Drysuit Folding and Zipper Maintenance
Step-by-step instructions to neatly fold your drysuit, without putting pressure on the entry and relief zippers. We also offer tips for cleaning and lubing those drywear zippers.
- How To
- Apparel
- Gear
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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Why Fish From a Kayak
Read about a few reasons why many people have chosen to embrace the sport of kayak fishing. Far from being a fad, kayak fishing is here to stay.
- Fishing
How to Inflate Your Raft
Learning to properly inflate your raft will go a long way toward protecting its seams and the baffles between chambers from strain and damage.
- How To
- Rafting
How Neoprene Is Stitched
Learn about the various stitching methods on our neoprene products. Single-Needle Stitch, Flat-Lock, Blind-Stitch? Here we explain the differences.
- Apparel
- Gear
How to Maintain Your NRS Barrel Pump
The NRS 5" Barrel Pump is built to last, to get wet, and to get used. Watch this video from NRS Repairs on how to disassemble, clean, lube and maintain it.
- How To
- Repair
- Gear
How to Tie the Figure 8 Knot
Demonstrating the tying of the versatile Figure 8 Knot.
- How To
- Safety
How to Tie a Taut-Line Hitch Knot
There are some knots every boater should know how to tie, and the Taut-Line Hitch is one of them. Watch this video to learn how it's done.
- How To
- Safety
Lend Me Your Ear: About Kayaker’s Ear
What you need to know about this serious boater health hazard.
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Safety
How to Remove a Knife from a PFD Lash Tab
Tips for safely removing a knife sheath from a life jacket (PFD) lash tab.
- How To
- Gear
How to Seal an NRS Dry Bag
Your dry bag protects your stuff. Watch this video to learn how to properly close and seal it to provide maximum protection for your gear.
- How To
- Gear
How to Fix a Pressure Relief Valve in a Raft or IK
Learn how to fix a pressure relief valve, which protects your raft or IK floor from over-inflation, with this video from our NRS Repairs department.
- How To
- Repair
- Gear
Find and Fix Inflatable Boat Valve Leaks
Learn how to troubleshoot and fix leaks in the valves used in rafts, cataraft and SUPs. This video demonstrates with a Leafield C-7 Valve, but the same tips work for Halkey Roberts, Summit and military valves.
- How To
- Repair
- Gear
How to Clean and Store Your Inflatable Boat
Step-by-step video instructions for cleaning and storing your inflatable.
- How To
- Repair
- Rafting
- Gear
How to Prevent Shoulder Injuries
Prevent kayak- and raft-related shoulder injuries with targeted rotator-cuff strength, proper paddling technique and a solid warm-up/cool-down routine.
- How To
- Safety
- Yoga & Fitness
Kicking the Cooler Habit
Learn how Lacey Anderson can outfit a 10-person group for an eight-day trip that doesn't require refrigeration or costly coolers.
- Rafting
- Camping
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Whitewater SUP
In the image-obsessed world of action sports, whitewater SUP has reached its most awkward teenage years, complete with pimples and unknown potential.
- Stand-Up Paddling
Is Your Life Jacket Safe?
Learn how to know with certainty that the life jacket or PFD you've purchased is safe and Coast Guard approved (and what that even means!).
- Safety
- Gear
NRS Terraprene Neoprene
What is Terraprene and why does NRS use it? Sure, it's warmer and lighterthan traditional neoprene. But the big deal is that Terraprene leaves the oil behind.
- Apparel
- Gear
Fabrics That Protect You From the Sun
UV radiation carries a significant health risk, but sun protective clothing uses modern fabrics (NRS H2Core) to keep you protected and on the water.
- Apparel
- Safety
How to Fit a Life Jacket (PFD)
Not sure if your life jacket fits? Learn how to size, adjust and test a PFD for a secure fit—plus tips for fitting kids safely.
- How To
- Safety
- Gear
Know the Ropes
Learn about the important characteristics for ropes used in many boating applications, including the ability to float, its visibility and its strength.
- Rafting
- Safety
- Rescue
West System G/flex Epoxy Adhesive
G/flex Epoxy is a resilient two-part epoxy that gives a superior waterproof bond to plastics, metals, fiberglass and more. Add some to your repair kit.
- Repair
Modular Frame Facts 101
The NRS modular frame system is a marvel of simplicity and strength. This visual guide walks you through the step-by-step process of assembly.
- Rafting
- Gear
Durable Water Repellent (DWR) and Paddlesports Dry Wear
Learn how Durable Water Repellent (DWR) works to keep you dry and comfortable in your paddlesports outerwear, dry wear and dry suits. Understand DWR's environmental impacts and how to care and reapply DWR as necessary.
- Repair
- Apparel
What is Drop Stitch?
Discover how drop-stitch construction works, why it delivers hard-shell performance in inflatable gear and what it means for durability and transportability.
- Rafting
- Stand-Up Paddling
- Gear
The Making of Cataract Oars
Learn how a company that makes guided missile parts, armor piercing projectiles and parts for advanced aircraft got into making carbon fiber oars for rafting.
- Rafting
Werner Construction & Design
Learn how Werner designs and builds their kayak paddles. Swing weight, straight or bent shaft, dihedral? We explain so you can feel confident in your purchase.
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Gear
The Iconic Bill’s Bag Dry Bag: A History
Read the story of how our iconic waterproof NRS Bill’s Bag came into existence, directly from the legend himself: Mr. Bill Parks.
- Rafting
- Camping
Treating Backcountry Water: How to Filter and Purify for Safe Drinking
Learn how to safeguard your body on trail: from protozoa and bacteria in backcountry water to effective filtration, purification and hygiene methods that keep you healthy outdoors.
- How To
- Rafting
- Camping
- Safety
The Fine Nine
Preparing yourself to prevent or recover from on-the-water emergencies.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Safety
Sea Kayak Safety: Pre-Trip Tips for Touring Kayakers
Sea Kayak Safety Starts at Home: Pre-Trip Tips for Touring Kayakers
- Kayak Touring
- Safety
River & Rapid Difficulty Ratings
You will encounter two different class rating systems for rivers and their rapids. Learn how these systems differ and where they're most commonly used.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Stand-Up Paddling
- Safety
Riding the Flood
The dangers of high water boating and how to avoid them.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Stand-Up Paddling
- Safety
Rescue PFDs Aren’t For Everyone
Learn about the specialized features of rescue life jackets and PFDs, as well as when they should—and shouldn't—be used.
- Safety
- Rescue
- Gear
Rafting Put-in Safety Talk
The basics of a good put-in safety orientation for rafters.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Safety
How to Prepare for Medical Emergencies When Boating
Learn how to prepare for medical emergencies when boating, kayaking, or rafting when embarking on journeys that take you outside the 911 system.
- How To
- Safety
NRS Gift Card: Always Fits, Always Wanted
