Dale “Greybeard” Sanders is something of a legend, wracking up age records for long-distance paddles and hikes throughout North America. At age 80, Sanders became the oldest person to canoe the Mississippi River from source to sea. In 2022 at age 87, Sanders did it again. Now, Sanders has set out to reclaim his Appalachian Trail age record in 2025 at age 90.
Age record-smasher Greybeard goes for Appalachian Trail record at age 90
Sanders got his start as a lifeguard and swim instructor in his younger years and became a canoe instructor in 1954.
In 2015 at age 80, Sanders set off along with a film crew and paddled the Mississippi River from its headwaters at Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Averaging 30 miles a day, Sanders completed the journey in 80 days. At age 81, Sanders completed the MR340, a 340 mile human-powered endurance boat race across the state of Missouri.
In 2017 at age 82, Sanders became the oldest person to hike all 2,100 miles of the Appalachian Trail in one calendar year. At age 83 he hiked the 1,300 mile Florida Trail and at age 84 he tackled the Pinhole Trail, a 350-mile long trail through Alabama and Georgia. Heading from the southeast to southwest, in 2020 Sanders became the oldest person at age 85 to hike Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon.
By 2022, Sanders set out to reclaim his Mississippi River source to sea age record in a journey documented in film GREYBEARD: The Man, The Myth, The Missississippi. At 89, Sanders became the oldest person to compete in a national-level spearfishing competition and one a third place team award. Now at age 90, after his Appalachian Trail age record was “borrowed” by Nimblewill Nomad in 2021, Sanders has set out to reclaim that record as well.
“Greybeard” leaves symbolic final mile unhiked in Harpers Ferry
Sanders began his mission to reclaim the Appalachian Trail age trail record on September 6, 2025 headed southbound from Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia toward Springer Mountain, Georgia. As of the morning of September 24, Sanders had reached mile marker 834.8 | 1362.7, having hiked 15.5 miles the previous day. Sanders aims to complete the southern half of the trail before December 10, then take a break for the winter before flipping northbound in the spring and hiking from Harpers Ferry to Mount Katahdin.
Sanders has left a single mile southbound through Harpers Ferry unhiked, and will return for that final mile after summiting Mount Katahdin. He will conclude the hike and that symbolic final mile in Harpers Ferry.
There are certain things that are great about an inflatable kayak. They pack down relatively small, don’t weigh much, and are super stable. But there is also the not-so-great; notably, that they are sluggish and slap at the water rather than cut through it. These attributes, good and bad, are exactly the reason I asked Sea Eagle if I could test their new 385ft FastTrack, a 13-foot kayak that can be set up as a solo or two-person inflatable and has a unique V-shaped hull.
Pronounced “V” can be seen at the bow of the Sea Eagle FastTrack 385ft. | Image: Dan Arbuckle
Review of the Sea Eagle 385ft FastTrack inflatable kayak
To see how the FastTrack stacks up against other inflatables, I decided on a local mission, a summer day trip with my dog Lego down the Sacramento River. This stretch of the Sacramento is a perfect testing ground with both flatwater and a few rapids. It’s a section I’ve paddled many times in my old inflatable, the Aquaglide Chelan, so I have a solid baseline for comparison.
Benefits of the V-hull design
There are a number of things Sea Eagle has included in this kayak that are worth talking about, but we need to start with what makes it truly unique, which is underneath it. The FastTrack 385ft has something I’ve never seen on an inflatable kayak, and that is a V-hull design. It is the reason I asked SeaEagle to send me this boat. A V-shaped floor gives a kayak good tracking and glide like you would find on a traditional hard-shell kayak.
Sea Eagle is able to do this on an inflatable kayak by building the 385 with an attached high-pressure floor similar to an inflatable paddelboard. The floor is a rugged 1000-denier PVC fabric, wrapped in additional fabric for more durability.
I noticed the boat is a little bit bigger and wider in the back, and narrower in the front. So not only does it have the V-hull, but it has more of a piercing bow on it. So, while it feels narrower up front, behind me, it is kind of fat—which is a good thing for capacity and stability.
We started the test paddle with a bit of flatwater and a nice breeze, so we could get a feel for how the FastTrack tracks.
I could tell right off the bat that the kayak splits the water. There’s no noise. It feels like it cuts the water as opposed to just pushing over the top of it as inflatables tend to do. That’s something I don’t generally love about inflatables, whether it be SUPs or kayaks. Anytime there’s choppy water, the boards or the boats are just slapping. Instead, the FastTrack feels like it moves through the water.
With the V-bottom, I can also lean the FastTrack from edge-to-edge. I don’t usually sense that in inflatables. Usually, they are very two-dimensional, sitting flat on the surface of the water, but this kayak actually has a little bit more of a three-dimensional feel. I especially noticed this in the moving water and small rapids as I entered and exited eddies and could tilt the boat. In flatwater, when it’s on its edge, I could sweep and spin it around really nicely. There is also a removable fin, or skeg, at the stern, and when I had the kayak flat the fin combined with the V-hull to help lock the boat on course as it cut straight through the water.
Speedy setup time and compact storage
The V-hull isn’t the only great aspect to the FastTrack however.
For one, I really like the setup time of seven minutes. I unrolled it, blew it up and it was ready to go in no time flat and that was pumping it by hand. It’s a little work pumping it by hand, especially to get the floor to reach the maximum pressure of 10 psi. I prefer the electric pumps, where you just set the psi, hook it up to the car battery, and away it goes.
The FastTrack also packs down really small. The thing is really tiny compared to a hard-shell kayak and even other inflatables, and I really like how the storage bag works with it because it folds open. This makes it easy to roll it up and cinch down, as opposed to trying to fit it into a backpack. There’s nothing worse than having, say, a tent that you can’t put back in the bag. When you have to wrestle with it to fit into a tiny kit. For the FastTrack bag, you just, open a couple of flaps, fold the boat up into it, and cinch it down.
Dan and Lego floating the Sacramento River. | Image: Dan Arbuckle
Outfitting
On the boat there is a deck bungee and a little bit of under-deck storage at the bow. Alongside the seating area, there is webbing you could clip a carabiner to. And, there is another under-deck storage area at the stern. These all provide places you could place a dry bag or other personal and safety items.
The FastTrack comes with two extremely nice, high-back seats, with padding on the butt, and a contoured backrest that rises high. Behind the seat, there is more storage with a removable zipper compartment, which is good for things like sunblock, a towel, or other items you want access to throughout the day.
Something the FastTrack does not have are footrests. I was able to work around this with a pretty easy fix, by taking a webbing strap and running it through those webbing loops to create a sort of footplate.
Drain holes
The FastTrack also has are a couple of drain ports for emptying water out of the boat. You can open up these drains like a purge valve, and the idea is that the water should empty.
During the test, Lego and I ran a small rapid with some fun waves that splashed into the kayak, and I opened the valve to see if it would empty the water out. I think if anything it let water in. I have the same problem with my Aquaglide Chelan. They say it’s like a scupper or a self-draining valve, but I believe a boat has to ride at a certain height for the water to exit otherwise a certain amount is going to sit inside. After opening the drain valve I had to pull over to empty the FastTrack.
The stability on the FastTrack is massive. It’s all the stability you’re going to need. It is three feet wide with the inflated outer tubes that provide much of this stability. I also mentioned the edge-to-edge feel the boat has, and the shape of the hull with these side tubes also provides secondary stability when the kayak is tilted. The secondary stability is super confidence-inspiring in these inflatables because you can just lean way over, and you’ve got essentially these pontoons that give you a lot of feedback.
When I first saw the boat I spotted a sticker stating that it has 635 pounds of capacity, which means this thing is meant to be loaded down. You could add the second seat and paddle it tandem; you could paddle it with your kid; you could load up all your camping gear and do an overnight. You get this big, stable sit-on-top type kayak, and it weighs just 31 pounds.
Who is the Sea Eagle FastTrack right for?
I think the FastTrack is right for someone who has space and transportation issues they need a solution for. For example, if you’ve got a small car without roof racks, or you’re not going to lift a kayak up on your car. Another situation may be if you’re looking for a lightweight inflatable tandem but would still like to have good performance. Or, if you know you want an inflatable and have been wishing for one more capable on flatwater, but which can still handle some whitewater, then the FastTrack may be right for you.
You can find the 385ft FastTrack available from Sea Eagle and retailers including Amazon.
Rutabaga Paddlesports shop to close at the end of 2025. Photo: Courtesy Darren Bush
UPDATE: After announcing the closure of Rutabaga Paddlesports, owner Darren Bush is now pursuing the sale of the business and in discussions with prospective buyers. Rutabaga Paddlesports will remain open and operations continue in the meantime. The article below was published on September 23, 2025.
Rutabaga paddlesports owner Darren Bush announced that he will close the Madison, Wisconsin, paddling shop at the end of the year to pursue a calling as a hospice chaplain. Bush will continue to own and operate Canoecopia, the largest consumer gathering in the paddlesports business.
“I believe that life teaches you lessons, and when you’ve learned what you need to learn it’s time to move on,” Bush wrote in a substack announcing the change. “I thought I’d work at Rutabaga a few years, get some management experience, then move on. Well, I didn’t stop learning things.”
Bush started selling canoes part-time in 1990 at Rutabaga, when he still had a so-called ‘real job’ as a statistician for the state of Wisconsin. He became a full-time manager in 1994, General Manager in 2000, co-owner in 2002 and sole owner (with his wife Stephanie) in 2007. A rutabaga, by the way, is a root vegetable that resembles a cross between a turnip and cabbage. If you’ve never tasted one you’re not missing much, but until you’ve felt the energy of Rutabaga’s sales floor or the exhibit hall at Canoecopia, you haven’t fully experienced the paddling lifestyle in North America, and especially the Midwest.
Rutabaga owner Darren Bush is closing the shop less than three years after building a new 10,000-square foot retail store. | Photo: Darren Bush / Facebook
Bush was at the center of that culture, leading with a quiet energy and a heartfelt urgency to share the joy of paddling with others. In addition to his work with Rutabaga and Canoecopia, Bush co-founded the Paddlesports Retailer show and the Big Gear Show. He also owns a thriving rental operation in Madison, which will continue.
Rutabaga Paddlesports Closing at the End of 2025
“The only thing that’s really going away is the retail part of it,” Bush said. “Everything I’m keeping is community-related, not retail-related.” He spoke with Paddling Magazine in advance of his announcement, about the importance of the paddling industry in his life, his calling to the chaplaincy, and the factors that caused him to walk away from his business less than three years after building a new 10,000-square foot retail store.
Here I should disclose that Bush is both a friend and a trusted source. In my own side-gig as editor of Paddling Business, I could always count on him to give me the ground-truth of the paddlesports industry, whether for better or worse. Our conversations often veered away from business to paddling, and what the sport has given each of us. Invariably, he would share an anecdote from the sales floor about a person he’d recently sold a canoe, car rack or paddle—interactions that usually ended with a hug and a selfie photo.
Darren Bush (left) outside Rutabaga Paddlesports. | Photo: Darren Bush / Facebook
This time he also spoke about holding a person’s hand as they died—something he has done many times as a volunteer chaplain at the University of Wisconsin hospital, and as a bishop in his LDS congregation. Transitioning to chaplaincy work is something he felt called to do.
“Fifty years ago this year I was in eighth grade and the school counselor gave me an aptitude test. I filled it out, and he told me I’m supposed to be a pastor. And now 50 years later, here I am.”
Darren Bush on Choosing Chaplaincy Over Retail
Paddling Magazine: How will you manage the transition?
Darren Bush: I’m not going to close the doors and walk away tomorrow. I’m going to be open to the end of the year. The other thing to know is that Canoecopia is not going away. I can’t do that. It’s too much of a community event. It’s going to change in nature, obviously, and I’m still working through what that’s going to look like. But I can’t mothball Canoecopia, and without the shop I’ll have a lot more time to dig in and do it exactly like I want it. We’re going to keep doing rentals too. In fact we’re expanding them a little bit.
Rutabaga will be open until the end of the year and we’re going to work on getting rid of inventory. We’ll have stuff that’s left over. Some of it I’ll donate. Some of it I’ll put into a storage unit and sell on eBay or whatever.
PM: That’s going to be a lot of eBay selling.
DB: Well, I hope not. It could be that I have a George Bailey moment and all my friends come in and buy everything.
Darren Bush (front left) at opening day at Canoecopia. | Photo: Darren Bush / Facebook
PM: You’re keeping the rental operation and Canoecopia, so you’re not letting go of paddlesports completely.
DB: No, but everything I’m doing is community-related, not retail-related. The only thing that’s really going away in any real sense is the retail part of it.
You know, I sat on the curb today with a woman that I met last week, and she just put her arm around me and said, ‘Thank you for selling me a kayak.’ It’s all about community, and I’ve said that forever. That’s why customers hug me, because I help them be part of the community.
PM: Did you give any thought to selling the whole business to one of your staff or somebody in the industry?
DB: Yes, but as far as staff goes, they don’t have the capital. Millennials, they don’t own anything. That’s I think one of the biggest problems with transitions right now, is who do you get to buy your business unless you get a trust funder.
I wanted to leave on my terms. I’ll sell the shop or lease it. It’s the perfect place for a Harley dealership. Big roll up doors, a garage in the back. And with the solar panels it has negative power bills.
Rutabaga Paddlesports will close at the end of 2025. | Photo: Darren Bush / Facebook
PM: When did you make the decision?
DB: It’s happened over the past two years, because you don’t just say ‘I’m going to sell my business tomorrow.’ It picked up last fall when I started getting some really intense chaplaincy work. Very, very good. Very rewarding—life-changing for both me and the clients. And then a friend said, hey, there’s a CPE [Clinical Pastoral Education] program starting in the winter. You should get in on that.
I made the final decision about eight weeks ago. I was at this cabin up north with my wife and my kids. Steph and I had talked about it, and I said, ‘Okay here’s the deal. I’m closing Rutabaga. We’re going to keep Canoecopia. My son said, ‘I’m so glad.’ And my daughter said, ‘You’re not gonna have another heart attack, Daddy.’ I said, ‘Nope, I’m not.’
PM: One heart attack is enough.
DB: The thing is, I love the work I do. I just don’t like how much of it there is.
PM: You’ve said chaplaincy is rewarding. I imagine it’s also very intense.
DB: The work I’ve done so far has been incredibly rewarding because I’m not afraid to have real conversations with people. The conversations that I’ve had is, number one, how do you want to die? Where do you want to die? And how do you want to be remembered?
Some of the most beautiful moments in my life have been in a canoe and teaching someone how to paddle. And some of the most beautiful times in my life have been holding someone’s hand when they die.
It’s just saying, ‘I’m here. I see you. I feel you. You are loved.’ That’s it. Everything else doesn’t matter. No one should die alone if they don’t want to. It’s a deeply spiritual thing, not necessarily religious. There are so many beautiful things that happen at the end of a person’s life, and you know, there are doulas and midwives who help people come into the world. But there’s not many who help people leave. This is just a transition to my next calling.
Feature photo: Rutabaga Paddlesports will close its doors later this year. | Photo: Darren Bush / Facebook
Paddlers gather using Rally Crew app. Photo: Courtesy Rally Crew
RallyCrew, a new free online platform, offers a unique space for the whitewater paddling community to connect, share experiences, and explore new rivers. Designed by paddlers for paddlers, RallyCrew brings together recreational boaters and paddlesport professionals, providing powerful tools to help users find paddling partners, discover events, and track their progress—all in one place.
Founder Deborah Kane, an avid whitewater kayaker, created RallyCrew after realizing how difficult it was to consistently find paddling partners and keep track of upcoming events.
“The whitewater world is passionate, but we are scattered across so many platforms,” says Deborah. “RallyCrew was born out of a desire to bring everyone together in one space—whether you are looking to find new paddling buddies, plan a trip, or improve your skills.”
RallyCrew is designed to make it easier for paddlers of all levels to discover new opportunities and enhance their paddling journey:
Personalized Paddler Profiles – Users can build a profile that highlights their skills, experiences, and paddling preferences to connect with others in the community.
Event Listings – Explore a global database of paddling races, clinics, tours, and trips.
Trip Planning and River Logs – Plan paddling adventures, share experiences, and access valuable river insights from fellow paddlers.
Affinity Groups – Join communities based on shared interests, skill levels, or paddling styles to create a sense of belonging and collaboration.
In-App Messaging – Keep all paddling conversations and direct messages organized in one place.
Sophisticated Search – Easily find paddlers for local trips or connect with boaters around the world.
“RallyCrew is the community platform paddling has been missing,” says Aniol Serrasolses, professional kayaker and co-founder of Serrasolses Brothers River Co. “It brings the whole whitewater world together in one place—athletes, instructors, clubs, newcomers, everyone. I love that it’s built to support connection, skill building, and the kind of real friendships that happen on the river. This feels like the future of paddlesports. I’m really stoked to be a part of it.”
RallyCrew is a free global platform for whitewater paddlers to connect, plan trips, build skills, and find events. | Photo: Courtesy RallyCrew
For Paddlesport Service Providers: Reach and Grow Your Community
RallyCrew offers valuable tools for instructors, schools, guides, and other paddlesport professionals to connect with the paddling community:
Connect with Engaged Paddlers – Reach paddlers who are actively seeking events, lessons, and gear.
Event Listings – Promote courses, trips, and services to gain visibility among interested paddlers.
Business Profiles – Showcase offerings and provide key details about services in one easy-to-find place.
Insurance Access – Qualified instructors and event organizers listing on RallyCrew may be eligible for coverage tailored to paddlesport activities.
“RallyCrew is helping us reach paddlers who are looking for instruction and guiding, without getting lost in social media algorithms. It is a direct connection to the community we serve,” says Casey Bryant Jones, Paddle School Director for Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours. RallyCrew can be accessed from any browser. For more information, visit www.rallycrew.com.
About RallyCrew
RallyCrew is a free global platform for whitewater paddlers to connect, plan trips, build skills, and find events. From kayakers and rafters to packrafters and canoeists, paddlers of all crafts and abilities can find partners, join affinity groups, browse events, and showcase their paddling journey—all in one easy-to-use space. Built by paddlers who understand the challenges of staying connected and informed, RallyCrew offers a seamless alternative to scattered group chats, outdated forums, and algorithm-driven social media. Learn more at www.rallycrew.com.
Fish today, feast tonight. | Feature photo: David Jackson
If you’re not fond of bones or skin, you’ll want to fillet your fish to prepare it for cooking. Follow these five simple steps to get a great fillet every time.
How to fillet a fish
1 Prep and cut
First, wipe the cutting surface and fish down with paper towels to lower the risk of slippage. Make sure your fillet knife is super sharp and then insert it just behind the top of the fish’s skull. You should be able to feel where the skull ends and the body starts. Cut only as deep as the ribcage.
Fish today, feast tonight. | Feature photo: David Jackson
2 Slice along the backbone
Slide the knife toward the tail, keeping it parallel to the midline of the body and up against the backbone. Avoid puncturing the abdominal cavity where the entrails are encased. Once the blade is past the anus, push the knife all the way through the fish’s belly. Slide the blade the rest of the way to the tail.
3 Lift and trim the fillet
Create another incision behind the gill plate toward the top of the head where the initial cut was made. Raise the flap of meat and cut along the curvature of the ribs and abdominal cavity. The meat should peel back until only the skin attaches it. At this point, you can simply cut through the skin and detach the fillet.
Finally, separate the meat from the skin. With the scale side down, use a sawing motion as you slide the knife along the full length of the fillet where the flesh meets the skin. Depending on the type of skin, you can start at the tail and hold on to the skin with one hand as you cut away from you with the other. If the skin is too thin and breaks easily, hold the fillet down with one hand and start cutting at the thicker end of the fillet.
5 Repeat and clean up
Repeat on the other side of the fish. Wash the fillets and pat them dry. When enjoying the beauty of harvesting a meal in canoe country, remember that fish remnants attract animals. It’s best to prepare your catch away from your campsite. Bon appétit!
This article was published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Fish today, feast tonight. | Feature photo: David Jackson
Transform and roll out. | Feature photo: John Webster
When you’re on the water as much as the pro whitewater paddlers we polled below, you see a lot. The good, the bad and the ugly. We asked nine pros to weigh in on the most common mistakes they see on the river when it comes to gear and equipment. Are you guilty of any of these? Here’s what the pros had to say.
9 Pros On What Boaters Get Wrong About Gear
“Nose clips are crippling paddlers. You have to open your mouth to breathe. It makes no sense in bigger rapids.”
—Mariann Saether
“It’s hard not to bring too much gear on a road trip or international paddling adventures. The annoying part is that it’s a time-suck dealing with it, stashing it and worrying that it may get stolen out of a vehicle or storage spot.
The best trips I have done are the ones where everything I bring goes with me in the kayak. The good news is that all that extra gear makes for great barter or, better yet, the opportunity to donate to your adopted paddling community.”
—Ben Stookesberry
Transform and roll out. | Feature photo: John Webster
“Assuming everything that ever happens when using something new is 100 percent the equipment’s fault and not focusing on potential user error.”
—Dane Jackson
“They don’t wear a protective layer over their drysuit socks.”
—Natalie Anderson
“The backband. Most kayakers would put their backband up to the back of their necks if they could. If you keep the backband low but tight, it keeps you in the boat nice, but then you have much more range of motion when paddling. If you want power, you need to use more than just your skinny little arms.”
—Dave Fusilli
“Small creek boats for women or small paddlers. You can be small and paddle big kayaks.”
—Nouria Newman
“Simplicity is best. When you’re starting, it’s easy to complicate your gear, bring too much and not have a great system for ensuring you have the right stuff for the river you’re jumping on.”
—Mike Dawson
“Believing they need something specific and consistent to perform rather than believing they can adapt to anything they need to.”
—Benny Marr
“Paddlers think gear is more important than it really is, and paddlers don’t think about how important gear is. What I mean is people stress out and invest too much into pieces that aren’t crucial.
For example, do you need a top-condition spray skirt? I would say no for 99 percent of paddling. Do you need a nice drysuit? I’ve used wetsuits in some remarkably cold weather. However, here’s the flip side: lives are on the line. Being warm is not just a matter of comfort. If you have a wetsuit instead of a drysuit, you better be absolutely sure you can hike out or deal with a long rescue. Throw ropes need to deploy and hold.
What I’m trying to say is people don’t always have an accurate picture of what their gear will do. It doesn’t have to be the best, but even if it is top of the line, you have to know exactly what its limits are and stay within them.”
Even if you’ve just gotten into paddleboarding, you’ve probably already realized the only way to improve upon a day spent on the water is to bring your best friend along for the ride. Many dogs can be trained to enjoy a ride on a paddleboard, and it’s an excellent way to deepen your bond, have fun and get some exercise together.
Crucial to enjoying a dog paddleboarding adventure is to have a dog-friendly paddleboard. Fortunately, there are many paddleboards suited for this purpose. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about selecting the best paddleboard for your adventures with your pup and answer the most commonly asked questions about paddleboarding with dogs too. This beginner’s-focused buying guide will also cover must-have paddling accessories for dogs, training tips to keep everyone comfortable, and essential safety advice to ensure you both enjoy your next adventure.
Read on to get expert advice on the best SUP type, size and accessories for the ulti-mutt dog-friendly paddleboard adventures.
How to buy a dog-friendly paddleboard
Choosing a board requires careful consideration since the paddleboard you buy will help determine whether or not you and your dog have a fun time on the water. There is no one single best paddleboard for dogs because the best board depends on the type of paddling you like to do, as well as your dog’s size, weight and temperament. From board size and stability to materials and features, here’s what you need to know.
Stability
When selecting a paddleboard for your dog, stability is the top priority. A stable-feeling board will inspire more confidence. All other aspects being equal, a wider paddleboard will provide more stability. However, a wider board will be slower, and a too-wide board can be difficult to paddle. To paddleboard with your dog, look for paddleboards around 32 to 36 inches wide. With a smaller dog, you might be able to opt for a board on the narrower end of that spectrum, while if you have a larger dog you might opt for a board on the wider end.
Weight limit
Capacity is a critical component of an enjoyable paddleboarding experience with your dog. Ensure the capacity of your chosen paddleboard exceeds the total weight when you combine your weight, your dog’s weight and any other gear you’re likely to bring along. If you exceed the capacity of a paddleboard, it will ride low in the water, won’t feel stable and won’t glide efficiently.
Board shape
All-around paddleboards are the most popular type of paddleboard for beginners. All-around paddleboards tend to be 10 to 12 feet long and typically come with a rounded surf-style nose or a slightly pointed touring-inspired nose. A user-friendly, all-around paddleboard is a perfect choice for relaxed days spent paddleboarding with your dog. Paddlers who want to make miles should look to touring board design.
Inflatables vs. hard boards for dogs
Inflatable boards are convenient for storage and transport and incredibly popular. They’re typically made from a soft but tough PVC material, which provides better traction for a dog’s paws and nails and a softer landing if a dog loses its balance and falls on the board. Hard boards can be made from plastic, wood or composite materials. Their rigidity provides extra stability and increased performance, as there is less bend to the board in waves or when a dog or paddler moves around the deck. Learn more about the pros and cons of inflatable paddleboards and hard boards.
Deck padding for dogs
Particularly on a hard board, a deck pad on the top of the paddleboard provides essential traction for your dog. Your dog’s confidence will be greatly enhanced by getting a grip and not sliding around on a slick wood, plastic or composite surface. Look for full-length EVA foam deck pads, which provide good grip. Full-length deck padding isn’t as essential on an inflatable, as the softer construction material provides some traction.
Leash essentials
A paddleboarder should always wear an ankle leash (unless in moving water), which is a cord connecting the board to the paddler’s ankle. This crucial piece of safety gear is even more important when paddling with a dog, as your chances of ending up in the water increase with an excitable pup on board. So, too, do the chances that your board will travel away from you in an upset. Even a light wind can blow a paddleboard away from you, faster than you can swim.
Wear The Appropriate Leash When Stand Up Paddleboarding
Always wear a leash on open bodies of water like lakes, bays, and oceans. Due to the risk of snags and entrapment, leashes should only be worn on rivers if they include a quick release attached to your life jacket.
However, a dog doesn’t have to wear its leash on a paddleboard. A well-trained dog shouldn’t need a leash while on a paddleboard, and any dog can be trained to remain in place on the board until released. If your pup is not reliable, you may feel safer leashing your dog. However, never attach your dog’s leash to the paddleboard and never leash your dog in moving water and current.
Photo: Kaydi Pyette
Dog paddleboard accessories
There are a few essential safety requirements to take your dog paddleboarding. Remember: Always wear your life jacket. Everyone, even strong swimmers, should wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. And just like you, your dog should always wear a life jacket on the water too. Not all dogs are strong swimmers. In particular, dogs with short snouts or short legs, and puppies, older dogs and those with mobility issues tend to be weaker swimmers. Plus, any dog can get tired or panic. Protect your best friend by investing in a dog life jacket. Ensure your dog’s life jacket fits snugly and matches their weight. See our top picks for the best dog life jackets for paddleboarding.
In addition to a PFD for your dog’s paddleboarding adventures, some paddlers opt for a dog mat to put on the deck for extra comfort. Others add a kayak-style seat to their paddleboard. To attach these items, choose a paddleboard with some attachment points designed for accessories. You can also use these attachment points to secure snacks, a water dish and other items.
Training your paddleboarding dog
Dogs are naturally curious and want to explore by your side, so tap into that natural instinct and approach paddleboard training as just another fun adventure together. First, introduce the paddleboard on land, where the dog is comfortable, and allow the dog to investigate it and walk all over it until it’s no big deal.
Next, treat your first few outings to the water as training sessions. Keep these sessions short and filled with positive reinforcement (think soft, stinky dog treats and lots of them!) and only paddle in calm and sheltered conditions to maintain stability and cultivate confidence in your new paddleboarding companion. Always check weather conditions before getting on the water and paddle within your skill level.
Finding a paddleboard to enjoy with your dog doesn’t have to be complicated. Let us help demystify the process. Below are the eight most commonly asked questions about finding the perfect paddleboard for you and your dog.
Can dogs go on paddleboards?
Of course! While some dogs may be apprehensive at first, most dogs can be trained to enjoy riding on a paddleboard. It is important to ensure the paddleboard is large enough and stable enough to accommodate the dog’s extra weight. It’s also important to introduce the paddleboard experience gradually—start slowly, always wear your life jacket, always put your dog’s life jacket on her, and provide lots of positive reinforcement to create a fun experience for the dog.
Wear A Life Jacket
Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.
Can dogs go on inflatable paddleboards?
Yes, inflatable paddleboards are a great option for dogs. The material inflatable paddleboards are constructed with is not slick like hard boards, and provides good traction for the dog’s paws, which leads to increased comfort and easier reboarding.
Can dogs pop inflatable paddleboards?
No. The construction material of a paddleboard from a reputable brand is a world apart from the cheap material of a Walmart pool toy. Don’t worry about your dog’s nails puncturing the board; the material is way tougher than that.
Do dogs like paddleboarding?
Not every dog will enjoy paddleboarding, just as not every person enjoys paddleboarding. However, so long as you introduce the activity slowly and with lots of positive reinforcement, most dogs can grow accustomed to the experience of being on the water. Plus, your dog always enjoys being with you. Keep training sessions short and sweet, and make your dog’s safety and comfort your priority.
Paddleboard vs. kayak with dog
Both paddleboarding and kayaking can be enjoyable activities to share with your dog. One is not more suitable for bringing your dog along than the other—it just depends on your personable preference. From your dog’s perspective, sitting on the deck of a paddleboard versus sitting on the deck of a sit-on-top kayak is not so different. For dogs who like to swim, a paddleboard may offer easier reboarding. Sitting paddlers may find it easier to manage anxious or excitable dogs.
What is the easiest paddleboard to bring your dog on?
A stable-feeling paddleboard is the most important factor in your dog having a good time on the water. Look for a design 10 to 12 feet long, 32 inches wide or more, and with a capacity that exceeds your combined weight. A full-length deck pad will also help ensure your dog’s comfort.
Dress For Immersion, Not Air Temperature
Your body loses heat much faster when immersed in cold water than it does when dry.
Avoid cotton clothing like t-shirts and jeans; they retain water and accelerate cooling when wet. Synthetic fabrics, or wool, are generally a better choice. If the water is very cold (60° fahrenheit or less), you should wear a wetsuit or drysuit.
What size paddleboard is best for dogs?
The best size of paddleboard for your dog will depend on its size, weight and temperament. Generally, a wider board provides more stability and a longer board provides more space for you and your dog. Larger boards larger weight capacities. Dog paddleboards around 32 inches wide and 10 to 12 feet long are often a good size to start with for small and medium-sized dogs.
What happens when a dog falls off a paddleboard?
If your dog falls off your paddleboard and they’re wearing a life jacket, it’s no big deal. Stay calm and encourage your dog back to you and the board, using treats or toys if necessary. If your dog is wearing a leash, you can also use that to guide them back. Use the handles on your dog’s life jacket to assist with reentry onto the board. Once they’re safely back on the board, ensure they’re comfortable. Don’t make a big fuss about the plunge.
Wenonah canoes have maintained a presence in the Midwest for more than 50 years. Owner and founder Mike Cichanowski first fell in love with making cedarstrip canoes, which grew into a small business. After taking over an abandoned factory in Winona, Minnesota, the company exploded, associating itself with the burgeoning canoe racing scene.
Wenonah’s tripping models quickly became popular in the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, beginning with Circhanowski’s original design—the Wenonah 17.
Today, you’ll find a variety of canoe designs available in different materials. No matter the type of canoe you’re considering, there’s a chance Wenonah has one to match your needs. They build everything from stable recreational canoes to fast racing boats. In between, Wenonah has a range of tripping models using durable T-Formex or lighter composites for one, two or more paddlers.
This article will help you find a high-quality Wenonah canoe that matches your needs. You’ll be joining a long line of canoeists who’ve paddled the world’s waters in these signature boats. For most general canoeing needs, there’s a Wenonah canoe to match.
We’ll give an overview of the types of canoes available, as well as some tips for buying new and used models. Along the way, you’ll find links to curated lists, specific models and pertinent information. Read on to learn more.
Top picks: Best Wenonah canoes
Wenonah Canoe Wee Lassie
At just 16 pounds, the Wee Lassie is so light we could play catch. | Photo: Joel Clifton
“Weighing just 16 pounds, I marched the Wee Lassie a kilometer through my sleepy suburban neighborhood to the lonely waterfront launch. I tiptoed around some shore ice and settled for my first paddle of the season. Bliss. Dawn patrols, sunset sessions, and sneaking out for lunchtime paddles are precisely the sorts of adventures the Wee Lassie is designed for. Wenonah markets it as a roomier, more portage-friendly alternative to a solo recreational kayak…” [ Read full review ]
“Shallower and narrower than the average tripper, the Minnesota II’s roots are in the Gene Jensen-designed Whitewater II, a go-fast downriver racer. The tweaks may have turned a race boat into a touring-friendly model, but paddlers can still feel Jensen in the Minnesota II’s minimal rocker, sharp lines and unbeatable cruising…”[ Read full review ]
Wenonah Canoe Spirit II
On the water with the Wenonah Spirit II canoe. | Photo: Alyssa Lloyd
“In 1983 the Spirit II was born. It went on to become the most successful canoe model in Wenonah’s line. The Spirit II bridged the gap between whitewater tripping boats and the abundance of 32 to 33-inch waterline canoes deemed too tippy by too many consumers. It also became the center of a family of touring boats…”[ Read full review ]
Shopping for a used Wenonah canoe?
Electing to buy a used canoe, especially a Wenonah, is a great way to get a high-quality canoe for a lower price. These plastic canoes, made out of Royalex or T-Formex, are long-lasting. Wenonah’s composite canoes are easily repaired if they have any damage.
If you’re considering buying a used Wenonah, you’ll want to know where to look, what to look for, and of course, to try it out if you can.
Where to look
You can start looking for a used canoe right now from your computer or smartphone. On classified pages like Craigslist or eBay, Wenonah canoes may be listed. Sometimes they will provide more details, but they may also simply be listed as “Fiberglass Canoe.” Depending on how informed and thorough the seller is, you may have to deduce the model and materials from photos and check Wenonah’s website.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is practically in Wenonah’s backyard. Many outfitters in Northern Minnesota use Wenonah canoes in their rental fleet. Renting canoes gives you a chance to take a trial run, helping you understand how some of the differences in specifications and design that you read about affect how the canoe behaves on the water.
It’s common for outfitters to sell off their rental fleets at the end of each season. Consider renting during the season and following up in the autumn to pick up a used canoe that’s new to you.
The shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, are good times to start shopping for used canoes. People will be upgrading their boats or cleaning out garages and sheds.
What to look for
Inspect the entire canoe before you buy it. Knowing which type of material the canoe is made from is important, as they wear differently. Read the “Wenonah Canoe Buying Advice” below for an overview of their canoe materials.
T-Formex or older Royalex canoes can withstand repeated impacts without much damage. You may see faint dings and bumps on the hull, but they are superficial. Any prominent creases might indicate that the canoe was wrapped or suffered a more significant impact. An advantage of these canoes is that more significant deformities will often pop back into shape, but they might be weak spots in the future.
Unless you plan to really bang the canoe around, this shouldn’t be an issue. Any scrapes or gouges penetrating the outer coloured layer and revealing the pale ABS plastic beneath should be refinished. This is an easy fix with repair kits available from Wenonah.
Most Wenonah canoes are made of aramid, fiberglass or other composite blends. Composite canoes can wear out faster than plastic ones. How a canoe has been stored is a good indicator of its overall condition. If it has been kept inside and upside down on a rack, there’s less chance of damage. Direct sunlight can damage and discolor the canoe.
As well, leaving a canoe sitting upright on its hull deforms it. Over time, the canoe’s weight puts pressure on the unsupported hull. The gunwales are stronger; it’s better to rest the canoe’s weight on them.
Composite canoes are finished with a gelcoat or a clearcoat to protect the resin and cloth. Any time the canoe rubs along the ground—even just across the sand—it may show scrapes. These scratches are superficial and harmless, although they are unsightly. Inspect the hull for deeper cuts that might expose the cloth. Like plastic canoes, Wenonah sells composite repair kits for any touch-ups needed.
You can also source epoxy or gelcoat from marine suppliers, and there are many good articles explaining these fixes online. If you find a Wenonah canoe that needs some major repairs, they may be able to fix it for you. You’ll have to get the canoe to the factory, and it will take some time, but this is an option for those who are less handy.
Most composite canoes have float tanks; sealed compartments in the bow and stern of the canoe to give it buoyancy. When you pick the canoe up, give it a shake and listen for any water that might be sloshing around in the tanks, indicating a leak, most likely from the canoe into the tanks.
Try it out!
Lifting the canoe is essential, as you want to understand how it feels to portage. Don’t be afraid to walk around with it for a while. Even ask the seller if you can take a lap around the neighborhood with it. You may also want to bring your canoe pack or barrel along and make sure they fit inside (will two barrels fit beside each other between the thwarts?).
As mentioned before, the best way to know if the canoe is a good match is to actually paddle it. While this may not always be possible with a used canoe, prioritize listings where it’s an option, like outfitters or waterfront locations.
For more tips on what to look for when selecting a used canoe, read our article How To Buy A Used Canoe.
Wenonah canoe buying advice
Understanding the different types of canoes Wenonah builds can help you to find one that matches the type of paddling you plan to do. Wenonah breaks down their canoe models by the activities they’re used for: General Touring, Performance Touring, Sports & Leisure, Downriver, Expedition, and Racing. There are differences in the design of these canoes that affect their performance on the water. Deciding which category best suits your needs is a good place to start when choosing a canoe.
Once you’ve decided on a model, consider different material options. We’ll give an overview of these materials and their strengths and weaknesses.
Canoe types
General touring
These canoes are as close to “all-arounders” as you can get. They are versatile in length, ranging from just under 15 feet to more than 19 feet. They have a combination of primary and secondary stability, so the canoeist will feel reasonably comfortable no matter if the hull is flat or on edge. With a small-to-moderate degree of rocker, these canoes turn readily enough and track reasonably well.
They are suitable canoes for families or paddlers on day trips or easy weeklong outings. Most beginner paddlers will find a model in this category that matches their paddling style. Included in this category is the flagship Wenonah 17 canoe. Look at the range of boats in this category if you plan to dabble in different types of paddling and prioritize stability over speed.
Performance touring
Wenonah’s Performance Touring canoes are fast-traveling cargo haulers for the dedicated canoe tripper. These canoes are longer and slimmer than canoes categorized under General Touring. They have sharp entry lines (pointed fronts) to cut into the water efficiently. Canoes like the Minnesota are very common in areas like the Boundary Waters, where the travel is generally across large lakes.
They move quickly and track exceptionally well. Look at the options here if you want an efficient canoe for long days on the water. If you plan to travel in rivers, consider models in the Expedition or Downriver categories.
Sports and leisure
Sports and Leisure canoes would be called recreational canoes by other companies. These models are characterized by their flat bottoms. They provide tons of initial stability for anglers, hunters or families paddling casually. While canoes like the Kingfisher 16 won’t be winning any races, they have enough stability to stand in and ample space for larger paddlers to feel comfortable.
These canoes are maneuverable, being all less than 17 feet long. Their high weight capacities accommodate the extra gear that usually accompanies these endeavors. Also included in this category is the Backwater square-stern canoe. This boat is designed to be equipped with a small two-to-three-horsepower motor.
The Fusion and Wee Lassie pack boats are compact, solo canoes that users can paddle with either a canoe or kayak paddle. For extra control, the Fusion has a rudder.
Downriver
Downriver canoes are happiest in moving water. These boats have lots of rocker to navigate obstacles as they move in the current. They have deep, high-sided walls, adding volume to the canoe for a dry ride through rapids. The Prospector is a classic canoe design for wilderness travel. It’s versatile enough to travel through riffles and rapids while loaded, but tracks decently on lakes too.
Many companies have their own takes on the Prospector model, but Wenonah’s particularly sharp entry lines lend the canoe better glide. It’s available as a 15- or 16-foot canoe. One great thing about Prospector canoes is that they all have symmetrical hulls. Solo paddlers can sit backward in the bow seat and paddle these canoes stern-first.
For exclusively solo downriver paddling, the Argosy is a solo boat capable of running up to class III rapids with an experienced paddler at the helm.
Expedition
Wenonah’s Expedition canoes are built for extended trips in wild spaces. They are some of the longest and highest-volume canoes Wenonah builds. The two models in this category are the Itasca 19 tandem and Encounter 17 solo canoe.
Choose one of these if you need the high storage capacity that comes with deep wells. They are good options for coastal canoeing, as the depth helps keep water out in rolling swells.
Racing
Racing canoes are highly specialized boats. Wenonah builds tandem and solo racing canoes that regularly win flatwater canoe races. These canoes have flat keel lines, with almost no rocker, and extremely pointed entry lines for speed and efficiency. Because of their shallow sides, these canoes are best used for day outings if they aren’t being raced.
What material should you choose?
After discovering the ideal design, the next step is to choose which material you want for your canoe. Wenonah makes most of their boats in a range of materials, each of which has its own merits. Let’s walk through them. We’ll use the Wenonah Spirit II 17-foot canoe as a baseline to indicate the different weights of these materials.
T-Formex
If you run every rapid you can, look at getting a T-Formex canoe. Until 2014, Royalex ABS material dominated the market as an inexpensive, indestructible material for canoes. Production of Royalex ceased in 2013, and companies began searching for alternatives. Quebec-based Esquif Canoes developed T-Formex to fill the hole left by Royalex’s departure. Wenonah now purchases the material from Esquif.
T-Formex is a stiff, durable material consisting of distinct layers. A layer of closed-cell foam in the centre gives the canoe stiffness and buoyancy. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic layers encase both sides of the foam to protect it and add stiffness to the shape. Beyond the ABS is a proprietary abrasion-resistant “skin” layer. The outside of the canoe is reinforced in places for additional protection against impacts. It is also treated with a UV-resistant coating.
T-Formex canoes are popular because they are worry-free. They don’t require much maintenance, and can withstand impacts and abrasions impressively. T-Formex outperforms single or triple-layer polyethylene plastics as it is stiffer and lighter. A 17-foot Spirit II canoe made with T-Formex weighs 78 pounds.
Composite materials are lighter than T-Formex, but cannot match its durability. T-Formex canoes will tolerate just about whatever you throw at them and are excellent choices if you don’t mind the extra weight. If you’d prefer to shave some pounds off your canoe, composites are the way to go.
Composites
Composite material is an all-encompassing term describing canoes made with woven fabrics and resins. These could be aramid, fiberglass, polyester or a combination of materials. The advantage of building canoes with this method is that it produces stiff, lightweight canoes.
Wenonah uses five different blends of composite materials, varying in strength, weight and price. They are organized under Ultralight and Flexcore categories.
Ultralight
Ultralight materials are Wenonah’s lightest and most expensive canoe material options. They prioritize weight, with reinforcement in only the necessary places. To further save weight, gelcoat is not typically applied to the whole canoe, giving these canoes a signature clear coated look.
Some models have the option to have the hull gelcoated for extra resilience.
Aramid Ultralight
Aramid is one of the most commonly used ultralight composites. You may recognize the trademarked name Kevlar, which is an aramid fiber. It’s a good material for building canoes that are easy to carry. It’s pretty stiff, so it’s more responsive than T-Formex. It is also significantly lighter. A Spirit II 17-foot canoe built with Ultralight aramid weighs 42 pounds, or 45 pounds with a gelcoat hull.
IB Ultralight
The IB in IB Ultralight stands for Innegra blend. Innegra is a polypropylene-based fiber mixed with other materials like aramid or fiberglass to add strength without compromising weight. This makes the canoe stronger than it would be with pure aramid, but also more expensive. A Spirit II 17-foot canoe built with Ultralight IB weighs 44 pounds, or 47 pounds with a gelcoat bottom.
Graphite
Select canoes are available with woven graphite for a stiffer and more responsive canoe, and it also gives the canoes a sleek, dark aesthetic. There’s little weight difference between aramid and graphite canoes, but expect to pay 10-15% more for this layup.
Flexcore
Wenonah’s Flexcore canoes weave a core into the laminate, adding durability to the performance of a composite. This process is ideal for canoes that will not receive the same degree of coddling as ultralight ones. It adds a bit of weight, but also, with the extra durability, you’ll worry less about damaging the canoe when you’re out paddling.
Tuf-weave
Tuf-weave is a blend of fiberglass and polyester. It’s heavy but more durable than any other composite from Wenonah. It’s also the most affordable composite material available from them. This is a good option for a resilient canoe that compromises well between price, weight and durability. A Spirit II 17-foot canoe in Tuf-Weave Flex Core weighs 58 pounds.
Aramid Flexcore
Aramid Flexcore has the benefits of aramid with some extra reinforcements. This is a great all-around material, balancing weight and strength. It’s more rigid than Tuf-weave and a little bit lighter. It costs the same as aramid canoes. A 17-foot Spirit II canoe with this material weighs 54 pounds.
Seating options
You can choose between bench or bucket seats on most Wenonah canoes. Bench seats allow the canoeist to either sit or kneel. Wenonah’s bench seats can be either cane or webbing. Cane has a traditional look, while webbing is more durable.
Bucket seats restrict the paddler to sitting—which may be the more comfortable option on longer trips. The bucket seats are lower than bench seats, bringing the paddler’s center of gravity down. Bucket seats from Wenonah also come on a slider to adjust forward and back. Both options have their merits, and accomplished paddlers sit or kneel on either side of the debate.
Trim and yoke options
All Wenonah Canoes come with standard aluminum trim. You also can pay more to upgrade to a sleek black aluminum trim or a wooden trim. Anglers can decide to upgrade to Wenonah’s VersiGunwale system. This system integrates their standard accessory rail inside the gunwale for mounting fishing rod holders and other equipment.
The standard carrying yokes are made of ash, and they can be upgraded to stronger multi-piece laminate with padding or even lighter carbon.
Want to know more? Find our answers to common questions about Wenonah canoes below.
Cost of Wenonah canoe
The cost of a Wenonah canoe varies by the model, materials and upgrade options chosen for it. They can range from $2,000 to over $4,000. Generally, longer boats with ultralight materials will be more expensive than shorter boats that are built with T-Formex or Flexcore. In the canoe market, Wenonah canoes are comparable to other composite canoes.
Are Wenonah canoes worth the money?
A Wenonah canoe is a significant investment, but you’re purchasing a high-quality craft. These canoes use better materials and incorporate more workmanship and expertise than canoes found on the shelves of big-box stores.
The composite construction is easily repairable, and the T-Formex is rugged enough that these canoes will last many seasons. Their racing heritage and decades of canoe-building have given Wenonah designers the experience and time to make adjustments and modifications that result in a better boat.
Wenonah canoe models
Wenonah has an extensive line of canoe models that meet the needs of most paddlers, be it touring, fishing, recreation, racing or expedition paddling. If you come across a Wenonah canoe that has been discontinued, you can learn more about it on their Retired Canoe Models page.
Most stable Wenonah canoe
Wenonah’s Sports & Leisure canoes are the most stable of their models. These canoes have wide, flat hulls, making them ideal for paddling in flat waters with families, dogs or nervous paddlers. Models in this line include tandem canoes from 14 to 17 feet long like the Fisherman, Kingfisher or Boundary Waters, as well as the square-stern Backwater. Solo canoes in this category include the Wee Lassie and Fusion pack boats.
Wenonah canoe weight
Some Wenonah canoes are among the lightest on the market, thanks to the use of ultralight materials. Their weights vary by the design and materials used, and canoes will range from 30 to 90 pounds.
Wenonah canoe weight capacity
Wenonah takes an interesting approach towards the specifications of their canoes. They don’t provide a specific number for their weight limits or capacities of particular canoe models. The justification for this is that a number cannot adequately account for the weight distribution or conditions the canoe will be paddling in.
Canoe models designed for longer trips or multiple paddlers like the Minnesota 3 have higher capacities. Day-tripping canoes like the Heron are intended for two paddlers and a small amount of gear. Actually paddling the canoe will give the best sense of its capacity.
What are Wenonah canoes made of?
Wenonah canoes are made with T-Formex plastic or composite woven materials. They have a range of composites available, varying in price, weight and durability. The composite materials include the Ultralight and the more affordable Flexcore categories. Read a detailed description of each material in “Wenonah Canoe Buying Advice” above.
Wenonah canoe dealers
Wenonah has an extensive network of dealers across North America, including REI. Use their dealer locator tool to find where to buy a Wenonah canoe near you. If your local paddle shop doesn’t carry the Wenonah you have in mind, you may be able to order it through them for the following season.
Where are Wenonah canoes made?
Wenonah canoes are all made in a factory in Winona, Minnesota.
Who owns Wenonah canoe?
The company founder, Mike Cichanowski, still owns Wenonah canoe. Wenonah also owns the kayak brand Current Designs and builds them in the same Minnesota facility.
Compare Wenonah canoes
Wenonah vs Old Town canoes
Maine-based Old Town is another storied American canoe builder. They build durable canoes targeted for beginner and recreational paddlers. Unlike Wenonah, all Old Town canoes sell for under $1,900. They build their canoes exclusively with three-layer polyethylene, which explains the boats’ affordability and durability. These are solid canoes for recreational paddling, but much heavier than Wenonah’s composites.
Wenonah has more canoe models for backcountry tripping or paddling with more than two paddlers. Their composite canoes are lighter, making them easier on portages. The T-Formex canoes are as durable as three-layer polyethylene but much stiffer, resulting in better performance.
If price is more important than weight, get an Old Town. If you want more model options to choose from, and you’re willing to pay a bit more, Wenonah canoes are the better choice.
Wenonah canoe reviews
Reading reviews of Wenonah canoes helps you better understand their performance characteristics. Product descriptions may help give you an idea, but hearing other users’ experiences gives you valuable insight into where these canoes excel. The best Wenonah canoe you’ll find will be one that aligns with your paddling style, so note where the reviewer takes the canoe and what they use it for.
Yes, this really is kayaking’s most contentious topic. | Feature photo: Andrew Strain
For avid kayakers, few debates are as popular—or as polarizing—as the controversy over skeg versus rudder. Which system is easier to use, more effective, more efficient, more reliable—in a word, which is better, a kayak skeg or rudder?
Like all great debates, however, there really is no right or wrong answer. Both rudders and skegs have their merits and their limitations. Kayak design, paddling style and wind and water conditions all play a role in which system will perform the best. Ultimately, paddlers have to make their own decisions based on need and personal preference.
Novice kayakers often have questions like, “Do you need a skeg on a kayak?” or “What is the purpose of a rudder on a kayak?” If you are new to kayaking and wondering what the difference is between a skeg and a rudder—or how each affects a kayak’s handling and performance—read on. We’ll look at the purpose of skegs and rudders, how they work, and the pros and cons of each system.
What is the purpose of a kayak skeg or rudder?
First and foremost, the primary purpose of both skegs and rudders is to aid in tracking, meaning the ability to run in a straight line without using your paddle to make major correction strokes.
In ideal conditions, well-designed sea kayaks and recreational kayaks should track well without a skeg or rudder. But even the most well-behaved, straight-tracking kayak can start to wander off course when you add in the dynamics of wind, waves and weight distribution. The most common phenomenon is called “weathercocking.”
Weathercocking works like this: crosswinds and quartering winds push your kayak sideways. If you are sitting still, your kayak will simply drift sideways. But when you start paddling forward, the bow of the kayak cuts through the water and is held in place by the pressure from its bow wake. Behind the paddler, there is less pressure on the stern of the kayak, leaving it free to keep drifting sideways. The upshot: your kayak turns into the wind.
Paddling in following seas can be just as problematic. When the wind and waves are at your back, the bow of the kayak tends to bury in the wave troughs, while the stern rises and is pushed sideways by the faster-moving wave crests. This tendency to turn sideways to following waves is called broaching.
Unless you are paddling directly into the wind, your kayak will require some correction to compensate for weathercocking or broaching.
Without a skeg or rudder, the paddler can only counteract the kayak’s tendency to wander in the wind by edging and making corrective strokes. But constantly battling to maintain your course by endlessly sweeping on one side or trying to hold your kayak on edge for extended distances can be inefficient and punishing to your body. This is where a skeg or rudder can play a valuable role in kayak control.
What is the difference between a skeg and a rudder?
What is a skeg on a kayak?
A skeg is a retractable fin that drops out of a slot in the kayak hull near the stern. The skeg fin cannot move side to side, but its depth can be adjusted up and down by means of a control slider, cleat or knob beside the cockpit.
A skeg works by changing the bow-to-stern trim of your kayak—in essence, it makes the slippery stern sit deeper in the water, by adding surface area below the waterline, and helps lock it in place. By adjusting the depth of the skeg fin, a kayaker can balance out the forces of wind or current on the kayak, enhancing tracking and making it easier to hold course.
What is a rudder on a kayak?
By contrast, a rudder has a stern-mounted blade that pivots side to side, controlled by foot pedals in the cockpit that are connected to the rudder blade by cables or line. In this way, a rudder allows for steering with your feet. How do you steer a kayak with a rudder? It’s pretty intuitive: push with your right foot, turn right; push with your left, turn left. Most kayak rudders can be flipped up out of the water via haul lines and tucked against the deck when not in use.
Paddling with a skeg
So, when it comes to a kayak’s performance, how much does the skeg help? Beyond the ability to help your kayak paddle straight in wind and current, skegs can also add versatility to kayak design.
Many recreational paddlers want a kayak that is efficient and tracks well, but is also responsive and maneuverable. Yet, as any kayak designer will tell you, tracking and turning ability in kayak design is a compromise, trading more of one for less of the other. Incorporating a drop-down skeg allows designers to build more versatile kayaks by blending playful, maneuverable hulls with on-demand tracking.
How to use a kayak skeg
As mentioned above, even a well-designed kayak will turn into the wind (weathercock) when the skeg is up. But if you lower the skeg fully, chances are you’ll overcompensate, moving the kayak’s trim too far toward the stern. Now your kayak will start turning away from the wind.
Instead, you’ll want to slide your skeg down a little at a time, until you are able to hold course without any extra correction—or frustration. Throughout your paddle, you can make subtle skeg adjustments as required to trim the kayak to suit variable conditions.
Pros and cons of skegs
Pros
Simple and effective way to improve kayak tracking in wind, current and waves
Less complexity and weight than a rudder
Because a skeg is mounted under the kayak, it doesn’t create any extra wind resistance and is less prone to damage during transport
During self or assisted rescues, a skeg does not impede over-the-stern re-entries
Cons
Drop-down skegs are prone to jamming with small stones or shells when launching from a beach. Don’t try to force the slider control before manually cleaning the skeg slot, or you may kink the cable creating a more serious issue
The skeg box for a retractable skeg takes up space in the rear hatch, reducing storage capacity for multi-day trips
The usefulness of a rudder depends on the type of kayak and its intended purpose. | Photo: K. Lee Corey/Unsplash
Paddling with a rudder
Given the popularity of skegs on sea, surf, river and recreational kayaks, you may be wondering just when does a kayak need a rudder? One common misconception is that rudders are most helpful for novice paddlers. In fact, the usefulness of a rudder has more to do with the type of kayak, and its intended purpose, than it does with the skill level of the person paddling it.
Where appropriate, the main advantage of a rudder is that it allows paddlers to effectively steer the kayak by foot, without the need to interrupt or modify their forward stroke. This means that you can focus all your energy into powering forward, maximizing speed and distance. For this reason, the vast majority of competitive racing kayaks and go-fast surf-skis are designed to be paddled with a rudder. Many renowned expedition sea kayakers also choose a ruddered kayak for the same reasons.
Because they can assist with steering, rudders also aid in maneuvering kayaks that are inherently less maneuverable—for example, long tandem sea kayaks or wide, stable fishing kayaks. Finally, rudders are useful to control boat drift and direction when a kayaker’s hands are occupied with something other than paddling—such as fishing or sailing.
How to use a kayak rudder
If rudders are most effective on larger kayaks and racing and expedition designs, why are they so commonplace on general touring kayaks and entry-level boats? Unfortunately, in some cases, rudders are used to cover up poor designs and compensate for lackluster hull performance.
Too often, beginners are encouraged to rely on rudders to quickly gain control over their kayaks, even though this over-dependence will likely slow skill development. Remember, just because a kayak is equipped with a skeg or rudder, doesn’t mean you have to use it all the time!
When conditions are fine and the wind calm, there’s simply no need for the average recreational paddler to deploy a rudder the minute they leave shore. Of course, when you are paddling in crosswind, waves or current, a rudder can be used similar to a skeg to help you stay on track.
Pros and cons of rudders
Pros
Adds maneuverability to large or heavy kayaks, such as double kayaks and fishing kayaks
Because it allows you to focus on paddling forward fast, a rudder is integral to most flatwater racing and surf-ski designs
Expedition paddlers can focus on making miles, rather than steering control
Cons
More moving parts to service and maintain
Outdated rudder systems with sliding foot rests don’t provide solid contact points for power transfer and bracing. Look for “gas pedal”-style systems with a fixed pedal base instead
Rudders are more at risk of damage from a collision or hitting the bottom. Always pull your rudder up before landing or backing up in shallow water
Skeg or rudder: which should you use?
When it comes to the debate of which is better, a kayak skeg or rudder, the answer is: it depends. Before choosing sides, you should decide what sort of kayaking you will be doing most often, and what are the environments where you will spend most of your time? Different kayak designs often suit one system better than the other.
Rudders work great on a variety of specialized kayaks—from surf-skis and fishing kayaks to tandems and sailing set-ups. A ruddered kayak is faster when racing, more efficient on long expeditions and helpful to beginners who are just getting the hang of paddling.
Skeg or rudder: which should you use? It depends. | Photo: Andrew Strain
For many touring, recreational and sea kayakers, a skeg provides an optimal blend of tracking and maneuverability, enhancing versatility in a broad range of conditions.
If you are still unsure whether a sea kayak rudder or skeg is the way to go—not to worry. Most kayaks come ready from the manufacturer with the system that best suits their design. Some skeg-equipped sea kayaks are also “rudder-ready” so you can order them with an optional rudder, or choose to add one later. It’s also worth noting that many sub-14-foot kayaks have neither. These boats are skeg- and rudder-less by design, since they are already exceptionally maneuverable and aren’t intended for cranking out serious miles in windy conditions.
Above all, don’t worry too much about what equipment you “should” or “shouldn’t” use. Remember that you don’t need a rudder or skeg to enjoy kayaking and paddle efficiently. Learn good paddling technique so you know how to control your kayak without a skeg or rudder. That way, if your skeg jams or your rudder cable breaks, you won’t be completely lost at sea.
This article was first published in the Early Summer 2022 issue of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Yes, this really is kayaking’s most contentious topic. | Feature photo: Andrew Strain
On August 27, 2025 a search and rescue effort began on Seagull Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) after a 911 text went out stating that a person was on fire. First responders did not find any fires, any people on fire or anyone needing rescue. It was later proven a false alarm, with the mysterious text sent using new iPhone satellite technology.
According to The Ely Echo, dispatch was able to contact the wife of the owner of the iPhone from which the text had originated, who was later able to confirm that the owner of the iPhone was alive and well and not experiencing an emergency. Additionally, it was confirmed that the alert was not only accidentally sent but sent without the owner’s knowledge.
Summer 2025 saw multiple instances of search and rescue efforts triggered by false alarm “someone is on fire” texts
Apple’s emergency SOS new satellite technology enables users to send text messages using passing satellites even when out of range of cell service. The satellite messaging technology is available on iPhone 14 or newer.
These alerts can be triggered by repeatedly and quickly pressing the side button on the iPhone five times, pressing and holding both the side button and volume buttons of the iPhone simultaneously and/or through the iPhone crash detection feature.
The Ely Echo also reported that this instance is not only not the first false alarm sent from an iPhone, but the August false alarm is not even the first instance of an SOS text message reporting a person on fire in the BWCAW. On Brule Lake in June 2025 a similar text prompting a search effort went out. The text alert in both instances read “someone is on fire”.
Mystery false alarm SOS texts could be due to an Apple glitch
Meanwhile on August 1, 2025 in British Columbia a similar satellite SOS text message went out reading “THERE IS A FIRE, SOMEONE IS ON FIRE,” according to The Williams Lake Tribune. Six volunteers, a helicopter winch team and flight crew were dispatched. The iPhone provided GPS coordinates showing the device out in the mountains and moving toward the trailhead while the team attempted to contact the iPhone’s owner.
Shortly thereafter, the command team was notified by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that the owner of the iPhone had reported the messages from the search team as potential spam or a scam and was at home on the couch, where they had received the messages. It was later determined that earlier in the day while out hiking the hiker’s phone battery had died around the time they had been walking near an area previously burned by wildfire. Beyond these details, it remains unclear precisely how the SOS text was triggered.
In July 2025 The Colorado Sun reported at least ten Colorado 911 dispatch centers received emergency texts sent from iPhones claiming people were on fire, trapped or lost. All ten of these messages were false alarms and all ten of the messages were sent using the iPhone’s satellite texting feature.
“I spoke with our division chief and his opinion is that it’s some glitch in the Apple system,” Boulder County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Vinnie Montez told The Colorado Sun.
In response to the most recent instance of the person-on-fire text sent in the BWCAW, Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen told Northern News Now that it often takes many hours for rescuers to go out and investigate a situation, and with a message like that it’s often assumed the situation is quite serious. Most of the search and rescue teams in Cook County are volunteer, meaning that a false alarm such as this takes them away from their jobs and families.
This article was published in Issue 73 of Paddling Magazine. 
