Paddling Guides, Expert Advice & Outdoor How-To Articles

Explore expert articles, videos and how-to resources for kayaking, rafting, fishing, SUP, rescue, camping and outdoor gear. Learn paddling skills, safety techniques, trip planning, gear maintenance and more.

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Spring: The Season for Cleansing and Paddling

When the snowmelt and/or spring rains are keeping your favorite rivers at optimal flow, its a downer to be feeling less energetic. Here are our top five must-do spring habits to hit the water in full force this spring.

Summer: Staying Healthy and Cool when the Paddling is Hot

Ever wonder why rashes and river rot get so bad in the summer? Its not just because youre spending a lot of time on the water. Introducing cooling foods and lifestyle practices during the hot summer months can help reduce the effects of overheating and have you feeling cool as a cucumber.

Winter: Defeat Seasonal Depression

Its time to shake off the winter slump and tune-up your paddling muscles. Here are our top five Launch Your Season Poses to get your body paddle ready. Theyre all standing poses which makes them easy to do in or out of your gear, before and/or after you paddle.

Yoga for Paddling: Poses for Seasonal Prep

Its time to shake off the winter slump and tune-up your paddling muscles. Here are our top five Launch Your Season Poses to get your body paddle ready.

Yoga for Paddling: Poses for Untweaking Mid-Season

Introduce some actions and positions to help reduce the risk of injury and keep you paddling until the end of the season. Here are our seven favorite poses to keep you going when the paddling is good.

How To Set Up and Fold Your STAR Paragon or Pike IK

Learn how to set up, inflate, deflate and fold your STAR Paragon or Pike kayak with these instructional videos and step-by-step instructions.

How To Set Up, Inflate, Deflate and Fold a STAR Kayak

Learn how to properly set up, inflate, deflate and fold your STAR Inflatable kayak with these helpful instructional videos and step-by-step instructions.

New US Coast Guard PFD Approval System

The USCG/Transport Canada Approval System approves PFDs & life jackets for use in U.S. and Canadian waters. Learn its differences from the older system.

Pins and Clips vs. Open Oar Locks

Choosing between open oar lock or pins and clips for your raft frame rowing setup? Read this to understand the pros, cons, and nuances of each configuration.

How to Replace an NRS Cataraft Nose Cone

Repairs and/or replacements of an NRS Cataraft Nose Cone are easy with these detailed instructions. Follow along with the video to successfully get your inflatable back on the water.

Adjust an NRS Raft Frame Anchor System

This video provides step-by-step instructions for installing the NRS Anchor System on your raft. The NRS Raft Frame Anchor System is a popular accessory to the NRS Fishing Frame, allowing the rower to easily raise and lower the anchor from the guides seat.

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 Adjust Raft Oars and Oar Mounts

Setting up your raft frame for strong and comfortable rowing will greatly improve your confidence and enjoyment on the river. In this video, the NRS experts show you how to adjust the oars and oar mounts on your NRS raft frame to ensure powerful strokes and a comfortable position when rowing.

How to Assemble an NRS Fishing Raft Frame

The NRS fishing frame is easy to put together if you follow the step by step process outlined in this video. The NRS fishing frame turns any raft into a drift boat.

How to Assemble an NRS Raft Frame

This video walks you through the process of assembling your NRS raft frame and adjusting it to suit your needs. Our patented LoPro fitting makes the NRS raft frame system entirely modular and easy to assemble and adjust.

How To Daisy Chain an NRS Tie-Down Strap

In this video, we show you how to daisy chain the webbing on a tie-down strap, a simple an effective method for dealing with the strap tail to keep it out of the way. NRS 1" HD Tie Down straps make rigging rafts, tying down kayaks and securing gear on cars simple.

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 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 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 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 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.

Essential Camping Tips & Hacks for Smarter Outdoor Trips

Smart camping tips for keeping food cold, staying organized and protecting the outdoors on your next river or backcountry trip.

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.

Beware the Rats: Protect Boating Gear from Rodents

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Identify Your Boat

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

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.