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
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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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
When the PFD Fits... Wear It!
Learn how to choose, size, and adjust a life jacket for a secure, comfortable fit. This NRS guide covers PFD fitting tips for adults and children to help you stay safe and confident on the water.
- 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
Preparing for Cold-Season Boating
How to outfit yourself for cold water boating protection.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Stand-Up Paddling
- Safety
The Fine Nine
Preparing yourself to prevent or recover from on-the-water emergencies.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Safety
Boating Safety for Infants & Small Children
Learn about boating safety for infants and small children. When is it safe to take your kids out on the river, and what should you bring to ensure safety?
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Stand-Up Paddling
- 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
Life Jackets: Your Second Most Important Safety Item
Lets talk about the second most important safety item you should have on when you go boating. Thats your life jacket, or Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
- Safety
- Gear
How to Prevent Heat Loss with Paddling Layers
Understanding the mechanisms of heat loss, and gain, helps us plan strategies for regulating that loss so we stay safe and comfortable when out paddling.
- How To
- Apparel
- Safety
- Gear
Kid Safety
Boating with kids helps instill a love of nature. Learn more about child safety and what to wear and do to prepare them for a lifetime outdoors.
- Rafting
- Safety
How Sun Protection Works
Details on how sunscreens work and how they are tested.
- Apparel
- Camping
High-Water Safety Guidelines
High water can dramatically change rivers and requires that we redouble our ongoing emphasis on safety. Learn more about the guidelines of high-water safety.
- Rafting
- Safety
Nutrition: Fueling the Fires Within
Learn the nutrition and hydration dos and donts to help you stay warm and safe as the weather and water get cold.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Camping
Avoiding Foot Entrapment
Learn what foot entrapment is, how and why it's deadly, and how to avoid it while out on the river. Sometimes swimming is unavoidable.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Stand-Up Paddling
- Safety
Backcountry Food Handling and Hygiene
Learn how to properly deal with food handling, hygiene, and cleanup while on backcountry or river trips.
- How To
- Camping
Drys Suits Don't Make You Bulletproof
Your dry suit is only one piece of your boating safety system.
- Apparel
- Safety
Understanding Dry Drowning and How It Affects Paddlers
Learn what “dry drowning” or laryngospasm really is, how it can occur during paddling or swimming, and why staying calm and wearing a proper PFD can make all the difference.
- Safety
Boating Safety for Dogs
Learn the proper techniques for safety bringing your dog on the water or next river trip. And don't forget the dog life jacket!
- Rafting
- Safety
- Gear
How to Choose Cold-Water Apparel for Paddling
Commonsense guidelines for choosing your cold water protection.
- How To
- Apparel
That Time Mike Almost Drowned
Flush drowning is a real hazard, even when paddling with a well-trained, close-knit group. Learn lessons from this video to avoid a fatal outcome.
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Safety
Wetsuit Repair and Care
Learn how to properly clean, repair, and care for your neoprene apparel and wetsuits.
- Repair
- Apparel
NRS Gift Card: Always Fits, Always Wanted
