All Learn Articles » Skills & Tips

12 Reasons To Start Paddling

A reprint from Canoe & Kayak Magazine on the many reasons for getting on the water.

A Beginner’s Guide to Stand-up Paddleboard Fly Fishing

Discover the thrill of fly fishing from an NRS stand-up paddleboard. Learn about the advantages of stealth, portability, and affordability in our beginner's guide for adventure anglers.

A Paddler’s Dictionary

A reprint from Canoe & Kayak Magazine on many boating terms.

Adjust an NRS Raft Frame Anchor System

This video provides step-by-step instructions for installing the NRS Anchor System on your raft. The NRS Raft Frame Anchor System is a popular accessory to the NRS Fishing Frame, allowing the rower to easily raise and lower the anchor from the guides seat.

Autumn: Fall into a Healthy Paddling and Daily Routine

Its time to introduce steadiness, softness, warmth and liquid qualities into our diet and lifestyle. Especially if we want to stay healthy to get as much out of the fall colors and paddling season as possible. Here are our top five tips for staying healthy this fall.

Backcountry Food Handling and Hygiene

Learn how to properly deal with food handling, hygiene, and cleanup while on backcountry or river trips.

Balancing Game: Yoga Therapy

River runner and yoga teacher Andria Davis explores the mind-body connection and how it can help us recover from injuries.

Boaters and Dehydration

Body fluid loss can lead to serious consequences. How to recognize it and prevent it.

Boating with an Outfitter

Reasons for choosing an outfitter for your next outdoor adventure.

Camping Tips

Learn to camp responsibly, protect vegetation and water quality and the camp's appearance. And don't forget to leave the site cleaner than you found it.

Cataraft Rowing Frame Features

Find information about features and accessories for NRS modular cataraft frames. Learn how to determine the right length and width for your NRS frame.

Emptying Kayaks on the River

Team NRS paddler Stephen Wright demonstrates the proper technique for emptying kayaks on the river so you can push or tow it to shore.

End of Season Exercises

Its the end of the paddling season - are you feeling stoked, yet broken? Paddlers who get after it all season long tend to feel tweaks in the hips, back and shoulders come end of season. This is the time to rest and recover and get ready for the awesomeness that the next season brings.

Fitting Molded Oar Sleeves and Oar Rights

Preventing slipping of Molded Oar Sleeves and Oar Rights.

Four Golden Rules of Stand Up Paddling

Watch to learn the four Golden Rules of SUP: good paddle technique, proper body position, use of core muscles and efficient SUP board propulsion.

Get on Your SUP Board

This video shows the simple steps for getting on, standing comfortably and moving around on the your SUP board so you can get out there and start having fun.

Help Prevent the Spread of Invasive Aquatic Species

How to prevent the spread of harmful organisms in our waterways.

How Sun Protection Works

Details on how sunscreens work and how they are tested.

How to Adjust Raft Oars and Oar Mounts

Setting up your raft frame for strong and comfortable rowing will greatly improve your confidence and enjoyment on the river. In this video, the NRS experts show you how to adjust the oars and oar mounts on your NRS raft frame to ensure powerful strokes and a comfortable position when rowing.

How to Assemble an NRS Fishing Raft Frame

The NRS fishing frame is easy to put together if you follow the step by step process outlined in this video. The NRS fishing frame turns any raft into a drift boat.

How to Assemble an NRS Raft Frame

This video walks you through the process of assembling your NRS raft frame and adjusting it to suit your needs. Our patented LoPro fitting makes the NRS raft frame system entirely modular and easy to assemble and adjust.

How to Catch a Throw Bag

Rescue instructor Jim Coffey shows how to catch and position a throw rope to place minimum strain on you and the on-shore rescuer.

How To Customize Your NRS Fishing Frame

Watch this video to learn how to customize and adjust the adaptable NRS Frame System. Former professional fishing guide Jim MacAllister, now an NRS Wholesale Rep, shares his experience, tips and tricks to help you get the most from your setup.

How To Daisy Chain an NRS Tie-Down Strap

In this video, we show you how to daisy chain the webbing on a tie-down strap, a simple an effective method for dealing with the strap tail to keep it out of the way. NRS 1" HD Tie Down straps make rigging rafts, tying down kayaks and securing gear on cars simple.

How to Deflate & Fold a SUP board

In this Quick Tips video, we show you the best way to deflate and fold your SUP board for transport and storage.

How to Do a Kayak T-Rescue

The kayak T-Rescue is a great kayaking technique to master. You flip upside down and a buddy brings their boat up to assist you.

How to Do Live Bait Rescue

Jumping in to rescue a swimmer can sometimes be the best technique. This video from Jim Coffey shows how to perform a live bait rescue.

How to Do the Kayak Sculling Brace

The sculling brace is an essential kayak technique that will help you advance in your paddling.

How to Do the Kayak Sculling Draw Stroke

Whether youre in a sea kayak, sit-on-top, fishing kayak or whitewater boat, mastering the sculling draw stroke will move your paddling skills up a notch.

How to Do the SUP Forward Stroke

In this short instructional video we show you how to do the SUP forward paddle stroke to help you move ahead more quickly, more efficiently and more smoothly.

How to Do the SUP Pivot Turn

Mastering the SUP pivot turn allows you to swiftly change a SUP boards direction, whether youre still or moving.

How to Do the SUP Sweep Stroke

This video demonstrates proper paddle plant and body rotation to turn efficiently while keeping your balance and forward momentum while SUP sweep stroking.

How to Fit a Life Jacket

In this video we show you how to fit a life jacket and tighten the straps to ensure it won't ride up when youre in the water.

How to Fit an Adjustable Bungee Sprayskirt

This video gives tips on how fit an adjustable bungee sprayskirt for a snug fit, while still allowing the skirt to be removed safely in a wet exit.

How to Fold an Inflatable Boat for Storage

Learn the tips and techniques to minimize stress on seams and materials by folding an inflatable boat for storage correctly.

How to Identify Your Boat

Here's how to identify your boat's Hull Identification Number (HIN), or "boat serial number" / "boat ID number".

How to Inflate & Set Up Your Inflatable SUP Board

Learn how to inflate your NRS inflatable SUP and operate the valve and pressure gauge to ensure the board reaches, but does not exceed, optimal pressure.

How to Inflate and Deflate Cataraft Tubes

Tips for inflating and deflating cat tubes and preventing damage to baffles.

How to Inflate Your Raft

Learning to properly inflate your raft will go a long way toward protecting its seams and the baffles between chambers from strain and damage.

How to Install D-Rings and Footcups

NRS Repairs shows you the best ways to install D-rings and footcups and permanently glue them to Hypalon-, PVC- and urethane-coated materials

How to Install Kayak Hip Pads

Learn to properly install hip pads, an important part of the kayak outfitting that allows you to be one-with-your-boat for maximum control and ease of rolling.

How to Install SUP Fins

Installing the fins on your stand up paddleboard is quick and easy. Just follow these simple instructions.

How to Launch Your SUP Board in the Surf Zone

Surfing your board in ocean waves is great fun. This video gives you the basic pointers for paddling out through the incoming waves.

How to Make a Flip Line

Build your own flip line! Whether you're kayaking, rafting or canoeing, you'll find multiple uses for this easy-to-build webbing sling or guide belt.

How to Make a Shallow Water Crossing

Rescue Instructor Jim Coffey describes techniques that an individual or a group of rescuers can use to safely and efficiently perform a shallow water crossing.

How to Organize Straps

Keeping your NRS straps organized will save you a lot frustration.

How to Practice the Kayak Wet Exit

How to practice the kayak wet exit, your back-up plan for when your roll doesn't work.

How to Prevent Heat Loss with Paddling Layers

Understanding the mechanisms of heat loss, and gain, helps us plan strategies for regulating that loss so we stay safe and comfortable when out paddling.

How to Put on a Drysuit

We share a few tips for easily donning this most protective piece of cold-water boating apparel.

How to Re-Enter a Sit-Inside Kayak

This video shows you several ways to get back inside your kayak when you have another paddler available to lend an assist.

How to Remove a Knife from a PFD Lash Tab

Tips for safely removing a knife sheath from a life jacket (PFD) lash tab.

How to Replace an NRS Cataraft Nose Cone

Repairs and/or replacements of an NRS Cataraft Nose Cone are easy with these detailed instructions. Follow these instructions to successfully get your inflatable back on the water.

How To Rig a Bow Line on a Raft

This video demonstrate how to use a bowline knot to secure the bow rope to the D-rings on your raft. We also show you how to coil the rope and secure it with a 2 NRS strap to keep it safely coiled and knot-free for easy deployment.

How to Roll a Sea Kayak

Learning to roll a sea kayak is an important safety skill. This three-part video series from veteran kayak instructor Ken Whiting shows you how to roll a sea kayak while by breaking it down into three parts: the setup, the catch and the recovery.

How to Roll a Strap for Storage

In this Quick Tips video, we show you how to roll your straps for tidy storage.

How to Safely Fall Off a SUP Board

This video shows the best way to safely fall off your SUP, techniques for climbing back on, how to rescue your paddle and stand back up on the SUP board.

How to Safely Get In and Out of Your Kayak

Getting in and out of your kayak can be tricky, especially for beginners, but there are easy techniques to safely launch and land your boat.

How to Seal an NRS Dry Bag

Your dry bag protects your stuff. Watch this video to learn how to properly close and seal it to provide maximum protection for your gear.

How to Set Up a River Wing

Setting up a river wing is easy once you know the proper techniques. In this video, we demonstrate how to securely set up the NRS River Wing using the included break-down poles, as well as by substituting oars for the poles.

How to Stay Warmer with Proper Paddling Headwear

Learn how proper paddling insulating headwear will help you stay warmer and more comfortable when the weather and water take a turn for the colder.

How to Strap a Kayak to the NRS Yak Yak Boat Cart

Securing your kayak or canoe to the NRS Yak Yak Boat Cart is quick and simple. In this video, we show you how to use the two included NRS 6 Loop Straps with Buckle Bumpers to attach your boat to the Yak Yak.

How to Strap a Rowing Frame to a Raft

In this video, the experts at NRS show you our favorite technique for strapping down a rowing frame on a raft. Knowing how to properly secure a rowing frame to your raft is an essential skill for any rafter.

How to Stretch a Latex Neck Gasket

Stretching a drytop or drysuit neck gasket that's too tight.

How To Stretch a Sprayskirt

In this video, we show you how to stretch a sprayskirt to prevent water leakage and implosion.

How to Swim in Whitewater

Self rescue by aggressively swimming to shore can be a life-saving maneuver. Rescue instructor Jim Coffey teaches you how to swim in whitewater.

How to Tie a Taut-Line Hitch Knot

There are some knots every boater should know how to tie, and the Taut-Line Hitch is one of them. Watch this video to learn how it's done.

How to Tie the Figure 8 Knot

Demonstrating the tying of the versatile Figure 8 Knot.

How to Tie Up a Raft on the Shore

One of the fastest methods to tie up a raft on shore is to use a taut-line hitch knot to secure the bow line to a sand stake, tree or other solid anchor. In this video, we demonstrate how to use a sand stake, locking carabiner and rope to create a secure and adjustable tie-off to secure your boat.

How to Toss a Throw Bag

The rescue throw bag is a must-carry for whitewater. Rescue instructor Jim Coffey shows the best techniques for accurately getting the rope to the swimmer.

How to Transport an Inflatable SUP Board

Follow these simple suggestions to ensure that your inflatable SUP board safely makes it where you're going.

How to Wet Exit a Kayak

This video will show how to wet exit a kayak, helping you to get out smoothly and safely, while hanging on to your paddle and the boat.

Kayak Floatation for Sea Kayaks

If you choose to paddle around rocks and reefs, its a matter of time before you punch a hole in your hull. Learn why float bags are a smart addition.

Kayak Outfitting Tips for Playboating

Proper kayak outfitting is essential to getting the most comfort and performance out of your playboat.

Kayaking for Fitness

If youre looking for a great upper-body workout, kayaking for fitness cant be beat.

Kayaking Fundamentals: Do a Kayak Hand Roll

Kayak instructor Ken whiting demonstrates the three main elements of the hand roll: the setup, the catch and the recovery.

Kayaking Fundamentals: How to Do a High Brace

Expert kayaker Ken Whiting shows you how to execute the high brace in this second Kayaking Fundamentals video.

Kayaking Fundamentals: How to Do the Hip Snap

In Part V of our Kayaking Fundamentals video series, instructor Ken Whiting shows you how to practice the hip snap on your own or with a partner.

Kayaking Fundamentals: Kayaking With Kids

Kayaking with kids can be fun. Please be sure they always wear a life jacket that is sized for their body and properly fitted.

Kayaking Fundamentals: Mastering the Offside Roll

Learning the offside roll and practicing it is important for preventing that unwanted swim

Kayaking Fundamentals: Paddle a Tandem Kayak

Two people can paddle a tandem kayak while enjoying time together. This video gives great tips on how to make paddling the tandem easy and fun.

Kayaking Fundamentals: Rolling a Kayak in Rough Water

This video will teach you the basics on learning to roll a sea kayak in rough water

Keeping in Shape for Paddling

Getting in shape and keeping in shape for paddling will help you become a better boater, have more fun, and prevent activity-ending injury.

Keeping Your SUP Board Going Straight

When paddling for fitness and cruising on flatwater, youll want to spend a lot of time going in a straight line.

K-Pump Valve Fit Adapter

Learn how we came up with the K-Pump Valve Fit Adapter and how it will allow you to work with Leafield Valves, used on NRS and many other quality inflatables.

Latex Gasket Sizing Chart

Get to know the specific measurements of NRS’s range of neck, wrisk, and dry sock latex gaskets and which sizes we use on our dry wear apparel.

Leave No Trace, Please

NRS is partnering with Leave No Trace for the month of May. Donate today and well match your contribution.

Living With Kids on Boating Trips

Tips for making boating trips with kids enjoyable for all.

Loading Kayaks On Your Vehicle

Safely loading kayaks on your vehicle is an important boater skill. NRS paddler Leland Davis shows how to fasten one kayak, or multiples, to your roof rack.

Mastering the C-to-C Kayak Roll

The C-to-C kayak roll is a great technique to have in your kayak roll quiver. This video breaks the roll setup into two distinct steps.

Mastering the Kayak Sweep Roll

Learn how the kayak sweep roll is a very efficient way to roll your sea kayak or whitewater boat. Its smooth, low impact and gives you long-lasting support.

Modular Frame Facts 101

The NRS modular frame system is a marvel of simplicity and strength. This visual guide walks you through the step-by-step process of assembly.

Moving Around and Balancing on Your SUP Board

How and where you stand on the SUP board makes a real difference in your paddling efficiency.

Nutrition: Fueling the Fires Within

Learn the nutrition and hydration dos and donts to help you stay warm and safe as the weather and water get cold.

Overcoming Fear for New Boaters

Suggestions for overcoming the fear produced by a scary swim.

Pawlata: Extended Kayak Paddle Roll

Kayak instructor Ken Whiting shows you how to execute the extended paddle kayak roll so its there when you need it.

Perfecting the Kayak Forward Stroke

The forward stroke is the most used and most important paddle stroke. This video shows how to execute it for more efficient and powerful paddling.

Preventing Shoulder Injuries

Some helpful tips on preventing boater shoulder injuries.

Raft & Cataraft Basic Terminology

Learn the basic terminology for rafts and catarafts. This article breaks down these inflatables into simple parts with clear definitions. We also list and explain several common raft and cataraft accessories.

Rescue Film Series: Ep. 10: Foot Entrapment Intro

Swiftwater rescue instructor Jim Coffey introduces techniques for assessing foot entrapment situations and formulating a plan to assist the victim.

Rescue Film Series: Ep. 3: Swiftwater Swimming

Swimming efficiently in whitewater is essential for self-rescue, rescuing others and building your kayaking, rafting and canoeing confidence.

Rescue Film Series: Ep. 4: Throw Bag Techniques

This video covers throw bag techniques including throwing, safely bringing in the swimmer, bracing, and how to catch and hold the rope if you're the swimmer.

Rescue Film Series: Ep. 5: Victim Contact Techniques

This video covers victim contact techniques for safely paddling, swimming and wading out to the victim

Rescue Film Series: Ep. 6: The Rescue Harness

This video shows you how to safely and effectively use the quick-release rescue harness on your life jacket.

Rescue Film Series: Ep. 7: Live Bait Rescue

This video shows several different live bait techniques and describes the best ways to do them safely

Rescue Film Series: Ep. 8: Boat Extractions

This video demonstrates how to retrieve a pinned kayak or canoe using methods ranging from pushing and pulling to setting up a mechanical advantage system.

Rescue Film Series: Ep. 9: Self Rescue

Whitewater kayakers and canoeists should learn the basic techniques for self rescue. Watch how to swim to safety and avoid dangerous foot entrapment.

Rescue Series: Foot Entrapment Strategies

Swiftwater rescue instructor Jim Coffey introduces foot entrapment strategies for making a rescue, assessing risk for the team, and determining tempo.

Restorative Yoga for Boaters

Not all exercise routines make you more tired. You can reduce fatigue from paddling and the daily grind with these yoga techniques from Andria Davis.

Rolling a Kayak

World Champion kayaker, Ken Whiting, gives pointers on learning to roll your kayak.

Rules to Follow for SUP Surfing

The experts make riding ocean waves look easy. This video gives you four golden rules to help you get started on the right learning curve for SUP surfing.

Spring: The Season for Cleansing and Paddling

When the snowmelt and/or spring rains are keeping your favorite rivers at optimal flow, its a downer to be feeling less energetic. Here are our top five must-do spring habits to hit the water in full force this spring.

Stretching Exercises for Paddlers

Stretching is essential for preventing muscle strain as well as healing injuries.

Summer: Staying Healthy and Cool when the Paddling is Hot

Ever wonder why rashes and river rot get so bad in the summer? Its not just because youre spending a lot of time on the water. Introducing cooling foods and lifestyle practices during the hot summer months can help reduce the effects of overheating and have you feeling cool as a cucumber.

SUP Board Bracing Techniques

How you handle your paddle when you lose your balance on your SUP makes the difference between staying upright and going for a swim.

SUP Safety

Standup paddle boarding is really a very safe sport, but since you're out on the water, there are a few things you need to do to keep it that way.

SUP Surf Techniques and Etiquette with Nikki Gregg

NRS athlete Nikki Gregg shares the skills and insider knowledge you need to safely and successfully ride waves in the surf.

SUP Workout

SUP instructor Nikki Gregg gives you four easy-to-learn exercises you can add to your SUP workout to help make you a stronger and healthier paddler.

The Camp Kitchen

Camp Kitchen Tips for food packaging and storage, water storage and sanitizing, camp sanitation, food preparation, fire management and waste disposal.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Whitewater SUP

In the image-obsessed world of action sports, whitewater SUP has reached its most awkward teenage years, complete with pimples and unknown potential.

The Hand of God Rescue for Whitewater Kayaking

Team NRS paddler Stephen Wright shows you how to help a fellow paddler roll upright with the hand of God rescue if they've flipped and are having trouble.

The Kayaker’s Pledge: Improving Your Kayak Roll

NRS ambassador Devon Barker-Hicks shares one of her favorite tools for rolling better the "Kayaker's Pledge."

The Three Golden Rules of Kayaking

Watch as Ken Whiting shows you the golden rules of paddling, three key concepts that apply to every kind of kayaking.

Tie Down a Kayak with One Strap

In this video, we show you how to safely secure a kayak to a car using a single 15 or 20 NRS 1" HD Tie-Down Strap. Knowing how to properly tie down a kayak on the roof rack of a car is one of the first and most essential skills every kayaker must learn.

Touring Kayak Safety

Touring kayak safety doesnt have to be hard, and following a few commonsense guidelines will help keep you safe as youre learning kayaking skills.

Using Yoga to Strengthen Your Hips for Kayaking

River runner and yoga instructor Andria Davis shows you some yoga techniques to help improve flexibility and strengthen your hips for paddling.

What’s in the Water

Excellent resource on microorganisms in backcountry drinking water.

Whitewater Kayak & Canoe: Rack Tie-down Instructions

Instructions to secure your kayak or canoe to a car top rack using tie down straps.

Whitewater Kids!

Tips on introducing young kids to the sport of kayaking.

Why Fish From a Kayak

Read about a few reasons why many people have chosen to embrace the sport of kayak fishing. Far from being a fad, kayak fishing is here to stay.

Winter Paddling at its Warmest

Team NRS kayaker Devon Barker-Hicks gives gear recommendations for staying warm while paddling in icy waters.

Winter Rolling Tune-Up

Your local swimming pool is a great place for perfecting your kayak roll. Team NRS kayaker Devon Barker-Hicks gives valuable tips for getting it dialed in.

Winter: Defeat Seasonal Depression

Its time to shake off the winter slump and tune-up your paddling muscles. Here are our top five Launch Your Season Poses to get your body paddle ready. Theyre all standing poses which makes them easy to do in or out of your gear, before and/or after you paddle.

Yoga for Boaters' Back Pain

Core strength is a paddler's key to relief from back pain. Andria Davis shows you how to use yoga to strengthen your body's core to help prevent back pain.

Yoga for Boaters' Shoulder Pain

Don't let shoulder problems keep you from boating. With good technique and some guidance from Andria Davis, yoga can help you reduce pain and prevent injuries.

Yoga for Off-Season Paddling Fitness

Cold or dry times can be a bummer for paddlers. But as author Andria Davis reminds us, the off-season gives you an opportunity to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Yoga for Paddling: Poses for Seasonal Prep

Its time to shake off the winter slump and tune-up your paddling muscles. Here are our top five Launch Your Season Poses to get your body paddle ready.

Yoga for Paddling: Poses for Untweaking Mid-Season

Introduce some actions and positions to help reduce the risk of injury and keep you paddling until the end of the season. Here are our seven favorite poses to keep you going when the paddling is good.