The essence of kayaking is simple: Just grab a paddle and go. But how you grab that paddle can be the difference between a journey that feels effortless, and one that ends in blisters, sore joints, and aching muscles. Here are the five most common grip mistakes I see and simple ways to fix them…. Read more »
Blog Archives
Mitch’s Coast Day Zoom Presentation
Watch Mitch’s information-packed Coast Day 2020 presentation about the pros and cons of different types of kayaks and the equipment you need to stay safe on the water!
6 Essentials for EVERY Paddle Outing
One of the most appealing things about kayaking is how low tech it is. You don’t need much to have a great time on the water. But there are a few bare essentials (in addition to a boat and a paddle) that every kayaker should take on every trip, even if it’s only a five… Read more »
How to Launch a Sit-On-Top Kayak from the Beach in Shore Break by Mitch Mitchell
Fishing, paddling with the dolphins, enjoying the serenity, getting a workout – there are many reasons that you might want to paddle in the ocean. Regardless of the reason though, the one thing that everyone must do in order to paddle in the ocean is launch from the beach – which means making it through… Read more »
Stay the Course! Using A Range to Determine Position by Mitch Mitchell
In the past two articles we talked about wind – both the effects of fetch, as well as what effect wind has on our kayak. This time we are going to talk about how to tell what the wind or current is doing to our kayak (or paddle board). A lot of times, especially on… Read more »
Wind Versus Your Kayak
In the first part of our wind article we talked about the effect fetch has on the wind and more importantly the water’s surface. In this article we are going to talk about how the wind effects our kayak. I think it is easiest to look at what effect the wind has based on the… Read more »
What Kayak Should I Buy?
What kayak should I buy? I get asked that question literally thousands of times over the course of the summer. Unfortunately there is no “one” perfect kayak. If there was, everyone would have one and this article would be about choosing the perfect color. What most people should be asking themselves is – what will… Read more »
How to Launch a Sea Kayak through the Surf Zone Video
Coastal Kayak’s lead instructor, Mitch Mitchell, has made a number of kayak and stand up paddleboard instructional videos over the years but this one on launching a kayak through the surf remains the most popular! Before attempting this, you will want to have a very solid base of kayaking skills under your belt. You should… Read more »
7 Reasons to Take a Kayak or Paddleboard Lesson
The great thing about kayaking and paddleboarding is how beginner-friendly these activities are. Manufacturers have made equipment that is so stable and comfortable that nearly anyone can grab a paddle and a lifejacket and hit the water with no previous experience. In fact, for people completely new to the sport, we recommend doing an hour… Read more »