A Paddling Primer

Now that a long winter’s worth of ice and snow is in full retreat, waterways all over the East Coast are beckoning landlocked paddlers back into their kayaks and canoes. To prepare for this annual aquatic pilgrimage, we have compiled a collection of Gear, How-To, and Travel advice from the AMC archives to advise, inform, and inspire you this spring.

Gear

• In Cold Water What you need to brave the icy rush.
• Get Pumped  Pack small and paddle hard with an inflatable kayak.
• Up the Creek Choose the right paddle to suit your body–your next adventure.
• Choosing a Whitewater Kayak Find the right kayak for you.
• How Old is Too Old? When and why to replace your aging gear.
• The Fact on 'Yaks: How To Buy a Touring  Kayak What riders of different levels must look for in a touring kayak.

How-To

• Charted Territory Kayak using a map and compass.
• Don't Miss the Boat Preparing for and enjoying an overnight paddling trip.
• Pole Position How to canoe the old-fashioned way: without a paddle.
  
• The Wet Exit You just flipped your kayak, now what?
• Peak Paddling Conditioning tips for a spring launch date.
• Sea Worthy Practical advice from an expert kayaker.

Trips

• Current Affair Twelve runs, from quiet waters to Class IV rapids.
• Saltwater Journeys Experience six great sea kayaking trips.
• Water Trail Revival Long routes link paddlers to the past.
• In Class I and II Rapids These routes are good for flatwater enthusiasts who want to get into some rougher stuff.
• The Best of Maine AMC's 37,000-acre Katahdin Iron Works property is your gateway to four-season adventure.
• Dam Good Paddling Removal and relicensing mean good news for river health and recreation.
• Down the Creek In search of the endless river wave.
• Of the First Water Thru-paddling the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
• Take Me to the River From George Washington to the oil spill: going with the flow on the Delaware River.