Paddling Education

Easy Kayak Fishing Tournament Set-Up
Bending Branches’ ProStaffer, Drew Gregory, takes us through his kayak fishing set-up when he wants to strip down for simplicity and ease of movement for a tournament.
Canoeing and Kayaking Safety in Stormy Weather
Let’s look at some of the weather hazards canoeists and kayakers may encounter, especially if you’re in remote or wilderness areas with no chance of getting to shelter.
Learn About Canoes & Canoeing, Part 2
In this second part of filmmaker Jason Eke’s 2-part series “Master the Canoe” for beginning paddlers, he discusses the topics of loading your gear, canoe safety, how to choose a paddle and the most important paddle strokes.
Our Best Tips for Large Kayakers, Kayak Anglers and Canoeists
Here at Bending Branches we’re passionate about getting people out on the water. All people—no matter their age, ethnicity, size or shape.
Adjust the Fit of Your Touring Kayak
Touring kayaks are designed to fit the body of a kayaker in specific ways for the best kayaking experience. In this video our friend Dan Arbuckle, from California’s Headwaters Kayak, takes us through how to adjust the fit of your touring kayak.
Our Readers’ Favorite Content from 2021
Canoeists, kayakers and kayak anglers like you are why we’re in business. We put out a lot of content each year to help you learn, get inspired and enjoy your time on the water in whatever boat you love.
ProStaffer Tyler Thiede on Frog Fishing for Bass
Bending Branches ProStaffer, Tyler Thiede, talks frog fishing for bass on this episode of Paddle N’ Fin Network, a podcast for kayak anglers of all levels.
How to Make Perfect Canoe Trip Coffee
Want to go on a wilderness canoe trip but don’t want to sacrifice your good coffee each morning? You can learn how to make perfect canoe trip coffee for all your expeditions—the old-fashioned way.
Safety First: Dress for Immersion When Paddling
Paddling safety includes what you wear. The paddling rule of thumb is: dress for immersion, or: dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Why? Because there’s always a chance of capsize when you’re on the water.
Should You Buy a Solo or Tandem Canoe?
So you’re shopping for a canoe and you know most of your paddling will be solo. Should you buy a solo or tandem canoe? That’s a good question!
How to Re-Enter a Sit-Inside Kayak from the Water
In this fun and easy-going video from Dan Arbuckle and Headwaters Kayak, you’ll see how to re-enter a sit-inside kayak from the water.
Flippin’ Jigs from a Kayak: How to Jig for Bass
Those that learn the skill of flippin’ a jig from a kayak have an advantage over those that choose not to devote their time to mastering the art of fishing.
Bending Branches 101
Every canoe and kayak paddle we build is made to last. But durability isn’t our only concern. Bending Branches paddles are also beautiful, comfortable and efficient.
Getting-Into-Kayak-Fishing Starter Rules

Are you getting into kayak fishing? Here are some starter rules for you…and a good reminder for those who’ve been in the game for awhile, too!

Rockgard®: Make Sure You’re Protected

If you want to buy a new paddle every year or two, that's fine. But if you want to get more bang for your buck and hold a paddle that you can trust for the long haul- your paddle needs to have Rockgard!

Choose the Right Canoe Paddle for Your Trip

Next to your canoe, your paddles are the most important gear for any canoe trip. But with so many to choose from, how do you know which one to use?

Kayak River Fishing Safety Tip [Video]
Bending Branches’ ProStaffer and kayak angler, Chad Hoover, takes us along river fishing for a trophy brown trout, and offers a few kayak safety tips along the way…
How to Tie Down & Transport Your Fishing Kayak
Many anglers buy their kayak before thinking about how they’ll get it to and from the water. In this video, Bending Branches’ Pro-Staffer and kayak angler, Chad Hoover, tells us how to transport your fishing kayak.
Should You Use a Straight or Bent Shaft Canoe Paddle? [Video]
Should you use a straight or a bent shaft canoe paddle? Paddle Tale’s Ken Whiting takes on this question in this video...
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Kayak
How do you know which fishing kayak to choose when there are so many on the market? Kayak Bass Fishing’s Chad Hoover goes over five things to consider before you go out to shop for your first (or next) kayak.
New to the Boundary Waters? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re new to canoe tripping in the Boundary Waters, here’s an overview of some important keys you need to know as you plan your trip.