Paddling Education

New Zealand Packrafting: Hollyford-Pyke Loop
By: Eszter Horanyi I could feel tears welling up in my eyes as I struggled in the seemingly bottomless pit of mud, my heavily loaded packraft fallen to the side into some trees, my drysuit zipper, which had been unzipped...
Kayaking Issyk-Kul: A Paddler’s Journey into the Heart of Kyrgyzstan
Hugo Desrosiers embarked on an epic 490-kilometer kayak journey around Kyrgyzstan’s Lake Issyk-Kul in May 2022. This Canadian's first attempt at a solo kayak expedition in a foreign country proved both a success and life-changing education.
Packrafting the John Day River: Double Rainbows and the Doors of Destiny
Scott Nechemis is an avid backcountry backpacker, but this was his first time packrafting. He, his partner Jordan McKinney, and Aqua Bound ambassador Dan Ransom took an overnight trip to the John Day River. This blog encapsulates his experience.
Aqua Bound’s Updated Ray Series Reviewed
Paddle TV’s Ken Whiting has been using Aqua Bound kayak paddles for 25 years. Here he shares his thoughts on the updates we’ve made to our best-selling Sting Ray and Manta Ray paddles.
Kayak Paddles: High-Angle vs. Low-Angle
If you’re new to kayaking, you might think “a paddle is a paddle.” But before long you’ll learn there’s a big difference in the types of paddles available. One of the major differences is in choosing between a high-angle and a low-angle blade shape.
The Benefit of High-Visibility Kayak Blades
As a kayaker, you’re one of the smallest boats on the water, especially in big water. One of the best ways to be seen by other boaters is to use a kayak paddle with high-visibility blades along with bright-colored clothing and gear.
Choose Our Manta Ray Paddle for Some Serious Kayak Fishing
Get outfitted for some serious kayak fishing with one of the paddles from our Manta Ray family. There’s one for every budget!
20 Days of Backpacking & Packrafting the Brooks Range in Alaska
Colorado Outward Bound instructors, Noah Larsen and Arthur Shain, took on Alaska’s Brooks Range for a 400-mile packraft and backpack expedition in August. We were able to nail them down for a video chat…
Aqua Bound’s Manta Ray vs. Whiskey Kayak Paddles
Our Manta Ray and Whiskey kayak paddles are both high-angle paddles designed for power and speed. Let’s compare the two models to see how they’re different…
Comparing the Sting Ray vs. Manta Ray Kayak Paddles
Aqua-Bound’s Ray series of kayak paddles has been our best-selling line for many years now. There are several options within this series, so here we compare the Sting Ray to the Manta Ray so you know which is right for you.
Aqua Bound’s Ray Series: Hybrid vs. Carbon Paddles
Many customers have asked us the difference between the Hybrid and Carbon models in our Ray series of kayak paddles. Here’s the low-down…