NRS HydroSkin Shirts

These HydroSkin shirts are the perfect mid-layer for all kayaking expeditions. It can be worn alone on semi-cool days and will provide a fair amount of warmth. Or it can be a fantastic mid-layer in between a thermal inner layer and a windproof outer shell in colder weather.

You can’t go wrong with this shirt… it is comfortable, warm, moisture wicking and looks fantastic.

Available At: – NRSweb.com

• Men’s NRS HydroSkin Shirt
• Women’s NRS HydroSkin Shirt

Product Features:

• 0.5 mm Terraprene – stretches easily and keeps you warm
• ThermalPlush inner lining – repels moisture and dries quickly
• 4-way stretch PowerSpan outer layer – easy movement
• Lycra underarms
• Titanium laminate adhesive helps with body heat retention
• DWR coating forces water to bead and roll off the material

Types of Inflatable Kayak Materials

The two most well known inflatable kayak materials are PVC and Hypalon. There is also a newer material being used now called Nitrylon. Each has their positives and negatives and many people have opposing view points on which is the best to use (with regards to inflatable kayaks and other inflatable boats). They are used because they are all extremely rugged and durable, though some better than others. It may not affect your choice of which inflatable kayak to purchase but it is interesting to understand the difference between these materials. Read more

Packing an Inflatable Kayak First Aid & Safety Kit

If you have a standard first aid and safety kit that you have with you at all times while kayaking then you don’t ever have to worry. You know you are prepared for the worst and you can enjoy and have fun. Packing your own safety kit is easy… you just need a few essentials.

Below is a list of items to have in your first aid and safety kit:

• Waterproof bandaids – for cuts, blisters and owies
• Waterproof matches – for starting a fire if needed
• Knife – for cutting rope, bandages, tape, etc.
• Inflatable kayak repair kit – usually comes with your inflatable kayak
• Bilge pump – to get excess water out of the kayak if needed
• Compass and map – know how to use your compass and where you are on the map
• Extra snacks and water – fuel for the body and staying hydrated keeps you strong and focused – as well as alive
• Waterproof poncho – good for keeping dry in rain or to build a small shelter if needed
• Rope – used to tie up your kayak or to build a shelter
• Sunscreen and sun protection – avoid suffering from unnecessary sunburns or sunstroke
• Extra clothing – keeping warm may be essential
• Disinfectant – for cuts or scrapes
• Water purifying tablets – available at most outdoor stores and very easy to use
• Whistle – don’t ever go out on the water without it
• Signaling flares – for longer trips far away from shore
• Small hand lens – to help start fires
• Needle and thread – should be part of any survival kit
• Chapstick – the elements can be very harsh on our lips
• Cellphone – it may not always work where you are, but its smart to have it with you anyway

Once you have all of these items, put them in a waterproof and durable case that is easy to carry or attach to your waist. Store it in your drybag and know that you are prepared for anything. If you would like to purchase a pre-made paddler first aid kit the Adventure Medical Ultra Light Paddler First Aid is a great buy and offers the essentials – all in a waterproof dry bag.

The Benefits of UV Protective Clothing

Being out on a kayak in the open water with the direct sun not only shining on you but reflecting off the water can cause some serious sunburns (I’ve had my share) or cause you to get sick from sun stroke (I’ve had that too).

Often because of the cool breeze and the water splashing aboard it is easy not to realize the effect that the sun is having on you.

I was paddling in Kauai one time in a sit-on-top kayak and my legs got so burned I had to sit in bed with ice bags on them for a couple of days before I could even move.  I was so mad at myself. I had put sunscreen on everywhere except my legs. 

Bad mistake! I could have easily avoided this of course with a little sunscreen and/or with some UV protective clothing. UV protective clothing is great to throw on to protect yourself from direct sun. With the amount of skin cancer cases booming, UV protective clothing sales have gone through the roof.

Fashionable yet Functional – SPF Clothing can Save the Day

There is a huge selection of great UV protective clothing to choose from… not just wet suits and bathing suits. Great tops, shorts, pants, shirts, you name it. All of which will offer you great sun protection. There are lots to choose from for every person regardless of age.

My favorite place to shop for sun protective clothing is Backcountry. They are a leader in the SPF clothing industry and they have a fantastic variety of fashionable and functional UV protective clothing for men, women, and children as well as lots of different UPF rated accessories.

Backcountry is known for having excellent brand name quality clothing and is a step ahead of the rest as far as their huge selection of different SPF clothing. With great selection, great prices, popular brand names and often good clearance sales you are sure to find that right piece of clothing to protect you from the strong rays of the sun.

Even if you are not sure if you will need it, it is nice to have at least one UV protective long sleeved shirt with you that you can put on if necessary or even drape across your legs. Yes I certainly could have used one of those back in Kauai.

To view a complete selection of SPF clothing and accessories please visit Backcountry .

Kayaking With Your Dog

If you are a dog lover as I am, then you will likely want to bring your pup kayaking with you for a day of fun on the water.  Though this can be an extremely enjoyable experience for everyone concerned, there are some very important safety factors that need to be learned before attempting your first kayaking trip with Rover.

Not every dog is going to want to go kayaking.  Some dogs are much better with water than others.  However, if you feel that this is something your dog will enjoy then please follow the safety precautions below.

I would highly recommend only paddling with your dog in flat, calm waters.  Whitewater rapids or large ocean swells can make the dog jumpy and possibly sick.  The last thing you want to be worrying about while you are trying to maneuver your boat through the waves is whether your dog is still in the boat or not.  Also in flat water you can take a break for your dog to do some swimming and then easily board him back onto the kayak.

Important Safety Precautions for your Pooch

Always, always, always have a pfd on you and your dog.  This is common sense and you want this to be a fun day trip.  Please don’t put your dog at risk of drowning because you didn’t want to put a lifejacket on him.  They could go overboard and hit their head or get tired from swimming and not be able to get back into the kayak.  A pfd will help them to be safe and have a lot more fun.  Also should your boat capsize for some reason you want yourself to have a lifejacket on as well so that you are able to help your dog.  Not every dog is going to want to wear a pfd or be comfortable in one.  If this is the case with your dog, then kayaking with them is out of the question.

Getting in the Kayak – Practice Makes Perfect

With these two safety precautions out of the way you now need to teach your dog how to get in and out of the boat – from the shore and then from the water.  This will take a little practice and I urge you to be patient with your dog and really make sure this step is covered.  Start by holding the kayak still and ask your dog to get in.  Then, immediately ask them to sit.  It is very important that the dog learn there is no messing around while in the boat and they need to be very in-tune with your commands.  Do not allow the dog to jump out of the boat until you give some sort of command.

Once your dog is sitting in the boat he will then need to learn to stay.  You might want to try walking back up the bank and require that your dog stay in the boat by himself.  Go over this again and again until you feel confident your dog is comfortable in the kayak.  First try this in a familiar location.  Once the dog seems more comfortable, try adding distractions.

Practice this routine and start adding longer duration and then longer distance between you and the kayak.  Once you feel very confident that you dog is handling this well, you will want to launch the boat.  Slowly push out the boat with your dog in it, or you can get into the boat first and then push out.

Try at first only going a short distance.  Your dog will gradually get more used to being on the water and the different sounds that he hears.  You will know how comfortable your dog is and how long you should stay out on the water.

No Rover – Don’t Chase the Ducks!

Be sure to have a good command that your dog knows for not going after ducks and other little creatures in the water.  You could also bring a blanket or a familiar bed for the dog to lie down on in the kayak.  This may help him to be more comfortable.

Never tie the dogs leash to the kayak. If your kayak were to overturn, the dog would be drowned.  If you like you can use a waist leash tied to you and only use it if your dog is swimming and you want him to stay near the kayak.

It will be very helpful if your dog wears a harness so that you can always help to lift them out of the water and back into the kayak if you have to.

Again I will reiterate this very important point – never attach the dogs leash to their collar while in the kayak or swimming.  It is far too dangerous and could cause the dog to drown.

Now that you know the safety precautions to take, what equipment should you bring along for the journey?

Important Dog Equipment for Paddling Adventures

• a leash
• harness  -  Ruff Wear Web Master Dog Harness
• doggy life jacket  -  Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat Dog Life Jacket
• dog snacks and water – your dog will likely try to drink the lake water but try to encourage them only to drink their own fresh water by using the Ruff Wear Quencher Dog Bowl
• dog water toys (always makes for more fun)
• sunscreen (The pink pigment on your dogs face or any bare spots on their skin will burn if not protected by sunscreen.  Remember that the water reflects the sun’s rays and dogs, just like humans, can easily get burned)
• first aid kit (in a dry bag)
• poop baggies of course

For a complete list of dog water gear check out Altrec Outdoors as I have found their selection to be really good.  Now you are ready for a day of fun with your favorite pup out on the water.  Have a great time and be safe.