Old Town is expanding its lineup with the Malibu ePDL+ 120, a kayak designed to bring electric pedal-assist technology to recreational paddlers. Combining a sporty hull shape with the brand’s ePDL+ drive, this model allows users to switch between manual pedaling, power-assisted pedaling, and fully motorized cruise control.

With over two decades of touring kayak reviews and sea kayak reviews, all of which have been written by the paddling community, you are sure to glean advice on which boat would be best for you, your skill set, and intended expeditions.

Before you get in the water, make sure you have the most important piece of safety gear - a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Life jackets work only when you wear them, and the law requires you to have one for every person in every boat. Test your knowledge with the Life Jacket Quiz to be sure you know your basics!

The Vibe Makana 100 has enhanced its versatility by accommodating two different pedal drives through a quick and easy pod swap. Paddlers can now purchase the 10-foot pedal kayak with an included fin drive or propeller drive, and now have the option of switching drives based on the adventure ahead.

Crafted with Vibe's unparalleled expertise, the Makana 100 stands out as the epitome of feature-packed 10-foot pedal kayaks, setting the standard for superior stability and maneuverability in its class. It has become a favorite amongst anglers due to its versatility and performance. As one enthusiast put it, “Having a light 10 ft kayak with a pedal drive that is ALSO stable and comfortable to sh out of is a massive deal. I've really found it excels in small water that would normally be a hassle with a bigger boat.”

The Vibe X-Drive is a n drive system, ideal for quickly covering long distances with minimal pedaling effort. It is less likely to catch on vegetation and underwater obstacles compared to the Impulse Drive, Vibe’s propeller drive system. However, the propeller drive provides the added advantage of instant reverse which helps positioning when fishing in deep open water.

Some must-visit islands in the Caribbean for paddling lovers include Turks And Caicos, Antigua and Barbuda, the Cayman Islands, and several islands within the British and United States Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico’s famous bioluminescence is one of the most popular paddling excursions in the region, as is the pristine Bight of Acklins in The Bahamas. Barbados, St. Lucia, Bonaire, Martinique, and Guadalupe are also incredible places to explore on a paddling vessel.

by Allyson Saunders

This past summer, I was on a 23-day trip on two northern rivers in the Northwest Territories. By the time I left my home in Ontario and returned, I took a total of eight flights, paddled nearly 500km, and learned so much from my peers, from the river and the land, and unavoidably from myself.

Four kayakers set out to descend the fierce waters of the Karnali, as part of an expedition to one of the country's most remote and extreme rivers, with the intention of learning and enjoying the hidden secrets of this sacred river, before the lack of human consciousness destroys them forever.

After months spent indoors, it’s safe to assume you and every other paddling lover in cold climates is eager to get back in the water. Returning to your paddling routine might feel easy, but early-season paddling comes with some added challenges. These unique difficulties make it all the more important to do all you can to stay safe and healthy at the start of paddling season.

by Luke Rovner (Kayak Hipster)

Flexibility is always a good topic of discussion when it comes to kayaking. Depending on our style of paddling, sometimes we might squeeze ourselves into the tightest of fits, or contort our bodies to have the maximum control possible over the kayak. But is this necessary for all types of paddling? Are there things we could do to help us along the way? Hopefully this will be an interesting discussion on the topic with a few possible takeaways on things to consider when it comes to flexibility.

Whether you have a winter offseason or not, proper boat storage is important when not in use. Fortunately, there are storage systems designed for every imaginable vertical or horizontal nook and cranny. Check out these 12 different storage ideas.