CanoeSport Outfitters

The ice is out. The days are getting longer. Your kayak or canoe has been sitting in your garage since October, and you’ve been thinking about it every time the temperature nudges above fifty degrees. Spring paddling season is here, and there is absolutely no reason to wait for summer to enjoy it.

Whether you're heading out onto a glassy lake at dawn or paddling a stretch of river you've had your eye on all summer, a well-packed kayak is the difference between a great day on the water and a miserable one. The good news is that day trips are forgiving — you don't need to overthink it. But there are some essentials you absolutely cannot leave on shore.

Thinking about getting into paddling? Here's what experienced paddlers wish they'd known from the start: you will get wet, the "all-around" boat is a myth, and fighting a heavy paddle won't build fitness — it'll build a shoulder injury. Every boat is a trade-off between speed and stability, and your first boat is just your first, not a permanent commitment. Get decent gear, respect whitewater, and give yourself room to be a beginner — the rest comes with time on the water.

Your complete pre-season checklist for safe, enjoyable paddling.

Things to think about when trying to get your boat or bike from home to the trail!