Alex Matthews

Alex Matthews certainly thinks they do.

Which is better—rudders, skegs or nothing at all? It’s a popular shore-side debate within the kayaking community, and these hardware options are often a source of confusion for first-time...

Exposed to pounding Pacific swell, wreathed in swift currents and far from manicured mainland highways, Vancouver Island’s rugged coast and rough roads have an insatiable appetite for composites. Spend...

Years ago, a buddy and I tied a couple of borrowed kayaks to his car and headed to the lake. Our mission was simple: we were going to learn...

While the back deck roll is far less common than the sweep or C-to-C roll, in some situations it's the fastest because it skips the setup step required by...

Knowing how to roll isn't a prerequisite to enjoying kayaking, but a dependable roll will transform your paddling experience. It will increase your confidence on the water immeasurably and...

Dave Aharonian and I are paddling into the Broken Group archipelago off of Vancouver Island’s West Coast. It’s early spring and our last chance to camp before summer fees...

So your roll has failed you and now you are treading water beside your boat. Maybe it's time to try the scramble. The scramble self-rescue must be too obvious,...

Navigation skills for sea kayakers should extend beyond merely the use of gps devices and even the trusty map and compass. When the worst happens, Alex Matthews shares his...