In Today’s Newsletter: From the closure of the Boundary Waters to must-have whitewater gear and a World Snake Day special, this week's roundup has plenty to keep paddlers talking.
Here are some of the top stories making waves:
🔥 U.S. Forest Service has closed the BWCA as northern Minnesota wildfires surge, marking just the third full closure in its history.
🐍 Learn why protecting Ontario’s only venomous snake helps preserve healthy ecosystems.
Boundary Waters Closes As Wildfires Spread Across Northern Minnesota
The U.S. Forest Service closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) on Tuesday as wildfires surge across northern Minnesota and dry, windy weather persists. The wilderness area has only been closed completely twice before in its history.
The Kayak From Australia Shaking Up The Inflatable Scene
As convenient as inflatable kayaks can be, they aren’t exactly praised for performance. That’s because almost every model out there hits certain limitations known all too well compared to their plastic and composite counterparts. Now, an emerging brand called Razor Kayaks has landed on the shores of the U.S. with the ambitious promise of producing not your typical inflatable but a high-pressure boat as capable as a hardshell.
What's In Editor Joe Potoczak's Class Fun River Running Kit
Eleven whitewater favorites from Joe's gear closet that he won't paddle without.
Best Handheld VHF Radios For 2026
Even with new cell phones allowing satellite messaging, a handheld VHF radio is the most practical means of communication on the water.
🐍 Happy World Snake Day!
Snakes, whether intriguing or frightening, are vital to healthy ecosystems. To celebrate them, we've compiled memorable snake encounters, from kayakers finding stowaways to tips for keeping snakes out of your boat.
Kayaker Discovers Snake Hiding In Her Kayak (Video)
A paddler's worst nightmare, or at least one of 'em. Erin Savage discovered a snake in her kayak during Green Race practice laps.
Kayaker Finds Rattlesnake In His Boat (Video)
A Southern California kayaker was in for a surprise when he went to get his boat, and heard the sound of a rattlesnake. It happens all the time, but we have a couple tips to help you avoid the experience.
🐍 How To Avoid Finding A Snake In Your Kayak
Snakes often find their way into kayaks because they like the cool, dark spaces inside. They especially like kayaks near gardens or homes where they can find insects or small rodents to eat. To keep snakes out, store your kayak off the ground and use a cockpit cover if you have a closed-deck kayak. Always check your kayak before using it, especially if it has been stored outside.
✨ Here are a few quick tips: First, rattle your boat, as the paddler in the video likely did. Carefully look for evidence of presence. Fill your boat with water from a garden hose. Then put it out to drain in an open, sunny space. This helps create circumstances no longer conducive as a hiding space. If a potentially dangerous animal reveals itself at any point in the process, step away to let it escape on its own. And go ahead and give the wildlife experts a call.
Meet Ontario’s Most Misunderstood Paddling Neighbor
Learn why Ontario’s only venomous snake poses little threat to paddlers, and why protecting it helps preserve healthy ecosystems.
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