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.

search learn

View a Category:

1 MIN

Halkey-Roberts Valve Types

Information about the different types of Halkey-Roberts valves.

  • Repair
  • Rafting
  • Kayak Touring
  • Stand-Up Paddling
1 MIN

Latex Gasket Sizing Chart

Get to know the specific measurements of NRS’s range of neck, wrist, and dry sock latex gaskets and which sizes we use on our dry wear apparel.

  • Repair
  • Apparel
  • Gear
2 MIN

Clifton Urethane Adhesive Gluing Instructions

Learn to fix a tear or hole in your PVC raft or cataraft with these Clifton Urethane Adhesive Gluing Instructions.

  • Repair
  • Rafting
  • Kayak Touring
  • Stand-Up Paddling
3 MIN

Clifton Hypalon Adhesive Gluing Instructions

Learn to patch or add d-rings, footcups, or carry handles to your Hypalon raft with Clifton Hypalon Adhesive Gluing Instructions.

  • Repair
  • Rafting
2 MIN

Usage Guide for Clifton Accelerator

Adding Clifton Accelerator to Clifton Hypalon Adhesive gives maximum strength for repairs, increases heat and chemical resistance, and shortens bonding time.

  • Repair
  • Rafting
1 MIN

Inflatable Boat Material & Valve Reference Chart

Reference chart used to determine the correct material, glue and valves to use when repairing a boat from a specific manufacturer.

  • Repair
  • Rafting
  • Kayak Touring
  • Stand-Up Paddling
3 MIN

Aquaseal/Cure Accelerator Instructions

Learn to repair your neoprene spray skirt, neoprene or HydroSkin apparel or gaskets with Aquaseal.

  • Repair
  • Apparel
  • Rafting
  • Stand-Up Paddling
7 MIN

Multiday Rafting Trips

Learn what you need to consider when preparing for rafting trip that takes you out overnight. Multiday trips in a raft or cataraft let you to travel in style!

  • Rafting
  • Camping
3 MIN

How to Plan and Pack for Multiday Kayaking Trips

With proper planning and packing, multiday trips in kayaks can be very fun. Learn the tips and techniques you'll need to have a successful outing.

  • How To
  • Kayak Touring
2 MIN

Boating with an Outfitter

Reasons for choosing an outfitter for your next outdoor adventure.

  • Rafting
4 MIN

The Camp Kitchen

Camp Kitchen Tips for food packaging and storage, water storage and sanitizing, camp sanitation, food preparation, fire management and waste disposal.

  • Rafting
  • Camping
5 MIN

ABCs of PFDs

PFD selection and Coast Guard Approval Ratings for PFDS

  • Safety
  • Gear
2 MIN

Adventure Medical Kits from NRS

Designed by physician and paddler Eric Weiss, Adventure Medical Kits are a necessity on the river and any adventure. Essential medical supplies are grouped in a dry bag for versatility. All kits come with first aid instructions and a list of items.

  • Rafting
  • Whitewater Kayaking
  • Kayak Touring
  • Stand-Up Paddling
  • Camping
  • Safety
4 MIN

Outfitting Your Touring Kayak

Learn how to outfit your touring kayak or sea kayak with the proper gear. If you're going to do overnight trips, there are some additional things to consider.

  • Kayak Touring
13 MIN

Beginners Guide to Kayak Terminology

Get up to speed on essential kayak-terminology: hull types, rocker, stability, chines, outfitting and more. Boost your comfort and confidence on the water.

  • Whitewater Kayaking
5 MIN

Raft & Cataraft Terminology: Essential Terms for Inflatable Boats

Master the key terms used for rafts and catarafts – learn boat-parts, floor types, tube measurements and accessories in this quick inflation-boat glossary.

  • Rafting
11 MIN

Inflatable Boat Use and Care Instructions

Learn how to properly care for your raft, cataraft or inflatable kayak. We include basics about mounting frames, cleaning instructions and repairs.

  • Repair
  • Rafting
7 MIN

Inflatable Boat & SUP Guide

Specifics on NRS E-series, Otter series, Otter Livery series, NRS catarafts, NRS Patriots, NRS SUP Boards and NRS Inflatable Kayaks.

  • Rafting
  • Whitewater Kayaking
  • Stand-Up Paddling
6 MIN

Modular Frame Part Dimensions

Use these diagrams to learn about the design specs and dimensions for the individual parts and pieces of the NRS modular raft frame system. The NRS frame system is the most adjustable and adaptable raft frame system you can buy and is built in Moscow, Idaho by skilled craftsmen.

  • Rafting
  • Gear
4 MIN

Key Features of Raft & Inflatable Boat Rowing Frames

Discover how NRS modular frames use premium aluminum alloy, heavy-duty fittings and full adjustability to deliver a strong, lightweight platform that fits any raft or inflatable boat. Learn how to size your frame and why proper width/length matter.

  • Rafting
  • Gear
7 MIN

NRS, STAR & AIRE Raft Frame Sizing Guide

Learn which NRS raft or cataraft frames fit best on specific NRS, STAR Inflatables or AIRE rafts and catarafts.

  • Rafting
  • Gear
1 MIN

Cataraft Rowing Frame Features

Why buy your cataraft rowing frame from NRS? Every frame is engineered for strength, adjustability and long-term performance, with precision-fit LoPro fittings and proven river durability.

  • Rafting
  • Gear
4 MIN

Kayak Floatation for Sea Kayaks

Learn how (and why) to install and use floatation bags in your sea kayak to keep you buoyant after hull damage; paddle safely back to shore in case of hull puncture.

  • Kayak Touring
  • Safety
  • Gear
3 MIN

Valve Know-How

Information on identification, maintenance and repair of inflatable boat valves.

  • Repair
  • Rafting
  • Kayak Touring
  • Stand-Up Paddling
3 MIN

USGS WaterAlert Service

Service gives email or text message alerts on river flows.

  • Safety
3 MIN

The Sun and My Inflatable Friend (or Foe?)

Energy from the Sun, in the form of heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can do great harm to you and your equipment. Learn to protect your rafting gear.

  • Repair
  • Rafting
3 MIN

How to Prevent Rubbing and Abrasion on Rafts

Learn how to protect your raft or cataraft from wear and abrasion with proper setup, transport tips, and repair methods to extend its lifespan.

  • How To
  • Repair
  • Rafting
2 MIN

How to Protect Your Gear From Saltwater

Learn how to protect your paddling gear from saltwater corrosion and wear. Get practical cleaning, rinse, and storage tips to extend the life of your metal, neoprene and dry-wear equipment.

  • Repair
  • Kayak Touring
  • Stand-Up Paddling
4 MIN

Rescue Bag Basics

Learn how the NRS Rescue Throw Bag, a vital piece of safety equipment required for every boater, can be used to rescue a swimmer or help unpin a boat.

  • Safety
  • Rescue
  • Gear
6 MIN

How to Repair an Oar or Paddle Blade

This step-by-step guide will teach you how to repair cracked oar or paddle blades using flexible epoxy adhesive so you can restore your gear and get back on the water.

  • How To
  • Repair
  • Gear
5 MIN

Help Prevent the Spread of Invasive Aquatic Species

Discover simple, effective steps paddlers can take to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species—cleaning gear, draining watercraft, drying equipment and protecting lakes, rivers and streams.

  • Rafting
  • Whitewater Kayaking
  • Kayak Touring
  • Stand-Up Paddling
5 MIN

Prevent Boating Injuries and Stretch for Better Paddling

Stay strong and pain-free on the water. Learn conditioning tips, warm-up routines, and stretching exercises that help paddlers prevent shoulder, wrist, and back injuries.

  • How To
  • Yoga & Fitness
3 MIN

Pre-Trip Food Prep

Doing some work before your trip speeds up meal preparation and cuts down on the mess.

  • Camping
9 MIN

Paddler’s Dictionary: A Glossary of Kayaking & Canoeing Terms

A reprint from Canoe & Kayak Magazine on many boating terms.

  • Rafting
  • Whitewater Kayaking
  • Kayak Touring
  • Stand-Up Paddling
3 MIN

Fitting Molded Oar Sleeves and Oar Rights

Get step-by-step instructions to properly fit molded oar sleeves and oar rights; learn how to shim, adjust and secure your oars for reliable performance on the water.

  • How To
  • Repair
  • Rafting
  • Gear
2 MIN

How to Choose Your Oar Length

"What length oars do I need for my boat?" is one of the most common questions we get. We've developed this chart to help you with this decision.

  • How To
  • Rafting