Rafting » Skills & Tips

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.

Adjust an NRS Raft Frame Anchor System

This video provides step-by-step instructions for installing the NRS Anchor System on your raft. The NRS Raft Frame Anchor System is a popular accessory to the NRS Fishing Frame, allowing the rower to easily raise and lower the anchor from the guides seat.

Backcountry Food Handling and Hygiene

Learn how to properly deal with food handling, hygiene, and cleanup while on backcountry or river trips.

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.

Boaters and Dehydration

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

Boating with an Outfitter

Reasons for choosing an outfitter for your next outdoor adventure.

Camping Tips

Learn to camp responsibly, protect vegetation and water quality and the camp's appearance. And don't forget to leave the site cleaner than you found it.

Cataraft Frame Anchor System

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Cataraft Rowing Frame Features

Find information about features and accessories for NRS modular cataraft frames. Learn how to determine the right length and width for your NRS frame.

Fitting Molded Oar Sleeves and Oar Rights

Preventing slipping of Molded Oar Sleeves and Oar Rights.

Frame Instructions: Alley Cat Frame

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Bighorn I

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Bighorn II Frame

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Casting Platform

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Cat Fish Frame

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Compact Outfitter Frame

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Deluxe Footbar

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Fat Cat

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Longhorn Frame

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: NRS Flip Seat

Instructions for assembling the NRS Flip Seat, including the contents of the products and step-by-step directions for putting it together and using it.

Frame Instructions: NRS Top Cat Frame

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Raft Fishing Frame

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Raft Frame Anchor System

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Slant Seat Stern Frame

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Sport Cat Frame

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Stern Raft Frame

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Stern Seat Mount Frame

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Frame Instructions: Universal Frame

Instructions for NRS raft frames, cataraft frames or frame accessories.

Help Prevent the Spread of Invasive Aquatic Species

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

How to Adjust Raft Oars and Oar Mounts

Setting up your raft frame for strong and comfortable rowing will greatly improve your confidence and enjoyment on the river. In this video, the NRS experts show you how to adjust the oars and oar mounts on your NRS raft frame to ensure powerful strokes and a comfortable position when rowing.

How to Assemble an NRS Fishing Raft Frame

The NRS fishing frame is easy to put together if you follow the step by step process outlined in this video. The NRS fishing frame turns any raft into a drift boat.

How to Assemble an NRS Raft Frame

This video walks you through the process of assembling your NRS raft frame and adjusting it to suit your needs. Our patented LoPro fitting makes the NRS raft frame system entirely modular and easy to assemble and adjust.

How to Catch a Throw Bag

Rescue instructor Jim Coffey shows how to catch and position a throw rope to place minimum strain on you and the on-shore rescuer.

How To Customize Your NRS Fishing Frame

Watch this video to learn how to customize and adjust the adaptable NRS Frame System. Former professional fishing guide Jim MacAllister, now an NRS Wholesale Rep, shares his experience, tips and tricks to help you get the most from your setup.

How To Daisy Chain an NRS Tie-Down Strap

In this video, we show you how to daisy chain the webbing on a tie-down strap, a simple an effective method for dealing with the strap tail to keep it out of the way. NRS 1" HD Tie Down straps make rigging rafts, tying down kayaks and securing gear on cars simple.

How to Do Live Bait Rescue

Jumping in to rescue a swimmer can sometimes be the best technique. This video from Jim Coffey shows how to perform a live bait rescue.

How to Fold an Inflatable Boat for Storage

Learn the the tips and techniques to minimize stress on seams and materials by folding an inflatable boat for storage correctly.

How to Identify Your Boat

Here's how to identify your boat's Hull Identification Number (HIN), or "boat serial number" / "boat ID number".

How to Inflate and Deflate Cataraft Tubes

Tips for inflating and deflating cat tubes and preventing damage to baffles.

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 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 Make a Flip Line

Build your own flip line! Whether you're kayaking, rafting or canoeing, you'll find multiple uses for this easy-to-build webbing sling or guide belt.

How to Make a Shallow Water Crossing

Rescue Instructor Jim Coffey describes techniques that an individual or a group of rescuers can use to safely and efficiently perform a shallow water crossing.

How to Organize Straps

Keeping your NRS straps organized will save you a lot frustration.

How To Rig a Bow Line on a Raft

This video demonstrate how to use a bowline knot to secure the bow rope to the D-rings on your raft. We also show you how to coil the rope and secure it with a 2 NRS strap to keep it safely coiled and knot-free for easy deployment.

How to Roll a Strap for Storage

In this Quick Tips video, we show you how to roll your straps for tidy storage.

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 Set Up a River Wing

Setting up a river wing is easy once you know the proper techniques. In this video, we demonstrate how to securely set up the NRS River Wing using the included break-down poles, as well as by substituting oars for the poles.

How to Strap a Rowing Frame to a Raft

In this video, the experts at NRS show you our favorite technique for strapping down a rowing frame on a raft. Knowing how to properly secure a rowing frame to your raft is an essential skill for any rafter.

How to Swim in Whitewater

Self rescue by aggressively swimming to shore can be a life-saving maneuver. Rescue instructor Jim Coffey teaches you how to swim in whitewater.

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 Tie the Figure 8 Knot

Demonstrating the tying of the versatile Figure 8 Knot.

How to Tie Up a Raft on the Shore

One of the fastest methods to tie up a raft on shore is to use a taut-line hitch knot to secure the bow line to a sand stake, tree or other solid anchor. In this video, we demonstrate how to use a sand stake, locking carabiner and rope to create a secure and adjustable tie-off to secure your boat.

How to Toss a Throw Bag

The rescue throw bag is a must-carry for whitewater. Rescue instructor Jim Coffey shows the best techniques for accurately getting the rope to the swimmer.

Instructions: Casting Platform For Front Thigh Hook

Learn how to assemble and care for your NRS Casting Platform For Front Thigh Hook via these detailed instructions. To ensure the longevity of these and all frame parts, periodically review these instructions.

Instructions: Cooler Mount & Dry Box Mount

Instructions for using an NRS cooler mount and/or dry box mount with an NRS frame, including a list of mount components.

Instructions: NRS Cataraft Nose Cone Replacement

Repairs and/or replacements of an NRS Cataraft Nose Cone are easy with these detailed instructions. Follow these instructions to successfully get your inflatable back on the water.

Instructions: NRS Spare Oar Keeper

The Spare Oar Keeper allows you attach that spare to your frame and makes it easy to get it quickly when you need it.

Instructions: NRS Strap Slides

Strap Slides are a great little accessory for snugly cinching a strap or 1" webbing to a frame or roof rack.

Instructions: Oarlock Stainless Springs

To prevent your oarlocks from rattling up and down, help prevent squeaking and oar shaft wear, add a set of Stainless Springs to your oar mounts.

Instructions: Raft and Cataraft Motor Mounts

The NRS Motor Mounts for your raft or cataraft easily allows you to add an outboard motor to your NRS frame. Learn how to install and properly use this piece of equipment.

Instructions: Rear Casting Platform

Learn how to assemble, use, and care for your NRS Rear Casting Platform in conjunction with your NRS raft frame. Specific components are listed, along with detailed directions.

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.

K-Pump Valve Fit Adapter

Learn how we came up with the K-Pump Valve Fit Adapter and how it will allow you to work with Leafield Valves, used on NRS and many other quality inflatables.

Leave No Trace, Please

NRS is partnering with Leave No Trace for the month of May. Donate today and well match your contribution.

Living With Kids on Boating Trips

Tips for making boating trips with kids enjoyable for all.

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.

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.

Overcoming Fear for New Boaters

Suggestions for overcoming the fear produced by a scary swim.

Preventing Shoulder Injuries

Some helpful tips on preventing boater shoulder injuries.

Raft & Cataraft Basic Terminology

Learn the basic terminology for rafts and catarafts. This article breaks down these inflatables into simple parts with clear definitions. We also list and explain several common raft and cataraft accessories.

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.

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.

Stretching Exercises for Paddlers

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

The Camp Kitchen

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

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.

What's in the Water

Excellent resource on microorganisms in backcountry drinking water.

Winter Paddling at its Warmest

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

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.