Kayak Baja’s stunning coast, where turquoise seas and vibrant marine life meet expert, local, fun-loving, bilingual guides for unforgettable journeys. Learn More

When you’re nervous, anxious or fearful, you don’t perform at your best. We share six practical strategies for managing anxiety in dynamic ocean environments, from shallow-water capsizes to rock gardens, surging waves and unpredictable hydraulics. Learn how to reset your mindset, trust your training and paddle with confidence.

We also spotlight the American Canoe Association’s new Smart Start instructional series designed to welcome newcomers to the sport, explore why kayak camping may offer greater full-body fitness benefits than backpacking, and dive into cartographer Daniel Coe’s LiDAR-powered river maps that reveal hidden channels and forgotten waterways.

Finally, don’t miss the Spring 2026 edition of Paddling Magazine, landing this April. The new issue is packed with expert-tested gear, unforgettable expeditions and “Meet The Survivors,” a gripping collection of close calls and hard-earned lessons.

Advanced paddler Kayak Hipster offers up his advice for dealing with–and overcoming–fear on the water in a number of different scenarios.

The American Canoe Association has released a new series of instructional materials aimed squarely at new paddlers. The illustrated Smart Start for Safe Paddling books are available using print-on-demand, which keeps upfront costs down and allows retailers and others to create co-branded versions, featuring local venue highlights, programs or relevant paddling tips.

Paddle Baja’s Isla Espíritu Santo from La Paz on a 4–5 day sea kayaking adventure! Kayak turquoise coves, snorkel with sea lions, sleep on white-sand camps, and explore one of the world’s top marine life destinations. Small groups & expert guides. Learn More

Cartographer Daniel Coe uses LiDAR technology to reveal hidden riverbeds and ghost channels, uncovering how rivers have shaped the landscape.

By Maddy Marquardt

Wind sent waves shivering down the surface of Lake Superior on the last day of my overnight sea kayaking trip as I coached friends through their first surf launch. We paddled, half-surfed, around a point and rounded the island as a squall hit. Rain and waves hit our face, and our pace slowed to a crawl. It didn’t matter; when we landed for lunch we were all still smiling.

“At least it isn’t backpacking,” we joked. “Imagine all this, plus carrying the gear on your back.”

Paddlers have long known that a few days with your life pared down to your boat and a few nights sleeping in the sand is the secret to a happy life, but it may be the secret to a healthy one too. Between the steady state cardio of paddling, the engagement of muscle groups throughout the body, and the added workout of hauling gear and packing boats, kayak camping just might be the best way to get exercise outside.

It turns out, all of the hours of paddle strokes that amount to rounding an island or crossing a channel are a thing exercise science calls steady state cardio.

According to a 2014 study in the Journal of Obesity, steady state cardio, or a low intensity exercise sustained over a period of time generally greater than thirty minutes, has been shown to be more effective than high intensity interval training at improving fat distribution…