How Much Risk Should Boaters Take?
Life is about balancing risk and reward, and so is boating.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Stand-Up Paddling
- Safety
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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Winter Rolling Tune-Up
Your local swimming pool is a great place for perfecting your kayak roll. Team NRS kayaker Devon Barker-Hicks gives valuable tips for getting it dialed in.
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Safety
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 8: Boat Extractions
This video demonstrates how to retrieve a pinned kayak or canoe using methods ranging from pushing and pulling to setting up a mechanical advantage system.
- Safety
- Rescue
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 7: Live Bait Rescue
This video shows several different live bait techniques and describes the best ways to do them safely
- Safety
- Rescue
SUP Board Flip Rescue with Nikki Gregg
This SUP Board flip rescue technique allows you to rescue an unconscious, unresponsive or physically compromised victim using your SUP as an aid.
- How To
- Stand-Up Paddling
- Safety
How to Fit an Adjustable Bungee Sprayskirt
This video gives tips on how fit an adjustable bungee sprayskirt for a snug fit, while still allowing the skirt to be removed safely in a wet exit.
- How To
- Kayak Touring
- Gear
Winter Paddling at its Warmest
Team NRS kayaker Devon Barker-Hicks gives gear recommendations for staying warm while paddling in icy waters.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Safety
Four Golden Rules of Stand Up Paddling
Watch to learn the four Golden Rules of SUP: good paddle technique, proper body position, use of core muscles and efficient SUP board propulsion.
- Stand-Up Paddling
- Safety
How To Stretch a Sprayskirt
In this video, we show you how to stretch a sprayskirt to prevent water leakage and implosion.
- How To
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Gear
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 6: The Rescue Harness
This video shows you how to safely and effectively use the quick-release rescue harness on your life jacket.
- Safety
- Rescue
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 5: Victim Contact Techniques
This video covers victim contact techniques for safely paddling, swimming and wading out to the victim
- Safety
- Rescue
How to Install D-Rings and Footcups
NRS Repairs shows you the best ways to install D-rings and footcups and permanently glue them to Hypalon-, PVC- and urethane-coated materials
- How To
- Repair
- Rafting
- Gear
Inflatable Repair Adhesives Guide
This video helps you understand when to use such glues as Clifton Hypalon, Shore, Stabond, Clifton Urethane, Vynabond and G/flex Epoxy.
- Repair
- Gear
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 3: Swiftwater Swimming
Swimming efficiently in whitewater is essential for self-rescue, rescuing others and building your kayaking, rafting and canoeing confidence.
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Safety
- Rescue
Basic Gear for Kayak Fishing Safety
NRS ambassador Isaac Miller discusses the equipment and apparel that can improve our level of comfort and kayak fishing safety.
- Safety
- Fishing
How to Repair Waterproof Fabric
Learn how to repair waterproof fabric with some simple techniques for applying patches using Aquaseal or Seam Grip, two user-friendly adhesives.
- How To
- Repair
- Apparel
- Gear
Rescue for River Runners: Ep. 2: Team Strategy
Smart teamwork and preparedness make everyone safer on the river with the swiftwater rescue playbook.
- Safety
- Rescue
Rescue for River Runners: Ep. 1: Getting Started
Learn what gear you need to have with you, from your rescue PFD, protective apparel, throw bags, rescue hardware to first aid kit and communication devices.
- Safety
- Rescue
How to Patch an Inflatable SUP Board
How to repair a tear or hole in inflatable SUP board made of PVC or urethane-coated material.
- How To
- Repair
- Stand-Up Paddling
- Gear
How to Repair Neoprene
In this video, we show how to repair neoprene when it gets damaged. Don't throw that gear away; fix it!
- How To
- Repair
- Apparel
How to Replace a Raft Valve
Here we show you how to replace a raft valve, using a doughnut patch to cover the incisions you make to remove the valves inner piece.
- How To
- Repair
- Gear
How to Clean and Deodorize Neoprene Wetshoes
This video shows how to clean and dry water shoes to head off odor. And if stinky shoes happen, we show how to eliminate it.
- How To
- Apparel
- Gear
How to Fold an Inflatable Boat for Storage
Learn the tips and techniques to minimize stress on seams and materials by folding an inflatable boat for storage correctly.
- How To
- Rafting
- Kayak Touring
- Gear
How to Hand Roll a Kayak Without a Paddle
Learn how to execute the hand-roll in a kayak—a technique for when you lose your paddle or want a challenge. Instructor Ken Whiting walks through setup, catch, recovery and key body positions.
- How To
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
How to Repair PVC and Urethane Boats
In this video, the NRS Repairs Department shows you the step-by-step process for repairing boats, finding the leak, rolling on the patch and more.
- How To
- Repair
- Gear
Life Jackets Stop the Senseless Loss of Life
Boating and paddling safety isn’t optional. Dive into real accident stories and learn why wearing a life jacket and respecting cold-water hazards matters on rivers and lakes.”
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Stand-Up Paddling
- Safety
Whitewater & Touring Kayak Paddle Sizing Guides
Choosing the right paddle length or oar length is an important decision that may greatly enhance—or even extend—your time and happiness on the water.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
Leave No Trace, Please
NRS is partnering with Leave No Trace for the month of May. Donate today and well match your contribution.
- Rafting
- Camping
Boaters and Dehydration
Body fluid loss can lead to serious consequences. How to recognize it and prevent it.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Safety
We’ve Come a Long, Long Way, Baby
There wasn't always such a great selection of life jackets to choose from.
- Apparel
- Safety
High-Water Wisdom
High-water brings more dangers to your boating. Learn tips to avoid them.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Safety
How to Inflate and Deflate Cataraft Tubes
Tips for inflating and deflating cat tubes and preventing damage to baffles.
- How To
- Gear
Quick Guide: Rubber Boat Repair Adhesives
This guide walks you through the essential adhesives and repair techniques specifically made for rubber and synthetic-rubber boats.
- Repair
- Rafting
Quick Guide: Urethane and PVC Boat Adhesives
Helping you choose the best glue for urethane and PVC boats.
- Repair
- Rafting
- Stand-Up Paddling
Quick Guide: Temporary Field Boat Repairs
Learn how to make temporary boat repairs in the field by adding just a few pieces of equipment to your kit.
- Repair
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Stand-Up Paddling
How to Patch a Hypalon Boat
Video with step-by-step instructions for Hypalon repair.
- How To
- Repair
- Gear
NRS Gift Card: Always Fits, Always Wanted
