Water Sports

Kayak styles are defined by the hull. A kayak can be a single, a tandem or a tri-yak, to accommodate the number of paddlers. In general, kayaks have the following characteristics: limited cargo...

As small boats, kayaks get bumped around and eventually will need repair. If a small hole occurs during an outing, simply patch with duct tape and enjoy the day. Upon returning home, a small hole...

Kayaks are built to be lightweight, fast, and highly maneuverable watercraft which were initially designed by northern Native peoples for the purpose of hunting whales and seals in the northern...

The key to entering a kayak from the shore is balance. As Joe Glickman says in "The Kayak Companion," the kayak is much less stable when it is not in motion. Getting into a kayak from the shore...

Mussels are various species of bivalve mollusks with an oblong shell. They live in both freshwater and saltwater. Freshwater mussels sit partially covered in the sand or dirt whereas thread-like...

Touring kayaks are designed to travel across long distances of open water and be stable in rough conditions thanks to their general length of 12 to 16 feet. Most have sealed hatch covers that...

Thinking about purchasing a kayak or taking a kayaking trip? With all of the options available, some guidance can make your decision easier. Choose the right kayak for your needs, based on where...

A kayak can provide a boating experience like none other because of the maneuverability and proximity to the water. Because of the high center of gravity created by the boat and paddler and as a...

Hauling a canoe on top of your pickup can be problematic. Simply strapping it to the roof and bed puts the canoe at an upward angle toward the front and causes a lot of lift as you are driving...

Car-topping a canoe can be tricky. A canoe bottom is curved and can act like a wing, lifting the body of the boat and making it dance around on top of your car when you're driving at 50 to 70...

It is always recommended to kayak in groups, because a number of kayak rescue techniques not only save lives, but time as well. When a kayak capsizes, it fills with water, and before the swimmer...

Need to hang your kayak up so you're not stumbling over it on the garage floor or on the back porch? You can make a homemade kayak hanger in several simple ways that are inexpensive, sturdy and...

Between trips to the river you're going to need a place to put your kayak. Unless you want to fish out snakes and bugs every time you use your boat, you'll need a storage place up off the ground....

A kayak is a small boat that is paddled with a two-sided oar and usually manned by just one or two people. Over the years, kayaks have become not only a means of transportation but also a source...

Unless you're lucky enough to live on a lake, carrying your kayak on your car when you want to paddle is a fact of life. Good equipment and technique for tying down your kayak keeps it safely...

The idea of wearing swimming goggles is to keep water out of your eyes. They allow you to see clearly underwater, whether you are snorkeling, playing a competitive water sport or simply swimming...

Most SUVs and other vehicles suitable for transporting kayaks to the kind of places kayaks need to go come with a simple luggage rack. Unfortunately, kayak hulls and decks are curved and don't...

A steel-hulled boat is a durable and long-lasting investment, provided that the owner is precise in attending to normal routine-maintenance cycles. One essential task is repainting the hull. Over...

Life vests, also referred to as personal flotation devices (PFDs), are a very important piece of equipment when on the water. Not only is it a requirement by the United States Coast Guard to have...

Using a gas pool heater can help extend your swimming season an extra couple of months. However, because it needs large amounts of fuel to operate, it is also one of the more expensive ways to...

First Time Fishing?This Guide Will Help you get Every Thing you Need to Make your First Trip a Great One!Fishing Has been Americas past Time and will also remain like that for Hundreds of more...

Getting your PADI or NAUI Open Water certification takes a little work and a little study, but once you've successfully demonstrated the necessary skills, adventure awaits. While there's plenty to...

Hurley Clothing Company was established in the late 1970s in Costa Mesa, Southern California. Initially, the company sold surfboards to local surfers. Now, almost 50 years later, Hurley Clothing...

Scuba diving is a sport for all ages, genders and sizes of people. There are few limitations in scuba when it comes to size, except in finding appropriately sized gear. With the average size of...

If you are looking to extend your swimming season by a couple of months, there are several ways to heat an above ground swimming pool. Using an electric or natural gas heater is one way to warm...

Do you want to own a boat at the best possible price? Salvage boats are available through auctions and, for your greatest convenience, online auctions. There are plenty of opportunities to get a...

Every year, hundreds of preventable drownings occur, often when life-saving devices are close at hand. Men are far more likely to drown than women and younger people are at greater risk, primarily...

Remember how shiny your boat was when you first got it. Over time, the sun and marine environment can really do a number on your boats shine making it dull and chalky. With a little work you can...

Ironically, many people associate surfing with unhealthy eating habits such as beer drinking and eating fast food. Regardless of the stereotype, surfing is one of the most physically demanding...

Sea sickness or motion sickness is nausea and an unsettled feeling in the stomach resulting from motion during a car ride or boat trip. If you are susceptible to motion sickness or have anxiety...

The gar has a long, bony beak studded with needle-sharp teeth. The gar will strike most lures intended for bass, but it is difficult to set the hook. When the gar feels pressure on the bait, it...

A stuffing box consists of a threaded sleeve and a hollow nut through which a propeller shaft passes out of the hull of a boat and into the water. This sleeve is typically filled with rings of...

Snorkeling is a water activity involving wearing masks that block the air intake of the nose, and a mouth guard fitted to a tube that reaches up out of the water. Such a mask enables a snorkeler...

It is very easy to learn how to operate a paddle boat. Paddle boats can provide enjoyable, pleasant activity and can be good exercise.

Sailing, once a mainstay of global commerce, is today a relaxing water sport. Although some sailors choose to hit the wind and waves solo, most skippers are eager for extra hands to haul the...

A boat lift can save you maintenance by keeping your boat at the water, but out of the water, and is perfect if you have your own private dock. The simplest boat lift you can make is a pair of...

People who swim for sport or leisure often experience congestion in the nose due to the water. This is especially true of synchronized swimmers, who spend long times under water engaging in...

A waterproof watch does not exist. A watch can be rated for water-resistance, which means it has been tested to hold a water-tight seal for internal components to a certain depth, such as to 100...

Keeping your boat at a marina dock slip or in a rack storage system is convenient, but storing your boat yourself, or "trailering," also has benefits, particularly on your wallet. It is far less...

Jet Ski insurance is a must because it is protection if any damage happens your watercraft, such as collision, or if another watercraft is at fault. Jet Ski insurance also helps if you are hurt or...

Jet skiing is a popular and fun activity. However, safety is one of the biggest issues when operating any kind of watercraft. Different laws have been established by the United States Coast Guard...

The water is the perfect place to play games. There are many water games that can be played by people of all ages. Water games are not only fun, they help develop swimming skills and improve...

Boating provides relaxation and adventure while giving you an opportunity to appreciate the marine environment. When you're on board, the captain and crew will use various nautical terms to...

Avid SCUBA divers ultimately purchase their own equipment and are familiar with equipment that enhances their comfort and efficiency underwater. Essential dive gear includes buoyancy compensator...

Swimmers, boaters and scuba divers enjoy being in the water. Many water enthusiasts have experience diving into pools, lakes and the ocean to explore their underwater world. Dive-related injuries...

Long-time divers frequently end up with old SCUBA cylinders that can no longer be used for various reasons. Perhaps diving is a long-forgotten hobby or the tanks may have failed inspection. Often,...

Neoprene is a type of rubber that does not break down in sun, wind or water. It is also physically tough, resistant to burning, can withstand both hot and cold temperatures and remains unaffected...

There are three types of fishing line for most fishing tackle: monofilament, braided, and fluorocarbon. Choose the right line based on your tackle and the size and species of fish you hope to...

You have decided to go on a vacation to a place where all the promotional material talks about the wonderful scuba diving experiences – the clear water and wonderful fish or caves and sunken ships...

Improve an existing skimboard by customizing it yourself or personalize it by having one made-to-order to your specifications. Modify the board for flatland, riding rails or waves. With simple...