Paddling Education

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 between the types of kayak paddles available. One of the major choices you’ll make is whether you want a high-angle or low-angle kayak paddle.

Ilia Smirnov took to an 18-foot canoe in May 2026 and paddled all 2,350 miles of the Mississippi River, from the headwaters to the Gulf Coast. He completed his journey in just under 34 days.