An audacious winter outing turned into a fight for survival when a kayaker was dragged beneath moving ice on the Muskegon River—a chilling reminder of how serious the circumstances can be where flowing and frozen water mix.

We’re also diving into the standout innovations from Canoecopia, where this year’s latest boats, PFDs and accessories are pushing performance and comfort further than ever. We take a closer look at the BoréalDesign Storm 17, unpacking the story behind its design and how it stands apart from its namesake lineage. Plus a roundup of the best SUP car racks for 2026.

We hear from three industry pros tackling the big question: how do we bring more people into paddlesports and keep them hooked for life? And we sit down for a Q&A with Dale Williams to talk about riding the Tybee Triangle.

Planning your next outing? We’ve got you covered with expert tips on securing a permit for the John Day River. And don’t miss our upcoming Kayak Expeditions In Portugal Webinar. A recording of the webinar will be made available to registrants via email after the live session concludes, so sign up even if you can’t attend on March 27!

— Paddling Magazine Newsletter Editors

Kevin and Joe Miller were paddling on the icy Muskegon River in Michigan when the day turned nearly deadly. As chunks of ice flowed down the river, the current caught Kevin's kayak, and a surge of ice hit, sending him into the water. He was then sucked beneath a sheet of ice for nearly a minute as he was swept downstream.

Designed for long days on the water, the Pro3to delivers next-level comfort with soft foam, rounded edges, and a fit that moves with you. Gear it up with accessories or strip it down to match your on-water needs. Explore all the Proto has to offer. Learn More

Looking for new paddling gear for 2026? Then, dive into some of the shiny new things we saw introduced at Canoecopia earlier this month. Check out ultralight boats, PFDs that fit better than ever, and more!

Catch the current and own it. Build confident Class I–II whitewater skills as you carve eddies, punch wave trains, and dial in ferries with certified instructors in a supportive, engaging setting. Women-specific dates available. Learn More

When I first heard of the BoréalDesign Storm 17, I assumed it was a direct descendant of the venerable Current Designs Storm, a kayak first produced in 1994 by the then-Vancouver-Island-based company as its first rotomolded polyethylene kayak. That Storm was based on designer Brian Henry’s bestselling composite design, the Solstice GT. It was subsequently manufactured for decades, achieving wide popular appeal due to its combination of user-friendliness and expedition-ready seaworthiness.

The BoréalDesign Storm 17 is not directly related to that Storm. But one could be excused for confusing the two, and not just because of their similar lines and dimensions. Let me explain.

Many years ago, a different Vancouver Island-based sea kayak company, Seaward Kayaks, wanted to round out its line of ABS thermoformed kayaks with a full-sized touring model. Two industry veterans, Mark Hall and Steve Hovarth, designed a 16-footer and named it the Storm—an admitted nod to Current Designs’ old plastic stalwart. Fifteen- and 17-foot versions were later added. But the Storm series never went into full production under Seaward…

When you love paddlesports, you want to share the joy of getting on the water with as many people as possible. Growing participation supports the entire industry, from independent retailers to global brands, while delivering broader health benefits to individuals tied to time on the water. Below, three longtime industry professionals share strategies for engaging new paddlers and passing on the stoke.