Outdoorplay Blog
Footwear is often one of the last aspects that both beginners and seasoned kayakers contemplate. When starting out on a kayaking journey, there's a lot of gear to consider, from the kayak itself to paddles, clothing, and more. With so many decisions to make, footwear can easily slip our minds. Ho...

September 14, 2023

Ken Whiting's Guide on the Best Footwear for Kayaking or Canoeing
For some kayakers spray skirts are unnecessary, but for others they are a helpful or even essential piece of gear. A spray skirt, otherwise known as a kayak skirt or a spray deck, is used to keep water out of the cockpit when paddling a sit-in kayak.So, how do you know whether you need a kayak s...

September 14, 2023

Everything You Need to Know About Kayak Spray Skirts by Ken Whiting
Embarking on a water-based adventure can be an exhilarating experience, but choosing between kayaking and canoeing can be a pivotal decision that shapes your aquatic adventures. Each activity comes with its own set of thrills, challenges, and rewards. To help you determine which one resonates mor...

September 14, 2023

Finding Your Flow: Is Kayaking or Canoeing Right for You?
Kayaking and canoeing are both popular water-based activities that allow enthusiasts to explore lakes, rivers, and waterways, but they each offer unique experiences and come with distinct characteristics. While both involve paddling through water, the differences between kayaking and canoeing go ...

September 14, 2023

Distinguishing the Waters: Kayaking vs. Canoeing
Spring weather means colder water temperatures and preparing your attire for kayaking in cold water extends beyond comfort considerations; it also significantly impacts safety.In this article and the video below champion Kayaker, Ken Whiting discusses the optimal kayaking gear for Spring paddlin...

September 13, 2023

The Best Gear for Spring Kayaking and Canoeing by Ken Whiting
Kayaking is a popular outdoor activity that offers both recreational enjoyment and an effective workout. Beyond the picturesque views and serene waters, kayaking provides an excellent opportunity to engage in physical exercise while exploring nature. Whether you're navigating calm lakes, meanderi...

August 21, 2023

Paddle Away the Pounds: How Many Calories Does Kayaking Burn?
Get ready for the waters! Here’s our guide to the best tandem kayaks available in 2023; including hard shells and inflatable options so you can find your perfect two-person kayak.Are you ready to explore the great outdoors and take your kayaking experience up a notch? If so, then investing in a ...

August 21, 2023

6 Best Tandem Kayaks Of 2023
Struggling to choose between an inflatable or hardshell kayak for your next adventure? Check out this comparison to get the best of both worlds. Find your perfect kayak today!As an avid kayaker, I've spent countless hours paddling both inflatable kayaks and hardshell models. The debate between i...

August 20, 2023

Inflatable Kayak Vs. Hardshell Comparison: Which Is Right For You?
Everything you need to know about the essential piece of kayak clothing - dry suit for kayaking. Learn what to consider before buying, what features make up a good one and our top picks!Kayaking is an exhilarating water sport that offers endless opportunities for exploration, adventure, and conn...

August 20, 2023

Dry Suit for Kayaking: A Buying Guide
From inflatable fishing kayaks to stand-up paddleboard fishing, discover the best solutions for your outdoor adventures. Get all the tools and advice you need with this comprehensive guide.As an angler who loves the serenity and adventure of kayak fishing, I've tried my hand at various fishing k...

August 20, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Fishing Kayaks
Kayaking is more than just a leisurely float on tranquil waters; it's a full-body workout that combines the joys of exploration with the benefits of exercise. From serene lakes to rushing rivers, kayaking offers an engaging way to stay active while immersing yourself in nature's beauty. In this a...

August 14, 2023

Kayaking: A Paddle-Powered Path to Fitness and Fun
Rarely do you see the terms "inflatable kayak" and "fishing kayak" together. The notion of blending anything inflatable with the hooks and sharp tools utilized in fishing may seem questionable. However, the truth is that a well-made inflatable kayak can serve as a fantastic watercraft for fishing...

May 15, 2023

NRS Pike Inflatable Kayak Review by Ken Whiting
Selecting a properly fitting life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) for kayaking or canoeing is crucial for any time spent on the water. Although it may not be necessary in the majority of situations, having it on hand ensures safety and readiness for the rare occasions when things go awr...

May 15, 2023

How to Choose a Life Jacket for Kayaking and Canoeing By Ken Whiting
Kayaking is a great way to explore the beauty of nature while getting a good workout. However, sitting in a kayak for an extended period of time can be uncomfortable, causing pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, and legs. Fortunately, there are several ways to make your kayak more comfort...

May 12, 2023

How to Make Kayaking More Comfortable
When it comes to kayaking, standup paddle boarding, rafting, or any water activity for that matter, you need the proper attire. This isn't just to help you look the part - it's to help keep you safe and comfortable. The proper clothing can really make, or completely ruin, your water adventures.T...

January 11, 2022

Wet Suit vs Dry Suit: Which Is Right For You?
Kayaking should be about having fun on the water. In order to maximize your smiles per stroke you should be comfortable and safe in your kayak. The first step is to dress with the appropriate kayak clothing.If you’re just out for a lazy paddle on the lake in your recreational kayak you’re unlike...

December 08, 2022

Kayak Clothing: Staying Dry And Comfortable On The Water
If you’re just getting into whitewater kayaking it’s important to start your river adventures with the right selection of quality kayak accessories. Of course you need a kayak, or at least need to borrow one from a friend, but there is a bit more required for a fun day on the water.The following...

December 07, 2022

Essential Kayak Accessories For Whitewater Kayaking
Buying a quality kayak is an investment of both time and money. You are going to want a boat that fits your style of kayaking and budget. One of the first questions you will need to answer is “hardshell or inflatable kayak?”So, why buy an inflatable kayak you ask? It is a fair question. Years ag...

December 04, 2022

Why Buy An Inflatable Kayak?
A dry suit is an investment product and keeping it in tip top shape is not just important for your wallet, but a dry suit that’s no longer watertight can be downright dangerous. We’ve compiled some helpful advice for how to best care for your dry suit before, during, and after your day on the wat...

December 01, 2022

Dry Suit Care and Repair Guide
Whether you call them lifevests, lifejackets or PFDs (personal flotation devices) — what is important is that you wear one while kayaking. We will call them PFDs for purposes of this blog post. Wearing a PFD will help keep you afloat when you end up in the water, either intentionally or not.Even...

December 01, 2022

The Mighty PFD: Personal Flotation Safety For Kayakers
Some kayaks can be cumbersome, especially to transport. Lucky for us this has been an issue since the invention of the kayak, giving people and companies enough time to work out some really ingenious kayak transport solutions.The first thing you’re going to have to figure out when purchasing a k...

November 21, 2022

Racks, Trailers & Carts: How To Transport Your Kayak
Next to picking the right kayak, choosing the right kayak paddle will have the greatest impact on your boating adventures — perhaps even more so. Consider that you will be carrying the weight of the paddle, swinging it with each stroke nearly the entire time you are on the water. A paddle that fi...

November 21, 2022

How to Choose the Right Kayak Paddle
After all these years, the Petzl GriGri is still the most widely trusted assisted braking belay device on the market. It sets the benchmark against which all other devices are compared. While there have been some worthy runner-ups, the GriGri’s tried-and-true design and durability have made it ha...

November 13, 2022

Why the Petzl GriGri Keeps on Sending
Are you preparing for an upcoming fishing and camping trip? Learn five tips and tricks for having the safest, easiest, most fun experience possible.In this article, we’ll cover five things to do that will help keep your camping trip safe, simple, and fun while you catch and cook any kind of fish...

October 26, 2022

5 Tips for Fishing While Camping (for Beginners)
That roof rack that’s been on your car for a year could be costing you more in gas every time you fill up. Adding anything to the outside of your car is going to affect your vehicle’s wind resistance, this is no exemption for a roof rack. Roof racks make any car’s aerodynamics worse by increasin...

October 25, 2022

The Top 5 Most Fuel Efficient Kayak Racks
Perhaps the most daunting part of kayaking for beginners is learning how to get in and out of a kayak safely. The last thing you want to do is embarrass yourself in front of other, more experienced paddlers - or worse, injure yourself. Whether you're trying to enter or exit your boat from the wat...

May 06, 2022

How To Get In and Out Of A Kayak In Water Safely
Wondering what is the difference between a kayak and a canoe? While these two boats seem pretty similar, they have some striking differences you must be aware of. The ideal choice will depend on a number of factors. And today, we're going to unpack the kayak vs canoe debate to help you pick the r...

May 06, 2022

What Is The Difference Between A Kayak And A Canoe?
When it comes to storing your kayak, the garage is the preferred choice. Storing kayaks in garage spaces provides protection from the elements while making it easy to load up your boat and head out to the water. But if you’re like most people, garage space is a precious commodity you cannot affor...

May 06, 2022

How to Hang a Kayak in a Garage: 2 Ways to Store While Saving Space
Want to learn how to strap a kayak to a roof rack? You've come to the right place. In this complete guide, you're going to learn all the different ways you can strap a kayak down on your roof. We'll teach you our favorite approach, and then walk you through the step-by-step process to get your ka...

May 06, 2022

How To Strap A Kayak To A Roof Rack
Whether you're putting the kayak away for the winter season or you just want to keep it out of the way between uses, learning how to store a kayak properly is important for any owner. Not only does this help you save valuable space in your garage, apartment, or shed - it also protects your boat f...

March 23, 2022

How To Store A Kayak Properly (Indoors, Garage, or Outside)
It sounds so simple - but learning how to paddle a kayak the right way is one of the most important first steps in your kayaking journey. Maybe you've been paddling for a while and think you have it all figured out. But trust us - with the right technique, you'll enjoy greater efficiency in your ...

March 23, 2022

How To Paddle A Kayak: The Complete Guide
If you ask any lifelong kayaker what the worst part of this activity is, they'll probably all tell you the same thing - loading up the kayak at the end of the day to take it home. Not only does it mark the end of a long day of fun. But, it can also be pretty difficult and exhausting getting your ...

March 23, 2022

How To Transport A Kayak On A Car: The Complete Guide
As you start shopping around for your first kayak, or even to upgrade from your current boat, you'll have more options than ever before. There are so many different types, styles, and features to consider along your buying journey.But without a doubt, the most important question you should ask y...

March 23, 2022

What Size Kayak Do I Need For My Height and Weight?
J Racks are an excellent way to transport your kayak to and from the water with ease. They make it easy and secure and help truck owners keep that bed open for other gear. They're also one of the most affordable ways to transport your boat. But, if you've just purchased your pair of J-racks and a...

March 23, 2022

How To Tie Down A Kayak On A J Rack: Step By Step
Choosing the right kayak paddle makes a world of difference. In fact, it can be the difference between a long, fun day on the water and a miserable, exhausting expedition that you look forward to the end of.Sure, we love a good workout. But you spend time on the water to enjoy yourself and soak ...

January 16, 2022

How To Choose A Kayak Paddle: The Complete Guide
We love the winter season - our favorite snow sports are finally in play, and we get to bundle up at the end of the day. But, with cold weather comes plenty of risks. Just freezing temperatures themselves are cause for concern.Failure to plan for extreme cold weather can result in dangerous con...

January 16, 2022

Cold Weather Safety Precautions: How To Stay Safe Outdoors
Whether you're skiing, snowshoeing, or riding a snowmobile, avalanches are always a threat on snowy mountains. Every year, an average of 28 people die from getting caught and buried in an avalanche. Take note that not everyone who dies in an avalanche is inexperienced. Even the most experienced ...

January 16, 2022

How To Stay Safe In An Avalanche: The Complete Guide
There is no denying the excitement and allure of a weekend getaway disconnected from society. Camping is a way to detox from the modern world. You're able to give yourself a break from your phone and other gadgets, your responsibilities, and of course, your stresses.But if you've never camped b...

January 16, 2022

Camping For Beginners: The Complete Guide For A Successful First Trip