Kayak Touring

How to Choose the Right Life Jacket

Learn about the types of life jackets most commonly worn by boaters so you can choose the right life jacket for your paddling needs.

How to Choose the Right Life Jacket for Kayaking

The life jacket is your most important on-the-water safety tool. Choose one that fits well and will be comfortable enough to always wear.

How to Do a Kayak T-Rescue

The kayak T-Rescue is a great kayaking technique to master. You flip upside down and a buddy brings their boat up to assist you.

How to Do the Kayak Sculling Brace

The sculling brace is an essential kayak technique that will help you advance in your paddling.

How to Do the Kayak Sculling Draw Stroke

Whether youre in a sea kayak, sit-on-top, fishing kayak or whitewater boat, mastering the sculling draw stroke will move your paddling skills up a notch.

How to Dress for Kayaking

Ken Whiting shares how to dress for kayaking and covers the base layers, insulating layers and outerwear pieces you need to safely extend your paddling season.

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 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 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 Install Kayak Hip Pads

Learn to properly install hip pads, an important part of the kayak outfitting that allows you to be one-with-your-boat for maximum control and ease of rolling.

How to Re-Enter a Sit-Inside Kayak

This video shows you several ways to get back inside your kayak when you have another paddler available to lend an assist.

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 Roll a Sea Kayak

Learning to roll a sea kayak is an important safety skill. This three-part video series from veteran kayak instructor Ken Whiting shows you how to roll a sea kayak while by breaking it down into three parts: the setup, the catch and the recovery.

How to Safely Get In and Out of Your Kayak

Getting in and out of your kayak can be tricky, especially for beginners, but there are easy techniques to safely launch and land your boat.

How To Set Up and Fold Your STAR Paragon or Pike IK

Learn how to set up, inflate, deflate and fold your STAR Paragon or Pike kayak with these instructional videos and step-by-step instructions.

How to Strap a Kayak to the NRS Yak Yak Boat Cart

Securing your kayak or canoe to the NRS Yak Yak Boat Cart is quick and simple. In this video, we show you how to use the two included NRS 6 Loop Straps with Buckle Bumpers to attach your boat to the Yak Yak.

How To Stretch a Sprayskirt

In this video, we show you how to stretch a sprayskirt to prevent water leakage and implosion.

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 Wet Exit a Kayak

This video will show how to wet exit a kayak, helping you to get out smoothly and safely, while hanging on to your paddle and the boat.

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.

Kayaking for Fitness

If youre looking for a great upper-body workout, kayaking for fitness cant be beat.

Kayaking Fundamentals: Do a Kayak Hand Roll

Kayak instructor Ken whiting demonstrates the three main elements of the hand roll: the setup, the catch and the recovery.

Kayaking Fundamentals: How to Do a High Brace

Expert kayaker Ken Whiting shows you how to execute the high brace in this second Kayaking Fundamentals video.

Kayaking Fundamentals: How to Do the Hip Snap

In Part V of our Kayaking Fundamentals video series, instructor Ken Whiting shows you how to practice the hip snap on your own or with a partner.

Kayaking Fundamentals: Kayaking With Kids

Kayaking with kids can be fun. Please be sure they always wear a life jacket that is sized for their body and properly fitted.

Kayaking Fundamentals: Mastering the Offside Roll

Learning the offside roll and practicing it is important for preventing that unwanted swim

Kayaking Fundamentals: Paddle a Tandem Kayak

Two people can paddle a tandem kayak while enjoying time together. This video gives great tips on how to make paddling the tandem easy and fun.

Kayaking Fundamentals: Rolling a Kayak in Rough Water

This video will teach you the basics on learning to roll a sea kayak in rough water

Loading Kayaks On Your Vehicle

Safely loading kayaks on your vehicle is an important boater skill. NRS paddler Leland Davis shows how to fasten one kayak, or multiples, to your roof rack.

Mastering the C-to-C Kayak Roll

The C-to-C kayak roll is a great technique to have in your kayak roll quiver. This video breaks the roll setup into two distinct steps.

Mastering the Kayak Sweep Roll

Learn how the kayak sweep roll is a very efficient way to roll your sea kayak or whitewater boat. Its smooth, low impact and gives you long-lasting support.

Pawlata: Extended Kayak Paddle Roll

Kayak instructor Ken Whiting shows you how to execute the extended paddle kayak roll so its there when you need it.

Perfecting the Kayak Forward Stroke

The forward stroke is the most used and most important paddle stroke. This video shows how to execute it for more efficient and powerful paddling.

Rescue Film Series: Ep. 10: Foot Entrapment Intro

Swiftwater rescue instructor Jim Coffey introduces techniques for assessing foot entrapment situations and formulating a plan to assist the victim.

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.

Rescue Film Series: Ep. 4: Throw Bag Techniques

This video covers throw bag techniques including throwing, safely bringing in the swimmer, bracing, and how to catch and hold the rope if you're the swimmer.

Rescue Film Series: Ep. 5: Victim Contact Techniques

This video covers victim contact techniques for safely paddling, swimming and wading out to the victim

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.

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

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.

Rescue Series: Foot Entrapment Strategies

Swiftwater rescue instructor Jim Coffey introduces foot entrapment strategies for making a rescue, assessing risk for the team, and determining tempo.

The Three Golden Rules of Kayaking

Watch as Ken Whiting shows you the golden rules of paddling, three key concepts that apply to every kind of kayaking.

Touring Kayak Safety

Touring kayak safety doesnt have to be hard, and following a few commonsense guidelines will help keep you safe as youre learning kayaking skills.

Gear Checklist Fishing Gear

Download and customize this checklist of kayak fishing gear to make sure you get to the put-in with all the kit you need.

Gear Checklist Sea Kayaking Apparel

What sea kayaking and kayak touring gear and apparel should you pack? Behold! A printable equipment and gear checklist. Download and customize now.

Gear Checklist Sea Kayaking Gear

Download and customize this checklist of sea kayaking and kayak touring gear to make sure you get to the put-in with all the kit you need.

Gear Checklists

A collection of checklists for camping, rafting, kayaking, and more to help you organize your trip.

12 Reasons To Start Paddling

A reprint from Canoe & Kayak Magazine on the many reasons for getting on the water.

A Paddler’s Dictionary

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

ABCs of PFDs

PFD selection and Coast Guard Approval Ratings for PFDS

Adventure Medical Kits from NRS

Medical supplies grouped together in clear, resealable waterproof bags. Medical kits made specifically for camping, backpacking, and paddling

AIRE Kayak Foot Brace Kit Instructions

Instructions for installing the AIRE Inflatable Kayak foot braces kit into your kayak.

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.

Balancing Game: Yoga Therapy

River runner and yoga teacher Andria Davis explores the mind-body connection and how it can help us recover from injuries.

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.

Boaters and Dehydration

Body fluid loss can lead to serious consequences. How to recognize it and prevent it.

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?

Boating Safety’s Five Golden Rules

No matter what kind of boating activity you participate in, these five golden rules will go a long way toward ensuring that your trips on the water end safely.

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.

Cold Shock: 5 Golden Rules for Boating in Cold Water

Cold shock is the leading cause of death in paddlesports. Prevent it with 5 Golden Rules for Boating in Cold Water.

Cold Water Protection and Hypothermia

Walbridge on the dangers of hypothermia and how to protect yourself.

Cold-Water Layering

Base, insulating and outer layers allow you to add and remove pieces to match changing conditions, and help your body maintain a safe, comfortable temperature.

Coming Back Is Mandatory

Learn the limits of your skills and equipment and stay safe.

Fall Boating Safety

Your cold season gear has probably been stored away. Its time to get it out and inspect it to make sure its ready to go.

First Aid on the Water

Stop thinking about getting a medical kit for first aid on the water and just do it! You and your paddling partners will be glad that you did.

Gear Storage Ideas

Putting your boating gear away until next weekend, or next year, there are steps you should take to protect your investment.

Halkey-Roberts Valve Types

Information about the different types of Halkey-Roberts valves.

Help Prevent the Spread of Invasive Aquatic Species

How to prevent the spread of harmful organisms in our waterways.

How Much Risk Should Boaters Take?

Life is about balancing risk and reward, and so is boating.

How to Choose a Touring Paddle

Selecting the perfect sea kayaking or kayak touring paddle is an important decision; your paddle is your tool to transfer energy to the water.

How To Detect a Fraudulent NRS Website or eCommerce Store

Learn to identify counterfeit and fraudulent NRS websites and ads, resolve disputes with credit card companies, and protect yourself from scammers posing as NRS dealers.

How to Practice the Kayak Wet Exit

How to practice the kayak wet exit, your back-up plan for when your roll doesn't work.

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 Prevent Boating Injuries

Body conditioning, proper technique and equipment prevent injury.

How to Protect Your Gear From Saltwater

Tips for maintaining gear you use in and around saltwater.

How to Repair an Oar or Paddle Blade

How to repair an oar or paddle blade using our G/Flex Epoxy Adhesive, providing a strong bond that's much more flexible than other epoxies

How to Stay Warm When Kayaking

Learn what gear to wear to stay warm when boating or kayaking in cold weather and water conditions. Have fun year-round with these tips from Erin Clancey.

Hypalon Repair Instruction

Learn how to make repairs to your Hypalon raft, cataraft tubes, or your Hypalon raft floors with these detailed step-by-step instructions.

Identifying Inflatable Boat Material

How to identify the type of material in your inflatable boat

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.

Instructions: Stabond Adhesive

Learn to patch tears or holes in your PVC rafts or catarafts. hypalon repair, punctured raft repair, and neoprene gasket repair.

Kayak and Canoe Car Top Basics

The safe way to carry kayaks and canoes on top of your vehicle.

Kayak Floatation for Sea Kayaks

If you choose to paddle around rocks and reefs, its a matter of time before you punch a hole in your hull. Learn why float bags are a smart addition.

Kayak Outfitting Tips for Playboating

Proper kayak outfitting is essential to getting the most comfort and performance out of your playboat.

Keeping in Shape for Paddling

Getting in shape and keeping in shape for paddling will help you become a better boater, have more fun, and prevent activity-ending injury.

Kids and Nature

If you love the outdoors, river or water, you can help spread that passion to the younger generations with these tips about getting kids into nature.

Lend Me Your Ear—About Kayaker’s Ear

What you need to know about this serious boater health hazard.

Let’s Stop the Senseless Loss of Life

This helps reinforce the need to wear life jackets, especially when boating in cold water.

Life Jacket Fiction and Fact

The life jacket is the first line of defense for every paddler. Learn to dispel the misunderstandings, misconceptions and myths about PFDs.

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).

Living With Kids on Boating Trips

Tips for making boating trips with kids enjoyable for all.

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.

Multiday Sea Kayaking

When a day trip is just too short, plan a multiday sea kayaking trip. NRS has the gear and advice to help you figure out what to bring and how to plan.

New US Coast Guard PFD Approval System

The USCG/Transport Canada Approval System approves PFDs & life jackets for use in U.S. and Canadian waters. Learn its differences from the older system.

NRS & WRSI’s Response to Virginia Tech’s Whitewater Helmet Study

Every WRSI helmet meets or exceeds the CE 1385 standard for blunt force trauma, the globally accepted measure for whitewater helmet safety. We take all safety questions seriously; we are examining the methodology of the whitewater helmet comparison test from Virginia Tech University.

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.

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.

Overcoming Fear for New Boaters

Suggestions for overcoming the fear produced by a scary swim.

Preparing for Cold-Season Boating

How to outfit yourself for cold water boating protection.

Preventing Shoulder Injuries

Some helpful tips on preventing boater shoulder injuries.

Quick Guide: G/flex Epoxy Adhesive

G/flex is an excellent boat repair material that makes a tough, waterproof repair. In this quick guide, learn which version will work best for your repairs.

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.

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.

Restorative Yoga for Boaters

Not all exercise routines make you more tired. You can reduce fatigue from paddling and the daily grind with these yoga techniques from Andria Davis.

Riding the Flood

The dangers of high water boating and how to avoid them.

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.

Rolling a Kayak

World Champion kayaker, Ken Whiting, gives pointers on learning to roll your kayak.

Sea Kayak Safety: Pre-Trip Tips for Touring Kayakers

Sea Kayak Safety Starts at Home: Pre-Trip Tips for Touring Kayakers

Stretching Exercises for Paddlers

Stretching is essential for preventing muscle strain as well as healing injuries.

Summit Valve Identification

Identify the Difference between a Summit 1 and a Summit 2 Valve.

The Kayaker’s Pledge: Improving Your Kayak Roll

NRS ambassador Devon Barker-Hicks shares one of her favorite tools for rolling better the "Kayaker's Pledge."

USGS WaterAlert Service

Service gives email or text message alerts on river flows.

Using Yoga to Strengthen Your Hips for Kayaking

River runner and yoga instructor Andria Davis shows you some yoga techniques to help improve flexibility and strengthen your hips for paddling.

Valve Know-How

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

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.

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.

Whitewater & Touring Kayak Paddle Sizing Guides

Find the whitewater paddle that is the best fit for you.

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.

Winter Paddling at its Warmest

Team NRS kayaker Devon Barker-Hicks gives gear recommendations for staying warm while paddling in icy waters.

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.

Yoga for Boaters' Back Pain

Core strength is a paddler's key to relief from back pain. Andria Davis shows you how to use yoga to strengthen your body's core to help prevent back pain.

Yoga for Boaters' Shoulder Pain

Don't let shoulder problems keep you from boating. With good technique and some guidance from Andria Davis, yoga can help you reduce pain and prevent injuries.

Yoga for Off-Season Paddling Fitness

Cold or dry times can be a bummer for paddlers. But as author Andria Davis reminds us, the off-season gives you an opportunity to rejuvenate your body and mind.