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The Paddling Experts Blog » Canoe

The Art of Selecting a Canoe or Kayak

The Art of Selecting a Canoe or Kayak

At Rutabaga (and at Canoecopia), we don’t sell boats … we sell time on the water. The boat is simply a vessel by which you will enjoy that time. When you purchase a boat, paddle, PFD, or any paddling gear from us, you are entering into a partnership with Rutabaga, helping to create a community of paddling enthusiasts. Partnership is a word that we don’t bandy around lightly…we really believe in long-term relationships that … Read entire article »

Filed under: Canoe, Kayak

Traditional Paddles and Wood

Used to be that you didn’t have much of a wood choice for a paddle. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Canoe, Paddles

The Art of Portaging

My first portage nearly broke me. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Camping Skills and Tips, Canoe

Common Repair Questions for Canoes Answered

1) What should I do about the scuffs and scratches on the bottom of my boat? In all honesty, you should … Read entire article »

Filed under: Canoe Care, Repair, and Parts Replacement

Price vs. Weight: The Eternal Truth

Price vs. Weight: The Eternal Truth

It’s a well-known fact that in most things involving sports, lighter options … Read entire article »

Filed under: Canoe Materials, Kayak Materials, Weird and Interesting Stuff

How to Choose a Canoe (General Information Part 1)

There is a bewildering variety of canoes available out there—how do you ensure that you pick the one that’s right for you? … Read entire article »

Filed under: Canoe

How to Choose a Canoe (Part 3 Canoe Materials)

There is a bewildering variety of canoes available out there—how do you ensure that you pick the one that’s right for you? We have broken choosing a canoe into three parts. Part one is general information. This section helps you think about, how you will use the canoe, and what type of canoe is best for your use. Part two is on canoe design. Part three is about which canoe material will be best for your budget and use. Be sure to check out our other articles on canoe materials, too. Materials Now let’s consider materials. There are four basic materials for canoe construction: aluminum, plastics, composites, and wood. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, although some have more of one than the other. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Canoe, Canoe Materials

How to Choose a Canoe (Part 2 Canoe Design)

There is a bewildering variety of canoes available out there—how do you ensure that you pick the one that’s right for you? We have broken choosing a canoe into three parts. Part one is general information. This section helps you think about, how you will use the canoe, and what type of canoe is best for your use. Part two is on canoe design. Part three is about which canoe material will be best for your budget and use. Be sure to check out our other articles on canoe materials, too. The Shapes in Canoe Design Length is an important determinant of canoe performance, having a large part to play in both efficiency and in tracking. A difference of as little as six inches can have a remarkable impact on the feel of the boat. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Canoe

How to Select a Canoe Paddle

Selecting the proper paddle isn’t that hard, provided you have all the information you need … Read entire article »

Filed under: Canoe, Paddles

Boat Winterization Tips

Winterizing Tips for Canoes and Kayaks As the leaves change and fall leads into winter, it’s time to get your canoe or kayak ready for storage. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Canoe Care, Repair, and Parts Replacement, Kayak Care, Repair and Parts Replacement