Essential Kayak Safety Skills Every Paddler Should Know
Learn essential kayak safety skills including wet exits, re-entry, hip snaps, braces, sculling strokes and T-rescues to paddle with more confidence.
- How To
- Kayak Touring
- 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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Kayaking for Beginners: Basic Skills, Safety and Gear
Learn kayaking fundamentals, including forward stroke technique, safe launching, life jacket fit, cold-water clothing, maintenance, tandem paddling and fitness tips.
- How To
- Kayak Touring
- 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
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
How to Avoid Foot Entrapment in Swiftwater
Learn how foot entrapment happens in moving water, what rescuers should assess first and how to prevent one of the most dangerous swiftwater accidents.
- Rafting
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Safety
- Rescue
Throw Bag Basics: How to Toss, Catch and Restuff
Learn throw bag basics for swiftwater rescue, including how to toss, catch and restuff a throw bag, plus key safety tips for rescuers and swimmers.
- Safety
- Rescue
Why Pick a Lightweight Fishing Raft?
Lightweight fishing rafts let solo anglers launch without a trailer, row or kick for stealth, and carry more gear. Compare the open-bow Oxbow 85 and Boundary 100.
- Rafting
- Fly Fishing
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
How to Care for Dry Suits, Dry Wear and Splash Wear
With proper care and maintenance, your NRS dry wear and splash wear will provide years of protection and enjoyment. Follow the instructions in this manual to ensure the best performance and longevity for your gear.
- Repair
- Apparel
Why Packrafts Belong in Every Backcountry Hunter’s Kit
Learn how packrafts help backcountry hunters access more terrain, haul heavy loads, and travel efficiently. Key features, essential gear, packing tips, and hunt styles.
- Packrafting
How to Inflate and Deflate Your NRS Packraft
Learn best practices for inflating and deflating your NRS packraft, as well as troubleshooting tips and packraft storage advice.
- How To
- Packrafting
How to Choose the Right Fly Fishing PFD
Compare standard vs. high-back vs. inflatable fly fishing PFDs, then choose the right fit with comfort, storage, safety and sizing tips for wading or fishing from a boat.
- How To
- Safety
- Fly Fishing
How to Boat Safely With Kids
Learn how to boat safely with kids, from choosing the right life jackets and layers to sun protection, river skills and guidelines for infants and small children.
- How To
- Safety
How to Introduce Kids to Boating, Kayaking & Whitewater
Learn how to introduce kids to boating, camping, kayaking and whitewater with practical safety tips, gear ideas and fun ways to build confidence outdoors.
- How To
- Rafting
- Kayak Touring
- Camping
How to Prepare for Cold-Water Boating
Learn how to dress for cold-water boating, choose the right layers and safety gear, and prepare for immersion so you can stay warm, safe and paddling longer.
- How To
- Apparel
- Safety
How Hypothermia Affects Paddlers
Learn how hypothermia develops in paddlers, how the body loses heat in cold water, early warning signs to watch for and how to prevent cold-related emergencies.
- Apparel
- Safety
How to Strap Kayaks to Your Car
Learn how to strap a kayak to your car safely using one-strap and two-strap methods, kayak stackers, and bow and stern lines, plus expert tips to protect your boat, rack and vehicle on the drive to the water.
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
- Straps
How to Roll a Kayak: Step-by-Step Guide to C-to-C, Sweep, and Offside Rolls
Learn how to roll a kayak safely and efficiently. Step-by-step videos and expert tips from Ken Whiting break down C-to-C, sweep, offside, and Pawlata rolls so you can recover confidently in any paddling conditions.
- How To
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Kayak Touring
How to Maintain, Stretch, and Replace Dry Wear Gaskets
Learn how to care for, stretch, and replace latex and neoprene gaskets on dry suits, dry tops, and pants. Keep your paddling gear watertight and lasting longer.
- How To
- Repair
- Apparel
- Gear
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
What to Wear Fly Fishing: A Complete Guide
Learn what to wear fly fishing year-round. Discover the best base layers, mid-layers, and outerwear to stay comfortable, safe, and focused on the water.
- Apparel
- Fly Fishing
Ultimate Guide to Packraft Fishing
Discover how packraft fishing opens access to remote lakes and rivers, helps you escape crowded waters, and boosts your angling success with expert tips, tactics, and gear advice.
- Packrafting
- Fly Fishing
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
Compare Inflatable Raft Specs & Measurements
Use this comprehensive table to compare specs and measurements for current and past NRS, STAR, Aire, Riken and Tributary inflatable rafts, catarafts and inflatable kayaks.
- Rafting
How to Maintain an NRS Super 2 HP Pump
The Super 2 HP Pump uses a double-chamber design for optimal power with minimal effort, and is easy to maintain. With a few easy steps, you’ll be able to address common issues with your pump and keep it functioning well for years to come.
- How To
- Gear
How to Maintain an NRS Super Pump
In just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to troubleshoot, maintain, and address common issues with your NRS Super Pump and keep it functioning well season after season.
- How To
- Gear
Customizing Your NRS Raft Fishing Frame
Customizing your NRS raft fishing frame can help make your time on the water far more enjoyable. NRS Frames are modular, which means you can mix and match different frame parts and accessories.
- How To
- Rafting
- Fishing
- Fly Fishing
Guide to Raft Fishing vs Drift Boat Fishing
Durable and portable inflatable fishing rafts from NRS offer several advantages for fishing over more traditional drift boats, including cost, safety, and ease of access.
- Rafting
- Fishing
- Fly Fishing
A Beginner’s Guide to Stand-up Paddleboard Fly Fishing
Discover the thrill of fly fishing from an NRS stand-up paddleboard. Learn about the advantages of stealth, portability, and affordability in our beginner's guide for adventure anglers.
- Stand-Up Paddling
- Fly Fishing
How to Choose a Packraft Paddle
Choose the best packraft paddle by learning the blade styles, paddle materials, and how the type of water you paddle on affects paddle length and our paddle recommendations.
- How To
- Packrafting
NRS Packraft Care & Maintenance
NRS packrafts are lightweight, packable and built to premium standards. Like all outdoor gear, some packraft care and maintenance will provide a lifetime of performance.
- Packrafting
SUP Surfing Basics: Rules, Techniques and Etiquette
Learn the fundamentals of SUP surfing, from safety rules and flatwater prep to catching waves, trimming your board and navigating surf etiquette. Includes two instructional videos to help you build skills and surf with confidence.
- How To
- Stand-Up Paddling
Raft Fabric Marbling: What, Why, and How To Remove
Marbling, marks or white spots at folds, is normal on new rafts and inflatables that have been packaged for shipping. Learn how to use time, heat and sunlight to remove marbling.
- Repair
- Rafting
Autumn: Fall into a Healthy Paddling and Daily Routine
Its time to introduce steadiness, softness, warmth and liquid qualities into our diet and lifestyle. Especially if we want to stay healthy to get as much out of the fall colors and paddling season as possible. Here are our top five tips for staying healthy this fall.
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Yoga & Fitness
Gentle Yoga for Post-Season Recovery
Its the end of the paddling season - are you feeling stoked, yet broken? Paddlers who get after it all season long tend to feel tweaks in the hips, back and shoulders come end of season. This is the time to rest and recover and get ready for the awesomeness that the next season brings.
- Yoga & Fitness
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.
- Whitewater Kayaking
- Yoga & Fitness
NRS Gift Card: Always Fits, Always Wanted
