaks on the River

Team NRS paddler Stephen Wright demonstrates the proper technique for emptying kayaks on the river so you can push or tow it to shore.

  • How To
  • Whitewater Kayaking
  • Safety
2 MIN

How to Identify Your Boat

Here's how to identify your boat's Hull Identification Number (HIN), or "boat serial number" / "boat ID number".

  • Rafting
  • Whitewater Kayaking
  • Stand-Up Paddling
2:08

How to Do Live Bait Rescue

Jumping in to rescue a swimmer can sometimes be the best technique. This video from Jim Coffey shows how to perform a live bait rescue.

  • How To
  • Safety
  • Rescue
1:20

How to Swim in Whitewater

Self rescue by aggressively swimming to shore can be a life-saving maneuver. Rescue instructor Jim Coffey teaches you how to swim in whitewater.

  • How To
  • Safety
  • Rescue
1:35

How to Make a Shallow Water Crossing

Rescue Instructor Jim Coffey describes techniques that an individual or a group of rescuers can use to safely and efficiently perform a shallow water crossing.

  • How To
  • Safety
  • Rescue
1:26

How to Catch a Throw Bag

Rescue instructor Jim Coffey shows how to catch and position a throw rope to place minimum strain on you and the on-shore rescuer.

  • How To
  • Safety
  • Rescue
  • Gear
1:31

How to Toss a Throw Bag

The rescue throw bag is a must-carry for whitewater. Rescue instructor Jim Coffey shows the best techniques for accurately getting the rope to the swimmer.

  • How To
  • Safety
  • Gear
2:13

The Hand of God Rescue for Whitewater Kayaking

Team NRS paddler Stephen Wright shows you how to help a fellow paddler roll upright with the hand of God rescue if they've flipped and are having trouble.

  • How To
  • Whitewater Kayaking
  • Safety
5:17

SUP: Leashes and Life Jackets

This video from the ACA explains how to choose the right SUP leash and life jacket for your SUP and the types of water you will paddle.

  • Stand-Up Paddling
  • Safety
  • Gear
5 MIN

How to Care for Your Boating Gear

This article gives valuable tips on taking care of your inflatables, neoprene items and drywear so you can use it for a long time.

  • How To
  • Repair
  • Apparel
1:29

How to Make a Flip Line

Build your own flip line! Whether you're kayaking, rafting or canoeing, you'll find multiple uses for this easy-to-build webbing sling or guide belt.

  • How To
  • Rafting
  • Whitewater Kayaking
  • Safety
  • Rescue
1:28

Equipping Your PFD for Rescue

Experienced rescuers equip their life jackets with pulleys, prussics, crib sheets, carabineers and other essential items.

  • Safety
  • Rescue
  • Gear
5 MIN

How to Choose a Whitewater Paddle

Selecting the perfect whitewater kayaking paddle is an important decision; knowing how to choose the proper blade shape will make paddling more fun.

  • How To
  • Whitewater Kayaking
4 MIN

How to Choose a Touring Paddle

Selecting the perfect sea kayaking or kayak touring paddle is an important decision; your paddle is your tool to transfer energy to the water.

  • How To
  • Kayak Touring
2:13

How to Install Kayak Hip Pads

Learn to properly install hip pads, an important part of the kayak outfitting that allows you to be one-with-your-boat for maximum control and ease of rolling.

  • How To
  • Kayak Touring
5 MIN

How to Do a Preseason Raft Inspection

Better to find problems with your boat before hitting the river! Learn tips for inspecting your raft or cataraft to make sure it's ready for the season.

  • How To
  • Repair
  • Rafting
  • Safety
0:43

How to Put on a Drysuit

We share a few tips for easily donning this most protective piece of cold-water boating apparel.

  • How To
  • Apparel
  • Gear
1:36

How to Quickly Coil a Throw Rope

Knowing how to quickly coil your throw rope for a second toss is an essential skill. Heres a trick to help you make a fast, tangle-free second throw.

  • How To
  • Safety
  • Rescue
3 MIN

Boating Safety’s Five Golden Rules

No matter what kind of boating activity you participate in, these five golden rules will go a long way toward ensuring that your trips on the water end safely.

  • Rafting
  • Whitewater Kayaking
  • Kayak Touring
  • Stand-Up Paddling
  • Safety
3:11

SUP Board Bracing Techniques

How you handle your paddle when you lose your balance on your SUP makes the difference between staying upright and going for a swim.

  • Stand-Up Paddling
8 MIN

Using Yoga to Strengthen Your Hips for Kayaking

River runner and yoga instructor Andria Davis shows you some yoga techniques to help improve flexibility and strengthen your hips for paddling.

  • Whitewater Kayaking
  • Yoga & Fitness
9 MIN

Yoga for Off-Season Paddling Fitness

Cold or dry times can be a bummer for paddlers. But as author Andria Davis reminds us, the off-season gives you an opportunity to rejuvenate your body and mind.

  • Yoga & Fitness
8 MIN

Balancing Game: Yoga Therapy

River runner and yoga teacher Andria Davis explores the mind-body connection and how it can help us recover from injuries.

  • Yoga & Fitness
10 MIN

Yoga for Boaters’ Back Pain

Use these yoga routines to strengthen your core, improve spinal flexibility, and reduce back pain from paddling. Learn safe poses tailored for boaters to ease discomfort and support your back before and after time on the water.

  • Yoga & Fitness