A wave barrels at the bow of Gallaway's kayak. Tim Gallaway | YouTube
The Maine Island Trail snakes 375 miles along coastal inlets and islands on the Atlantic, from Portland up north toward the border with Canada. For paddler and coach Tim Gallaway, a Great Lakes local, the Maine Island Trail posed a major adjustment: tides.
Gallaway is an ACA instructor and Greenland rolling coach. His longest solo expedition was an 860-mile solo expedition from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to Quebec City. In 2018, he headed to Greenland to compete in the National Qajaq Championships. In 2021, Gallaway tackled a sea kayak expedition of the South Shore of Lake Superior, and in 2023 a backcountry canoe expedition in Missinabi Provincial Park. In summer 2024, Gallaway, a traditionally freshwater paddler, found himself out on the ocean for a three-week trek on the Maine Island Trail.
Challenging but forgiving: the key to growing skills
On the Great Lakes paddlers are primarily at the mercy of the wind. Out on the ocean in places like the Maine Island Trail paddlers at the mercy of the tides as well. The northern end of the Maine Island Trail approaches the edge of the Bay of Fundy, which sports the largest tidal range in the world with a maximum of 63 feet (16 meters).
“How the trip flowed with the tide was a big learning experience for me. There was very rarely a time that there wasn’t a current I could notice,” shared Gallaway.
While the Maine Island Trail never approaches the extremes of the Bay of Fundy, Gallaway reported working with a roughly 12-foot (3.6 meter) tidal range near Portland, and about a 14-foot (4.3 meter) tidal range the farther north he travelled, and up to an estimated 4-5 knot current on occasion.
Many coastal guidebooks are designed for yachts and sailboats, with shoals and dangers to larger boats marked, but with little thought given to the coastal paddler. Gallaway recommends paddlers headed out somewhere unfamiliar research beyond a google search and guidebooks.
“Find locals; I think that’s the real trick with everything. Talk to fishermen, talk to boaters, talk to sailors,” shared Gallaway. “The thing for learning an area… is to try and find a place that is challenging but also forgiving.”
Do paddlers need to get burned? Or is there a better way to learn?
Finding that sweet spot where the forgiving challenge lies— the surf break with a soft landing, the sea kayaking route with exposed conditions but ample bail out options— is often easier said than done, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for, or what you’re looking at.
“I think the big thing with judgment is learning how to observe and learning what to look for. We always talk about the Dunning-Kruger effect: you don’t know what you don’t know,” explained Gallaway.
The Dunning-Kruger Effect is a cognitive bias that occurs when a person’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain field leads to them overestimating their skill within their field. Put simply, we are ignorant of our own ignorance. For Gallaway, teaching good judgement begins on land.
A wave barrels at the bow of Gallaway’s kayak. Feature Image: Tim Gallaway | YouTube
“If I’m coaching someone I like to start off standing on the shore talking about what we can see. If you understand your environment it’s a lot easier to make good judgement calls,” Gallaway shared. “If you don’t know what you’re looking at… that’s how you can get into trouble.”
For paddlers, over estimating your own skill can be extremely consequential, and the easiest way over the beginner’s hubris hump is often getting tumbled and humbled— ideally, that happens somewhere with a soft landing.
“There’s ways that you can push people and get them not burnt, but singed in a controlled environment,” shared Gallaway. “But I don’t think anything really beats getting worked while you’re alone. If you’re with people you always have a safety net. If you’re alone it gets awfully scary very quickly.”
A brush with hands-on learning
Gallaway knows a thing or two about learning risk management through hands-on experience. In chilly, early May 2010, Gallaway paddled from Grand Marais, Michigan towards Sault Ste. Marie on the South Shore of Lake Superior.
“After three days of paddling into the wind I got out to Whitefish Point…I got around the point and started pushing south, and didn’t really think about the weather too much. It was an east wind that was building across the bay,” explained Gallaway. “All those waves were funneling up against that hard edge of the point straight in. I’d been paddling for a while, I was exhausted, I was getting kind of cold, and I drifted too close to shore. I had a wave break over my head, just totally dunk me… [I] lost my water bottle off the deck, and I basically got washed into shore.”
From here, Gallaway paddled between the breaking surf and the shore for a little, an area with few people, and few places to land and camp. Before long, Gallaway found what he was looking for: a friendly person who waved at him. He made contact, paddled in and borrowed a phone. A friend of his came and picked him up while the people he’d met fed him and let him dry out.
“I didn’t have it in my head that stopping at Whitefish Point was an option. I could’ve waited for a day and been fine, or if I’d gotten stuck out at Whitefish Point I could’ve just called and had someone pick me up, but I would have done it kind of in a dignified manner… instead of walking up like a drowned rat.”
On the Maine Island Trail, Gallaway defines his own trip
More than fifteen years and several coaching certifications later, Gallaway’s trips look a little different now. On the fourth day of his trip on the Maine Island Trail, Gallaway found himself camped on an island up a river listening to a foreboding weather forecast. The forecast called for thunderstorms overnight followed by big swell and wind out of the south. Taken with the six-mile exposed approach to the pinnacle headland, the tide, and that the headland and approach itself would be exposed to the south winds and swell off the open Atlantic, conditions for rounding the point were far from ideal.
Gallaway sat and asked himself if it was really important to his trip that he round that headland.
“The answer came pretty quick and it was no. The whole idea of this trip is to explore the shoreline. I don’t have any need to prove to myself to get around it,” said Gallaway. “So I called for help.”
Gallaway called up the crew at Maine Kayak and asked if they’d run a shuttle for him across the point. The owner picked him up and essentially portaged Gallaway to the other side.
“I had a great day. I got to meet some paddlers. I got to see some areas I wouldn’t have seen otherwise,” Gallaway shared. “It was a great experience because the point of the trip wasn’t to face the biggest conditions the Atlantic can give. The whole idea was to paddle.”
Gallaway smilies after a Greenland roll. Tim Gallaway | YouTube
What are we working on today?
Many a paddler has fallen prey to the idea that a successful paddle means toughing it out through the gnarliest conditions. It can be hard to move past the idea that there is some sort of shame in waiting it out on land and glory in “sending it”, not realizing that often the mark of an experienced paddler is not just knowing when to paddle, but more importantly when not to.
“We need to do things for ourselves, that’s really what it comes down to,” shared Gallaway. “Not everyone wants to race. Not everyone wants to roll a dozen different ways. That’s kind of the wonder of the sport. We can go out and take photos of birds; we can go out fishing. We can go out and expedition for days at a time— none of that’s wrong, it’s just different.”
For Gallaway, it starts with him standing in the water next to his students and a simple question:
“What are we working on today?”
Gallaway will be speaking at the 2025 Canoecopia event in Madison, Wisconsin at 2:30 pm on Saturday, March 8 to share about solo kayaking the Maine Island Trail.
The number of kayaks available today is astonishing. The kayak is at least 4,000 years old and was invented as a productive means to secure food and travel. Fast forward to 2025, and millions of people take to the water every year using kayaks for various reasons, including our modern necessity—yearning to spend time outdoors and recreate.
However, the conundrum we find ourselves in is the number of options and just which kayak is the best. It’s a nearly impossible question to answer. Boats have become specialized to different waterways and styles of paddling, but ultimately, the kayak you choose should serve the majority of your needs.
Something I’ll admit as a writer at Paddling Mag is that I could never choose just one form of kayaking, nor just one kayak. I’ll count this burden as fortunate though to aid in the decision-making of others. By paddling everything from lightweight inflatables to elaborate fishing kayaks, whitewater river runners, and seaworthy touring kayaks, I’ve gained a sense of what works and what doesn’t. This isn’t to say there aren’t other kayaks we could have added to the list. Contributors and editors along with myself have field tested dozens of kayaks through the years, and each we’ve spent time paddling has its strengths best suited to waterways and certain types of kayaking. The goal of the picks I’ve chosen here as the best kayak is as much to share with you what to look for in a kayak to fit your needs, as it is to point out the specific kayaks selected here.
Sit-on-top kayaks are some of the finest boats a beginner could consider. They are generally made wider than sit-insides—providing additional stability—and you aren’t enclosed within the cockpit of a kayak. The biggest reason sit-on-tops are some of the best beginner kayaks is if you do happen to fall out or capsize, you can just climb back on. These are all great attributes shared among sit-on-tops, so what makes the Caribbean 10 stand out? Plenty.
The Caribbean 10 is a thermoform plastic kayak—meaning the sheets of molded plastic are fused together to form the deck and hull. Thermoform plastic kayaks can be made light, and at just 40 pounds, the Caribbean is substantially light for a sit-on-top considering a rotomolded plastic kayak of comparable size and outfitting can weigh more than 50 or 60 pounds. This makes it reasonable to lift and carry on your own. Combine this with the fact it is 10 feet long, and you could easily put the boat in the back of a pickup truck or even fit inside an SUV. The 10-foot length also gives the boat a nice balance of attributes. It is just long enough to have some speed, and the V-hull helps it track. Yet, the shorter hull length, and shallow-V also let the kayak spin some, making it easier to turn on a river. At 29 inches wide, it still provides the stability recreational sit-on-tops are known for.
The Caribbean 10 also has a dry hatch at the front to store gear or food, and a well with bungees to stow gear behind you. Top it off with sliding footbraces and a comfortable seat, and you have a beginner sit-on-top at the top of its class.
Reasons to buy
Lightweight sit-on-top that is less effort to lift and carry
Fits in the bed of a truck or inside an SUV if you don’t have roof racks.
10 feet long and 29 inches wide to provide a length-to-width ratio which is stable but can cover ground on lakes and slow rivers
More convenient than a sit-inside to get back in should you flip
Open deck is easy to climb on and off of for folks with mobility issues
Consider another if
You prefer the enclosed style of a sit-inside
You plan to cover longer distances or more exposed waters where longer hull touring kayaks would be appropriate
Your local river includes some whitewater
Bottom line
In a crowded field of sit-on-tops the Caribbean stands out as a superb choice well suited for beginners and any recreational paddler who enjoys casual days of kayaking.
The Pungo 120 is one of the most popular recreational kayaks of the past few decades, and as the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” What makes the Pungo such a well-loved sit-inside kayak for recreational use is the combination of a few details put together to create an enjoyable boat to paddle.
The Pungo 120 is 12 feet long, and while it has enough width to provide stability, it manages to provide some of the elongated profile of a touring kayak to cover ground and have secondary stability. The 12-foot length, shallow V-hull, and keeled stern help the boat track in a straight line. And the boat provides a good sense of stability when it is sitting flat or leaning.
The Pungo features customizable bungee storage, the popular cockpit storage plate, and a stern dry hatch, so you have plenty of space to pack lunch and extra layers on your day trip. The stern dry hatch also means there is a sealed bulkhead between the paddler area and the storage. This helps a sit-inside kayak stay buoyant in the event of a capsize, and bulkheads like this are the mark of a well-designed sit-inside.
Reasons to buy
12-foot design provides good tracking and stability for beginner and recreational paddlers
Multiple storage points
Wide cockpit area is convenient to climb in and out of
Comfortable seat
Dry hatch bulkhead provides buoyancy should you capsize
Consider another if
You’d prefer a kayak lighter than 50 pounds
The open concept of a sit-on-top kayak would be more enjoyable or easier for you to enter and exit
You are looking for a faster kayak or one intended for handling rougher conditions
Bottom line
Whether you are a beginner or recreational paddler who enjoys calmer stretches of water, the Pungo has proven for years it is a sound choice for a sit-inside kayak.
A 12-and-a-half-foot-long inflatable you can take across the lake or down the river, and can be set up as a solo or tandem kayak—could the Sea Eagle 370 get any better? Yes, in fact, thanks to the price tag of just a few hundred dollars.
Sea Eagle is a 50-year-old kayak company based out of New York State. They offer higher-build inflatables, but for the value seeker, it’s hard to match the 370. The subtle components of the 370 are what make it stand out from other low-cost kayaks, including one-way valves for full inflation, a peaked bow and stern, and durable in-class material.
Reasons to buy
Costs start below $400 USD
Inflatable rolls up for transport and provides stable feel for beginner paddlers
Peaked bow and stern cut through some waves and chop
One-way valve allows for rigid inflation
Consider another if
The rigidity and performance of a sit-on-top or sit-inside recreational kayak would be preferable or required for use over an inflatable
You plan to tackle whitewater regularly beyond class II
Rivers are where inflatable kayaks shine. The dynamic currents of fast moving water mean flips, swims, and a healthy dose of humility are par for the course when you decide to get into whitewater kayaking. Inflatable kayaks however, make the sport more approachable by being wide, stable, buoyant and easier to self-recover into crafts, allowing more people to ride through wave trains and drift through pools to take in the scenery. I’ve paddled a long list of inflatable kayaks over the past 20 years of running rivers and many do the job well, but the Nyce Haul provides an experience that stands out.
The Haul takes on the shape of an elongated raft and feels stable as it smashes through rapids. It can be paddled as a tandem or solo kayak. The outfitting is simple yet thoughtfully considered. My favorite part of the Haul though is the drop-stitched floor. This floor gives the boat a rigidity similar to an inflatable stand-up paddleboard. Not only does the rigid floor help the boat glide across the water, and punch through features, it also opens up the ability to use the Haul as a standing platform to fish as you drift. The floor is also not permanently sewn in, which means it can be easily replaced or repaired, but also, if you should go over some shallow rocks, it can flex to avoid damage in the first place.
Reasons to buy
Fun and comfortable hitting rapids or floating a lazy river
Deciding on the foldable kayak to make this list, I could have gone in two directions. One is the boat most embodying the portable needs of intrepid paddlers capable of reaching remote places. The other? The most convenient, making paddling accessible to anyone. I chose the latter, and the Oru Inlet.
The first time I paddled the Inlet was an afternoon on the south side of Staten Island. I walked a few hundred feet with the kayak, in its 20-pound folded form resembling an art portfolio, to a gravel beach on Raritan Bay. Within seven minutes, I had the kayak set up and ready to launch for the first time. On the water it was more stable than I expected. At under 10 feet, the light little boat was zippier than I would have believed. The Inlet shows the brand’s success in the progression of its goal to get people kayaking without the physical dimensions of a boat as an obstacle. If you add in the available backpack, it truly feels reasonable you could take the Inlet by bus, train, ferry or car to any calm or slow stretch of water for an afternoon paddle.
Reasons to buy
The 20-pound, 10-foot-long kayak packs into itself to the size of luggage
Intuitive to set up within minutes
Stable and zippy, considering how light it is
Consider another if
Your aspirations with a folding kayak involve open water crossings and remote destinations
A hardshell (plastic or composite) kayak better suits the performance you are after or have the space for
You plan to tackle whitewater where an inflatable would be a better packable choice
Bottom line
If you’re in search of a unicorn recreational kayak to paddle calm lakes and bays or slow rivers, while being able to store under a bed, the Inlet is the folding kayak you’ve been looking for.
When editor-at-large Virginia Marshall reviewed the Nigel Dennis Explorer, she described it as the boat best exemplifying the characteristics of the modern expedition kayak. When Marshall composed her choices for the best touring kayaks, she doubled-down on those words by naming the Explorer her favorite expedition boat out there.
The 17-foot 6-inch-long British-style interpretation of a traditional Greenlandic kayak has a refined look and upswept bow and stern ready to make headway on your most ambitious paddling endeavors. The interior storage has space for trips reaching well beyond a long weekend, but with hatches sized to take a wave with low risk of implosion. Even when loaded to the brim for 10 days, Marshall found the Explorer able to maintain speed and handle confused seas with composure. It’s no wonder the boat is a popular choice for circumnavigations and crossings in some of the world’s burliest corners.
Reasons to buy
You want an expedition ready kayak you will still enjoy paddling on shorter trips.
A hull and rocker profile made to maximize touring efficiency in rough waters.
Custom colors, hatches and layups, including weight-saving carbon/Kevlar.
Consider another if
Your camping kit includes items like a suitcase stove, barrel and Dutch oven.
You prefer a highly adjustable seat system to a minimalist cockpit.
Bottom line
The Explorer is a dependable touring kayak that has set a benchmark for the expedition minded.
What I remember most about the Jackson Flow after my first time sitting in it, was not how I could feel certain differences in the way it handled compared to my other boats, or an adjustment of getting used to its character. The first time I took the Flow on the water, what stood out was the opposite. From the first stroke I took with Flow, it was a kayak where I felt I could do what I wanted when I wanted to. In whitewater, this immediate sense of unison between you and your boat is perhaps the most sought after feeling there could be.
The Flow was Jackson’s attempt to recalibrate the Gnarvana for paddlers on everyday river runs. In my mind, the boat succeeded in this goal and more. If you are a class II-III paddler looking for the trusty steed to up your game, or want a sporty boat for your favorite class V gorge without being buried up to your nose in rocker and volume, the Flow is for you. Set a line, surf, lean and boof, the Flow feels in rhythm to do it all.
Reasons to buy
The volume around the paddler and easy-to-maneuver hull are confidence-inducing on whitewater.
Slimmed down compared to the Jackson Gnarvana and other high-volume river runners to feel sporty for advanced whitewater paddlers and user-friendly for newer ones
The outfitting, especially the Bees Knees thigh braces, can be adjusted on the fly
Consider another if
Most your time is spent on lakes and slow rivers and you only plan to paddle occasional class I or II whitewater
You are looking to play the river with a freestyle kayak or half-slice
Your daily river run is regularly featured in films distributed by energy drinks
Bottom line
The Flow made the top of our list of the best whitewater kayaks overall for good reason.
As you’ve noticed by now, there are a number of options when choosing a kayak. The top selections made above are as much to recommend these specific kayaks as they are to point out some of the attributes which make them suitable for different types of paddling.
The first thing to figure out when choosing a boat is what type of kayaking you plan to do, and from here you can learn what type of kayak you need. On small lakes, slow moving rivers, and protected bays, a sit-on-top or sit-inside recreational kayak, or even an inflatable, will provide a good all around choice. While if your ambitions include open water crossing or advanced whitewater the kayaks become more specialized for safety and capability.
Once you’ve decided what type of kayak you’d like, you’ll next think about the hull shapes available, whether you’d like a tandem or solo, and then what size kayak is recommended based on the specifications of a few boats you are interested in.
Above all else, the best way to make your choice is to get a hold of a shop or club and see if you can test paddle a kayak or attend a demo event where a group of your prospects are available. Time on the water will tell the truth if a kayak is a right fit for what you’d like to use it for, and also, just as a bike needs to be adjusted for each rider, these testing opportunities usually have someone who can show you how to have the seat, footpegs, and other outfitting components adjusted for you, which makes an incredibly significant difference in how a kayak feels to sit in and paddle.
The kayaks in this article were chosen through accumulated years of field experience with numerous models and the input of our contributors through our extensive boat reviews.
Paddling Magazine digital editor Joe Potoczak.
Why trust us
Our digital editor Joe Potoczak is a self-proclaimed paddler of anything that floats. Over the past 25 years, he has kayaked rivers, lakes and along coasts on four continents. He’ll never forget the boat that started it all—a Mainstream Tropic II from Costco.
The 20th annual Paddling Film Festival World Tour kicked off in Mississauga, Ontario, on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Showcasing the world’s best paddling films—including this year’s 10 award winners—the festival celebrates adventure storytelling on the water.
Hosted by The Complete Paddler at its new Dundas Street storefront, the premiere event drew sold-out crowds for three consecutive nights. Attendees were the first to experience the year’s top paddling films on the big screen. Proceeds from these three screenings support Project Canoe, a nonprofit that provides at-risk youth with educational and therapeutic outdoor experiences, primarily through summer wilderness canoe trips.
Want to see the world’s best paddling films on the big screen? Find a World Tour screening near you here.
Read on to discover the award winners in 10 categories and this year’s shortlisted films.
2025 Paddling Film Festival Winners
FOLLOW THE WATER
A BAFFIN VACATION, LOVE ON ICE
WE STAND TOGETHER
Best Sea Kayaking Film
WILD SEA
Category sponsor: BoréalDesign
Wild Sea is a captivating short documentary that delves into the life of Jeff Allen, a trailblazing figure in the world of sea kayaking. The film traces Jeff’s journey from his formative years to his role as one of the foremost sea kayak guides and coaches of our time. The film illuminates the transformative power of the sea as Jeff finds purpose and healing through his connection with the ocean. In particular, his 2004 Japan circumnavigation serves as a poignant testament to the healing power of nature.
Director & Producer: Tom Vetterl
Best Adventure Travel Film
¡AY CHIHUAHUA!
Category sponsor: Kokatat
Expedition kayakers take on the mile-deep Barranca Candameña in the Wild West of Chihuahua, Mexico. At the put-in, with heavy rain filling the river, the team weighs the danger of flash floods and the specter of narcos against their goal to be the first to descend one of the most spectacular canyons on earth by kayak.
Director: Benjamin David Stookesberry
Best SUP Film
RUNNABLE
Category sponsor: Dryrobe
Join Cameron Hopkin and Sam Garthwaite as they navigate the thrilling world of whitewater paddleboarding, sharing their personal stories, triumphs and dreams for the future of this adrenaline-fueled sport. Witness the beauty of nature and the power of human determination in this inspiring documentary that will leave you craving adventure and pushing your own boundaries. Get ready to dive into the heart-pounding action and heartfelt reflections of Runnable.
Director & Producer: Jake Garthwaite
BETWEEN THE LINES
CAPSIZED
THE SURVIVAL OF THE WOOD CANOE
Best Rafting Film
BETWEEN THE LINES
Category sponsor: AIRE
This film is a moving reflection on what it means to be connected to the water, fish, and one’s truest expression of self. The river is a thread woven in and out of Alex Obregon’s life since he was three weeks old. While working as a raft guide in southern Chile, Alex found his love of fly fishing by way of whitewater, and simultaneously deepened his appreciation and understanding of all the spaces and species a river holds.
Director & Producer: Liz McGregor
Best Documentary Film
CAPSIZED
Category sponsor: Canadian Canoe Museum
Some dream of summiting the highest peaks, visiting a remote island or being the fastest to navigate a route. But not Emily. She dreams of esoteric adventure and of dragging a canoe across a bog. Enlisting her friend, the pair set off to navigate the Isle of Lewis’ intricate system of lochs. But finding the right kit can be a challenge for Emily. When outdoor shops only stock technical clothing up to a size 16, how is adventure possible for the 45 percent of women in the United Kingdom who wear larger sizes?
Director: Roxanna Barry | Producer: Harriet Sykes
Best Canoeing Film
THE SURVIVAL OF THE WOOD CANOE
Category sponsor: Esquif
People around the world have traveled in canoes they have proudly made themselves since time began. The Survival of the Wood Canoe chronicles the adventures of one couple who, over 50 years, built a business based on teaching the art of canoe-building. Ted Moores and his partner, Joan Barrett, are trailblazers in the growing sphere of DIY craftspeople, helping people realize their dreams of building truly beautiful and functional boats.
Director & Producer: Joan Barrett
A GUIDE TO FIGHTING FOR WILD RIVERS
STREAMERS, STEAMERS AND STRUGGLES ON THE KRKA
Best Environmental Paddling Film
A GUIDE TO FIGHTING FOR WILD RIVERS
Category sponsor: Kokopelli
In 2012, OARS joined forces with American Rivers and Friends of the Yampa to host an annual Yampa River Awareness Project river trip. Join a transformative rafting journey along the free-flowing Yampa River and see what could be lost if the river is threatened by a major dam, diversion or dewatering project. A Guide to Fighting for Wild Rivers illustrates how immersing people in a river’s beauty and sharing its ecological significance fosters deep, personal connections that inspire long-term conservation.
Director: Logan Bockrath | Producer: OARS
Best Kayak Fishing Film
STREAMERS, STEAMERS AND STRUGGLES ON THE KRKA
Category sponsor: The Safer Paddling Campaign
Four kayakers (ab)use rafting as a means to catch fish on Slovenia’s chalk stream called Krka. Casting flies amongst castles and cattails, this became the arena for a gruelling competition that applied pressure of all kinds.
For years, professional kayaker Aniol Serrasolses has dreamed of running the rivers and waterfalls formed by melting ice caps and gigantic glaciers. Accompanied by a team of expert kayakers and Arctic guides, he ventures into one of the most remote and rugged regions of the planet: Svalbard. Amidst the Arctic’s otherworldly landscapes, reality is about to surpass his wildest dreams.
Director: David Arnaud
Best Short Film
MOTHER RIVER
Category sponsor: Madawaska Kanu Centre
A look into Devin Brown’s life as she attempts to be the first Black female on record to kayak the entire Mississippi River, from source to sea.
Director: Jeremiah Schuster
2025 Paddling Film Festival Shortlist
Find out which films are touring in this year’s Paddling Film Festival below.
A Guide To Fighting For Wild Rivers
¡Ay Chihuahua!
Between the Lines
Beyond The Edge
Canyon Chorus
Capsized
Cinque Terre – Five Lands
Ganga Girls
hitoláayca (Going Upriver)
Ice Waterfalls
Makapo
Mississippi Speed Record: An Epic Adventure
Mother River
River Cowboys: Keepin’ it Wild
Runnable
SBONELO
Streamers, Steamers and Struggles on the Krka
The Crossing: Through Blue
The Great Divide
The Last of the Last
The Smoke That Thunders
The Survival Of The Wood Canoe
The Wintering Grounds (Special Jury Mention)
Tibet: Mission Impossible
Van by a River – The Abby Holcombe Story
Wild Sea
Want to join in the fun and get the big screen experience? Find a World Tour event near you.
Prefer to watch these award-winning films from the comfort of your home? Stream all shortlisted films and more via Paddling Magazine TV, the premier streaming platform for paddling enthusiasts.
Thank you to our 2025 Paddling Film Festival World Tour partners who contribute to the energy and sustainability of the Paddling Film Festival. Without their support the World Tour would not be possible.
A kayaker explores the sea caves on Sand Island in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore near Bayfield, Wisconsin. Image: Maddy Marquardt
At the northernmost point of Wisconsin lies the Apostle Islands—a chain of 21 federally-protected islands home to beachfront camping, crystal clear waters of Lake Superior, and unique sandstone sea caves. While gorgeous, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore also poses a big risk for paddlers, with Lake Superior’s icy water capable of giving hypothermia year-round and sea states often closer to that of an ocean than a lake.
Within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore the popular Meyers Beach acts as a gateway to the Meyers Beach sea caves— a popular “bucket-list” paddle for many, prone to large waves and conditions that can be difficult for the untrained eye to discern from the protected bay and the beach. There have been several fatal kayak incidents from this launch point, as well as a number of other fatal incidents throughout the park. The allure of red sandstone sea caves and clear green water can be hard for visitors to reckon with the risks.
Enter the seasonal ranger:
Visitors may be on their own this summer without guidance from National Park Rangers
At Meyers Beach, a friendly ranger waits with a pair of binoculars, a radio, the weather report and a smile to help prospective paddlers understand what they’re in for out on the lake. The rangers spot and talk with every paddler heading out on the lake to check for PFDs, sea kayaks with bulkheads, marine radios, spare paddles, and familiarity with the lake, and rescue knowledge. While the rangers don’t stop anyone from launching, they are there to educate and potentially redirect unprepared paddlers.
A kayaker explores the sea caves on Sand Island in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore near Bayfield, Wisconsin. Image: Maddy Marquardt
It’s hard to truly quantify the impact in lives saved and rescues prevented by the seasonal rangers in the Apostle Islands; statistics on things that could have happened are impossible to collect.
In the upcoming 2025 paddling season, visitors may be on their own.
Under U.S. President Trump’s push to cut federal spending, 3,400 recent hires of the U.S. Forest Service were laid off on February 14, with the National Park Service planning to terminate 1,000 workers. In addition, seasonal ranger’s jobs still hang in limbo with hiring offers for the 2025 summer season rescinded due to the federal hiring freeze.
Federal News Network reports that the National Park Service likely employs 7,000 to 8,000 seasonal employees. In the Apostle Islands there are about 38 full-time employees and two dozen seasonal staff according to Jeff Rennicke, Executive Director of Friends of the Apostle Islands.
“Seasonal workers in the Apostle Islands are the heart and soul, the boots on the ground, the paddles in the water of our national parks and lakeshores,” shared Rennicke.
Rennicke also shared that in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, seasonal workers roles also include skilled carpenters and electricians, people who help when paddlers get stuck in storms or lost, and search and rescue. Seasonal workers in the park pick up garbage, clear the trails, pump the outhouses, and warn you if there are bears in the area or other hazards.
“It’s the people who interpret the very values that the park was designated to protect in the first place,” said Rennicke. “The national parks are more than just scenery and the people who put the meaning behind that in large part is the seasonal workforce of the park service.”
A sea kayaker in Cathedral Arch at the Meyers beach caves in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Image: Maddy Marquardt
In the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and beyond cutting seasonal rangers could have deadly consequences
Notably in fall 2024, shortly after the rangers left for the season, the Coast Guard responded to an incident at the Meyers Beach caves involving capsized canoeists.
In August 2021, three National Park Rangers as well as Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Warden responded to a harrowing incident along the Meyers Beach caves, when 5-8 ft waves left 11 kayakers stranded on a shallow rock shelf. Prior to both of these incidents, the Meyers Beach caves and greater Apostle Islands alike have seen a number of fatal kayak accidents, including an incident and recovery effort involving the death of a father and three children attempting to cross between islands in 2018 that made national news.
“At national parks and national park sites not everyone visiting necessarily has a lot of outdoor experience or does a lot of trip planning or reading about what they’re about to do,” shared Melanie, a former NPS seasonal ranger in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. “The big thing that the rangers do is they’re a source of information for what to expect while you’re in the park— what kind of weather conditions to expect, what kind of gear you need, what would be a good fit for your skill level.”
The National Parks are a massive attraction for visitors, with the National Park Service reporting 325.5 million recreation visits in 2023.
“These parks are such a huge draw for a lot of casual outdoor people, or people who just don’t have a lot of outdoor experience. If you take the rangers away you’re taking away that knowledge and that safety barrier,” explained Melanie.
When it comes to the impacts of the federal hiring freeze on National Parks, Rennicke warned it may already be too late to reverse some of the damage when it comes to trust between former park rangers and the federal government.
“The uncertainty level is extremely high, the morale is not real high and so I don’t think we can say ‘oh yeah they’re all going to jump back in and be there when we need it’,” said Rennicke. “Some of the damage in that regard is already done.”
National parks and how we treat them reflect on all of us
Beyond their value for recreation, National Parks also have dramatic economic importance for the communities around them. Great Smoky Mountains National Park saw 13 million visitors in 2023, making it the most visited park in that year, with an estimated cumulative benefit to the local economy of $3.4 billion. Meanwhile the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore saw 247,167 visitors in the same year, but even smaller park sites have a huge impact on local communities.
“The annual budget for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is $3.5 million,” shared Rennicke. “The estimated economic benefit to local communities because of the park is $44.4 million. That means there’s a 1,305% return on investment from our park. That’s not inefficiency, that’s not government waste.”
Before his tenure as Executive Director at Friends of the Apostle Islands, Rennicke worked as a travel writer for National Geographic and travelled much of the world.
“The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is truly and completely home to me. It’s a place that speaks not only in beauty but in history and adventure and stories,” explained Rennicke. “Our national parks are the envy of the world. When we hold up a national park we’re holding up what’s best about our landscapes, our history and ourselves and that reflects on all of us the way that we treat them.”
Rennicke went on to emphasize the importance of supporting National Parks partner organizations.
“I think it’s important that people recognize there are 450 support organizations, partner organizations that work with the National Park Service across the country,” shared Rennicke. “I direct people to the National Park Friends Alliance. We help people help the park, so it’s obviously a very important and direct way to go about things.”
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an all-time pro, we have all been there. When gearing up at the put-in or planning the next adventure, it’s only a matter of time before someone pops the question: “What class is it?” The answer, based on a rapid rating scale, is a spark to the flames of debate.
Understanding the rapid classification system
Around the globe, the International Scale of River Difficulty (ISRD) is the most commonly used system of rating whitewater rapids. This scale was created by American Whitewater and uses Roman numerals I to VI as classes or grades to indicate the level of difficulty and consequence of rapids. There are other established systems—for example, the Grand Canyon rating system uses rapid classes 1 to 10—however, the ISRD is the most widely used.
Dane Jackson on a chill class V or big class IV—it depends who you ask. | Photo: Kalob Grady
The International Scale of River Difficulty
Class I: Easy
Easy difficulty with low consequences. Smooth water with a clear passage through slight current or ruffles; can have gentle curves. No gradient loss. No hazards present or maneuvering required.
Class II: Novice
Moderate difficulty with low consequences. Moving water with identifiable rapids and regular waves; clear passages exist between rocks and hazards. Minimal gradient loss. Some maneuvering is required.
Class III: Intermediate
Moderate difficulty and some consequences. Fast water with standing waves; rocks, eddies and hazards exist with clear passages through narrower channels. Some gradient loss. Maneuvering is required.
Class IV: Advanced
Hard, with major consequences. Long and/or powerful rapids with dynamic features; rocks, recirculating hydraulics, boiling eddies and other hazards. Significant gradient loss. Precise maneuvering required.
Waterfalls are impressive to witness, but vertical drop alone does not a class V make. Lost Paddle is a multi-stage class V rapid on the Upper Gauley River with undercut rock formations throughout. | Photo: Cara Giannone
Class V: Expert
Very hard, with major consequences. Long and powerful rapids with dynamic features; rocks, recirculating hydraulics, boiling eddies and other hazards. Substantial and continuous gradient loss. Exact maneuvering required.
Class VI: Expert +
Previously considered un-navigable rapids. Unavoidable hazards and extreme consequences. Substantial gradient loss.
How to use the International Scale of River Difficulty
The ISRD is not an exact science. It’s subjective and should be treated as a guideline. An approaching rapid can’t be represented with a single numeral anyways. The reality is there are human factors—experience, confidence, pride, social dynamics, what craft you are using—unique to each paddler. And also, natural factors—water level, recent floods, landslides—unique to every run down every river.
In the words of Heraclitus: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for its not the same river, and he’s not the same man.” Subjectivity, current conditions and social dynamics can lead any discussion on river scale and classification into a never-ending cycle of opinions, arguments and confusion.
Class IV Heinzerling exemplifies the long, technical boulder gardens of the Upper Youghiogheny River’s rapids. | Photo: Cara Giannone
To further complicate the interpretation of the ISRD, rapids commonly have multiple maneuvers and a variety of hazards or consequences, and a river is often made up of many rapids.
Do you grade the rapid on the consequence or the difficulty, or a combination of both? If the river is filled with class III rapids but has one class V rapid, is the river graded on the quantity of class III rapids, or defined by the one more technical and consequential rapid?
It depends on who you ask. The what-if scenarios are endless, and the ever-changing environment of the river ensures every what-if scenario will be different.
So, if it’s impossible to analyze the difficulty and consequences of every rapid and convey those observations into a single, meaningful number, what’s the point? Well, it’s a starting place.
Class II and III rapids feature well defined chutes and hazards avoided with some maneuvering. | Photo: Colin Field
A universal language for rapid classes
The ISRD can be an exceedingly valuable tool. It allows two paddlers from separate regions with diverse backgrounds and different experience levels to paddle together for a day.
The two can’t fully comprehend what lies ahead based on the ISRD alone, but what they can get is a vague idea of what to expect and do their best to prepare accordingly.
It’s the foundation for expectations. Rivers in kayaking, like ski slopes in snow sports, vary in difficulty and consequence. In snow sports, the established system ranges from green circle to double black diamond and skiers and snowboarders alike begin to understand the intensity of each run. In kayaking, we similarly use the ISRD, to understand what might lie downstream.
Crystal is one of the most widely-recognized waterfalls in the Northeast U.S. which American Whitewater rates as a class V+. | Photo: Scott Martin
In thinking about—and overthinking—the current classes for whitewater rapids, and all of the inconsistencies, the purpose of the scale is served. The scale should never be used as the sole tool in deciding what rivers and rapids are right for you.
Difficulty versus consequence
Difficulty does not always reflect consequence, and the consequence does not always reflect difficulty. Calling a rapid “a chill class V” or “a big class IV” does not change the physical rapid; the terms only change our expectations and our perception. Some will underrate a rapid not to scare a friend, others will overrate a rapid to inflate their egos, and others still will give you their honest classification and be wrong in your opinion.
Used best, the ISRD is a base to gain knowledge about a river. Use its classification to honestly assess if you possess the necessary technical skills in the right range to enjoy a day on the river. Be skeptical and ask questions when receiving information and be more descriptive than a single numeral when sharing information.
No matter what scale you are using or sport you are enjoying, knowing your own skills, your team’s, and being aware of the appropriate water levels are the best tools for success.
While packrafting on the coast in Patagonian Chile near the San Isidro Lighthouse with his father, 19-year-old Adrian Simancas was swallowed by a humpback whale.
Packrafter who spent three seconds in a humpback whale’s mouth speaks about the ordeal
In the video, Adrian was paddling without issue when the whale surfaced directly beneath him. He disappeared from the video, only to surface just a few seconds later followed shortly by his packraft, as if spit out.
“Yes I thought it had already eaten me and swallowed me,” Adrian told The Independent in an interview. “But of course I felt that maybe it was a killer whale. We had been talking about orcas shortly before, so I had that in my head. But when I got out I understood that, of course, it was probably out of curiosity that the whale had approached me or maybe to communicate something.”
Dell Simancas, Adrian’s father, was also out on the water and filmed the ordeal.
“When I turn around I don’t see Adrian, my partner, my son,” shared Dell. “I don’t see him and I don’t see the boat. So I was surprised and worried. And then I see him come to the surface and after him the boat comes to the surface. And then I see a body part of a body part of the whale.”
After Adrain emerged Dell towed his son to safety.
“And when I got out and started to float there I was really afraid that something would happen to my dad too. That we would’ve have reached the shore in time and I would get hypothermia,” added Adrain.
Thankfully both packrafters survived the ordeal without further incident.
Can a humpback whale swallow a person?
Humpback whales are not exactly known for attacks on humans— in fact, they don’t even eat marine mammals! Humpback whales filter feed on krill and small fish, often using a variety of techniques including group bubble feeding where multiple humpbacks use bubbles to corral prey. Additionally, a humpback whale’s throat is only about the size of your fist, making it technically impossible for a humpback to swallow a person, though it could perhaps still be argued that from the packrafter’s point of view he was undoubtedly engulfed and swallowed.
This is not the first time paddlers have had close encounters with humpback whales; in 2020 off Avila Beach in California kayakers were nearly swallowed when a humpback surfaced beneath them.
In 2015, a humpback whale breaching and landing on top of his kayak launched Tom Mustill’s fascination with human and animal interactions, leading to the 2022 publication of his book How To Speak Whale.
In Patagonian Chile, a packrafter is nearly swallowed by a humpback whale. Feature Image: The Independent | YouTube.
The NRS Lucid PFD is new to the market in Spring 2025, implementing NRS’s new Orbit Fit technology and more variety in sizing.
We caught up with Megan Kieninger from NRS to learn more about the new PFD at the 2024 PTC Colab.
A look inside the NRS Lucid
The NRS Lucid is similar in design to the NRS Ambient with nearly identical front platforms. The primary difference in the new Lucid is mesh back, making the Lucid the ideal choice for hot-weather paddlers or paddlers using high-backed seats.
“When it’s on, it feels like it’s giving you a hug,” shared Kieninger from NRS.
Additionally the new Orbit Fit technology includes curved foam panels within the PFD as opposed to the traditional flat pieces of foam that paddlers cinch with straps to fit their bodies. The Lucid also features the new Every Body Design; where traditionally the primary difference in PFD sizes is the straps, the Every Body Design includes different sized foam profiles for each size of PFD.
On February 12, 2025. it was announced that Eddyline Kayaks was acquired by Jackson Kayak. | Photo: Eddyline Kayaks
Jackson Kayak announced on February 12, the acquisition of Eddyline Kayaks, an industry leader in thermoformed lightweight recreational and touring kayaks. Eddyline will move production to Jackson’s headquarters in Sparta, Tennessee, and the two companies’ combined lineup will now span fishing, whitewater, touring and recreational paddling.
Eddyline joins Jackson Kayak’s expanding business
“We’ve always built kayaks for the love of the water and the adventure it brings,” said Peter Hausin, CEO of Jackson Kayak. “Eddyline shares that same passion, and together, we’re creating opportunities for paddlers of all kinds to get on the water and make memories.”
“Eddyline has always been about crafting beautiful, thermoformed lightweight kayaks that connect people to the water,” added Eddyline President Scott Holley. “We’re excited to carry that tradition forward alongside the Jackson team.” Holley will stay on as Head of Sales for Eddyline.
Eddyline’s legacy of quality and craftsmanship will continue at Jackson’s advanced manufacturing facility, ensuring every kayak delivers the same performance and durability paddlers have come to love, according to a press release announcing the deal.
“I’m very grateful for the entire Jackson team and the tremendous effort they’ve put into this, particularly CEO Peter Hausin, who along with his team worked through a lot of obstacles to get this done,” Holley said in an exclusive interview with Paddling Business. “I’m excited for the future of these three brands together.”
Much of Jackson Kayak’s early success was attributed to its strides in producing youth kayaks. Today the company has acquired legacy paddling brands including Werner Paddles and Eddyline Kayaks. | Photo: Jackson Kayak
Holley believes the combined brands will gain efficiencies in everything from manufacturing to technology and dealer support.
“First and foremost, servicing retailers is going to be a heck of a lot easier,” Holley said. “Eddyline and Jackson both value the independent retailer community and being together means that we have more resources to do that. That includes everything from shipping boats across multiple categories and brands for more efficiency, to having shared resources with design and production.”
Hausin agrees. “This is what’s been missing for us here at Jackson,” he said in a statement to Paddling Business. “It’s a fabulous product and it’s exciting to see how all of this is coming together, especially seeing Werner and Eddyline getting back to their shared origins.” Jackson acquired Werner paddles in May 2024.
The Eddyline-Werner connection dates to 1973, when Eddyline founder Tom Derrer began building touring kayaks designed by Werner Furrer Sr., the patriarch of Werner Paddles. Derrer’s pursuit of better sea kayaks led him to experiment with advanced laminating techniques such as vacuum bagging and, starting in 1994, thermoformed plastic.
The technology provided a middle ground for touring boats, somewhere between the rotomolded plastic boats that were beginning to dominate sales volume and far more expensive composite sea kayaks. Eddyline has been a leader in thermoformed kayaks ever since. Eddyline, which moved production to Mexico in 2021, will now share factory space with Jackson and Werner in Sparta, Tennessee, the long-time seat of Jackson Kayak.
Werner Furrer Jr., an early designer for Eddyline, seen here trolling for salmon in 1975, was well ahead of the kayak fishing curve. | Photo: Courtesy Werner
Together with Jackson Kayak, Werner Paddles and Eddyline, the commitment to growing the paddling community, protecting our waterways, and all the fun that comes with time on the water is better poised than ever before, stated the Jackson Kayak press release. This partnership isn’t just about business—it’s about creating more opportunities for everyone to embrace the joy of kayaking.
“I think really the synergies are kind of endless,” Holley said. “We really don’t compete against each other in the marketplace. It’s very different customers and very different paddlers that end up buying a Jackson versus an Eddyline.”
The “Amazon of North Carolina” runs nearly 215 miles through scenic wilderness beginning in Roanoke Rapids and meandering through Albermarle Sound. From historically providing Indigenous peoples in the region food, transportation and recreation to the remote river offering shelter for freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad, the Roanoke River is now North Carolina’s newest State Trail.
Roanoke River State Trail became the first North Carolina state paddle trail to be fully designated as a State Trail, announced by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. The trail was authorized by the General Assembly in 2021 and includes 15 designated access points throughout its 215 miles.
The Roanoke River State Trail offers wildlife, solitude, and raised camping platforms throughout the trail.
Perhaps the most enticing part of the trail for paddlers is the paddle-in camping platforms along the river. These platforms allow camping access in areas that are traditionally extremely difficult and uncomfortable to camp in, such as cypress swamps. Reservations are required to use these campsites.
“My first experience on the river was around the age of 12 when we were fishing,” shared Herbert Coltrain, a river guide in a PBS North Carolina documentary on the Roanoke River Paddle Trail. “The thing about the river that appeals to me most is the peace and the quiet and the solitude that a person can experience.”
The new State Trail winds through the northern Coastal Plain, and some of the most undisturbed bottomland hardwood forest in the mid-Atlantic. Wildlife along the Roanoke River includes bears, beavers, river otters, white-tailed deer, bobcats and a large variety of species of birds, and bald cypress swamps.
New camping platforms have been built along the Roanoke River State Trail, the first state trail to reach full designation. Feature photo courtesy of North Carolina State Parks.
The managing partner for the RRST is the Roanoke River Partners, Inc (RRP), which manages and operates the 20 paddle-in camping platforms along the river. State trails within the North Carolina state parks system include multiple sections, each section sponsored by a state or local government agency or nonprofit organization or private landowner.
“We are thrilled to share this historic achievement in partnership with the NC State Trails program.” shared Charlotte Griffin, mayor of Bear Grass, North Carolina. “The importance of this declaration to eastern North Carolina and the entire Roanoke River region cannot be overstated.”
The Delta 10 and 12AR recreational kayaks utilize a unique design with a stable pontoon hull in the stern transitioning to a V-hull from under the paddler to the bow. | Feature Photo: Delta Kayaks
There are many different types of kayaks, but each kayak’s performance is ultimately determined by the shape of its bottom and how these curves (or “lines,” in nautical terms) interact with the water to influence characteristics like glide, stability and maneuverability. This article describes why hull types are integral to performance and investigates the attributes of different shapes you’ll find on recreational and touring kayaks.
What is the hull of a kayak?
The bottom of a kayak is called the hull. This “floating surface” forms an interface between the kayak and the water, and thus plays a primary role in determining how the boat will perform. Ultimately, the design of the hull of a kayak is the main factor in whether or not a kayak is right for you.
An educated buyer can look at a hull design and estimate how the boat will perform in the water. Different kayak shapes will have different paddling characteristics; speed and glide, tracking and maneuverability, and stability are all directly influenced by these shapes.
In general, hull design boils down to a few things: First, rocker, or upsweep of the kayak from bow to stern, establishes the balance between tracking and maneuverability. For example, whitewater kayaks feature plenty of rocker to assist agile handling in rapids, while sea kayaks have minimal rocker to enable easier straight-line travel (A.K.A. tracking).
Another are the chines of the kayak, which mark the transition from the bottom of the kayak to its sides. Chines, also referred to as edges, play a role in the way in which the kayak turns, and in how stable it feels to transition the kayak from flat on the water to leaning one way or the other.
Finally, the cross-section of the hull (as if a slice were taken from the kayak from side to side) is interrelated to the other elements and also creates numerous design options. The design of the bottom of your kayak influences speed, stability and turning. To help understand the different kayak hull types and which will be the best kayak for you, let’s take a look at the details of the major styles.
The multi-hull on this Hobie Quest sit-on-top at Oregon Paddle Sports is a wide, stable kayak, but will move at slower speeds than a narrower design. A major part of what makes multi-hulls so initially stable is the increased amount of surface area contacting the water. | Photo: Joe Potoczak
Kayak hull types
Multi-hull designs
Pontoon hull kayak
This type of hull is often also called a “double hull kayak,” “tunnel hull,” “dual hull design” or “catamaran hull kayak.” They prioritize stability, at the expense of speed and maneuverability. Like a pontoon boat, a pontoon hull kayak is designed to sit flat on the water and resist rocking from side to side. It’s a common kayak design for beginner sit-on-top kayaks. The large surface area of this hull type makes it slower to accelerate and requires more effort to maintain a cruising pace.
Pontoon hull kayaks track well; that is, they tend to move straight through the water and are more difficult to turn. Choose a pontoon if you’re a beginner paddler looking for the ultimate in stability. However, be aware that this type of kayak design will also limit your ability to perform more advanced paddling techniques, such as edging the kayak (which increases maneuverability in single-hull kayaks).
Tri-hull kayak
This type of hull is often also called a “cathedral hull kayak,” “kayak dihedral hull design,” or “multi-channel hull kayak.” This type of bottom is commonly used for sit-on-top kayaks (especially those manufactured by Ocean Kayaks). A tri-hull kayak provides the reassuring stability of a catamaran hull with the enhanced tracking of a well-defined keel line—that is, a V-like structure running along the bottom of the kayak from bow to stern.
Manufacturers of tri-hull kayak designs can also achieve more maneuverability than pontoon kayaks by adding rocker (curvature) to the outer hulls, which allows the kayak to turn more easily yet still feel supremely stable. Look for a tri hull design if you want a higher performance beginner sit-on-top kayak.
Flat and planing hull kayaks
Flat hulls on recreational kayaks
A flat hull or planing hull kayak is defined by great stability when sitting on flat water. That’s because the paddler is effectively floating atop a larger, flat surface that resists rolling from side to side in the water. Flat bottom kayaks are commonly used on recreational kayaks. This hull design is often paired with a wider-than-average width, to further enhance stability and support larger paddlers. Flat bottom kayaks feel most stable on flat water, a phenomenon known as “primary stability.”
However, they can feel tippy and less reassuring to the paddler when waves or current rock the kayak from side to side. In these circumstances, flat bottom kayaks are said to have poor “secondary stability,” and are more prone to capsizing than kayaks with rounded hulls. Flat hull kayaks also tend to be slower on flatwater because their boxy shape moves through the water with greater resistance than rounder hull designs.
Whitewater kayaks and planing hulls
A flat hull on a whitewater kayak is often referred to as a planing hull, a common term in boat design. Again, planing hulls provide great initial stability, but whitewater kayakers also value them for other characteristics. For example, they are maneuverable in rapids because the large flat surface lets the kayak spin to change direction easily.
Whitewater freestyle kayaks—small, sub-seven-foot-long kayaks meant for surfing on stationary river waves—feature these flat-bottom, planing hulls, which allow an advanced paddler to “skip” on the surface of the water to perform acrobatic maneuvers. Many modern river running kayaks also value the “skip” of planing hulls to carry them over river features as the kayak is traveling at faster speeds in swift currents.
Touring kayaks have longer, narrower hulls and generally displacement and V-shapes. They also vary in rocker profile. This provides speed, tracking, the ability to cut through chop, and the secondary stability to absorb swell without capsizing compared to recreational kayaks. | Photo: Virginia Marshall
Round and displacement hull kayaks
Recreational, touring and sea kayaks often feature what’s known as a “displacement hull.” This means the kayak pushes (or displaces) water as it moves. This is in contrast, to the planing hull, often identifiable by a flat bottom which will plane or skip across the water with minimal resistance—once it reaches a certain speed.
In contrast to a flat bottom, a round or displacement hull kayak has greater secondary stability. Touring kayakers value this because it is more resistant to being capsized in waves, chop and current because of the round hull that lets waves pass along.
However, a round hull has far less primary stability and feels “tippier” when sitting flat on the water. In actuality, displacement hulls are stable, but the boat is designed in a way that it has more contact with the water when it is leaned toward one side or another—what is called secondary stability. If you don’t trust the boat, your hips tense up, and because of that, you can self-fulfill the prophecy and potentially flip. Much like riding a bike, a displacement hull feels stable when you’re moving. Therefore, round designs are less popular with beginners.
More advanced touring and sea kayaks tend to have rounder hulls, and, when combined with more length and narrower width, makes them faster in the water than flat-bottom kayaks.
V-hull kayak
A V-hull kayak features a pronounced keel line (that is, a shallow V-shaped ridge running from bow to stern along the bottom of the kayak). This allows the kayak to hold its course (or track) better than a flat bottom kayak, since the V-shape of the keel line resists turning more than a flatter hull. This attribute makes V-hulls a valued design for touring kayaks. The flipside to solid tracking, however, is reduced maneuverability.
More advanced paddlers overcome this tendency by performing turning strokes with the kayak tilted (also known as edging the kayak) to lift the V-shaped keel out of the water. V-shape kayaks feel less stable when sitting flat on the water, with a tendency to rock from side to side. However, this translates to greater stability in waves and current—another desirable attribute for more advanced paddlers.
Notice the focus on initial stability of the Delta 12AR (red) provided by the pontoon hull at the stern and the keeled center. | Image: Delta Kayaks
The longer Delta 16 touring kayak (blue), sacrifices some initial stability with a longer, narrower shape to increase speed and gain secondary stability. | Image: Delta Kayaks
Comparing different hull types
Flat bottom vs V-hull kayak
There are two main differences between flat bottom and V-hull kayaks: tracking and stability. A V-hull kayak will tend to hold its course (or track) better than a flat bottom kayak, since the V-shape of the keel line resists turning more than a flatter hull. Meanwhile, a flat-bottom kayak will feel more stable on the water than a V-bottom, which has a tendency to rock from side to side on flat water.
However, the stability characteristics of flat bottom and V-hull kayaks are opposite in waves, chop or current: in these conditions, a V-hull kayak will feel more stable and resistant to capsize than a kayak with a flat bottom. In general, V-hull kayaks are more efficient to paddle, with better speed and glide than flat bottom kayaks. V-hulls are typically associated with more advanced kayak designs while flat bottom kayaks are more suitable for beginners and flatwater conditions.
Planing hull vs displacement hull
The question of planing hull vs displacement hull is regularly brought up in conversations surrounding whitewater kayaks. A planing hull whitewater boat has a flat surface area that feels initially stable and, for advanced whitewater boaters, allows the kayak to skip and spin, whether that be while going down river or surfing standing waves in rapids. This is also referred to as a loose hull. Freestyle kayaks and river running kayaks often have a form of planing hull.
In contrast, displacement hulls have typically been used on river running kayaks and creek boats. This shape tracks in a path easier and is said to be forgiving as it lean from edge to edge—but they are less suitable for uses such as performing freestyle maneuvers.
The Eddyline Kayaks Caribbean 10 (right) and the Hobie Quest 12.5 are both sit-on-top recreational kayaks. The Caribbean uses a V-hull, while the Quest has a multi-hull shape. Oregon Paddle Sports mentioned people enjoy the nimble feel of the Caribbean while the Quest packs the initial stability of a multi-hull. | Photo: Joe Potoczak
Hulls choices for different kayaks
Recreational kayak hull design
Recreational kayaks are made for beginners, and stability is the primary objective of their design. In this category of kayak you’ll find flat bottom hulls for maximum stability and comfort in flat water conditions. Some manufacturers further enhance stability with pontoon or catamaran designs. Sit-on-top kayaks often feature tri-hull (also known as “cathedral hull kayak,” “kayak dihedral hull design” or “multi-channel hull kayak”) designs that are both stable and extremely easy to paddle in a straight line.
The large surface area of recreational kayak hulls make these types of kayaks feel slow and sluggish on the water. The greatest drawback can be poor secondary stability; that is, the kayak will feel tippier and offer less forgiving performance in waves, chop and current.
Touring kayak hull design
Touring kayaks, especially the designs also referred to as sea kayaks, are meant for more advanced paddling situations than recreational kayaks, so you can expect that these hulls are intended for greater performance. You will find some flat bottom touring kayaks (generally boats meant for larger paddlers), but the majority have rounded or v-shape bottoms for better efficiency and maneuverability—and enhanced stability in rough water (a feature known as “secondary stability”).
Novice paddlers who are more familiar with recreational kayaks will immediately notice the “tippiness” of a sea kayak. However, this feeling is quickly replaced by sensations of speed and glide as the paddler develops their skills and becomes more comfortable in the boat.
Sea kayaks are longer than recreational kayaks and with greater length comes more glide and speed. These characteristics are enhanced in kayaks with straight keel lines (that is, kayaks with little upsweep in the hull from bow to stern, A.K.A. “rocker”).
Some high-performance kayaks, including those manufactured by Epic and Stellar, feature plumb (near-vertical) bow and sterns which further lengthen the keel line and contribute to greater speed and efficiency. The tradeoff to a long keel line is less maneuverability; shorter kayaks, and those with more rocker, or upsweep to the keel line at the bow and stern, tend to be easier to turn.
Racing kayak hull design
As a rule, racing kayaks feature displacement hulls with long, straight keel lines. The bow and stern are plumb (nearly vertical) to lengthen the waterline. A longer waterline equates to more speed and straighter tracking, both of which are definite attributes in a racing or fitness kayak.
However, these characteristics severely hinder maneuverability. As a result, most fitness kayaks feature rudders for easier handling and turning. Racing boats have round cross-sections to minimize surface area for less resistance and optimal glide.
Inflatable designs face the significant challenge of creating a stiff, air-filled chambers that slice (rather than flex) through the water as efficiently as possible. As a result, inflatables concentrate air in narrow tubes along the bottom of the kayak to create a stiff hull that supports the paddler’s weight and doesn’t feel noodley in the water.
However, even the best inflatable kayak will never be as efficient to paddle as a hard-shell kayak. The flat cross-sectional profile of an inflatable kayak hull is extremely stable—but its relatively large surface area further eats into the kayak’s glide.
Ric Burnley shows the stability of a wide sit-on-top. | Photo: Joe Potoczak
Sit-on-top kayak hull design
Sit-on-top kayaks are designed to be stable, a characteristic that’s built into sit-on-top kayak hull design. Basic sit-on-top kayaks achieve stability with a flat bottom. This hull design offers great stability but has unremarkable paddling performance in terms of glide and maneuverability. Some sit-on-top kayaks use pontoon or catamaran design, essentially creating two round hulls on either side of the kayak, to increase surface area and maximize stability with a slight reduction in drag.
The best sit-on-top kayaks use a cathedral hull design, which capitalizes on the stability of a catamaran but adds a center v-shaped keel line running from bow to stern for better tracking, as well as rockered side panels for maneuverability. Expect to find these hull designs in Ocean Kayak sit-on-top kayaks.
The Pyranha Scorch (left) has a planing hull, a complex multi-stage chine transition, and ample rocker in its profile to spin and skip its way through difficult stretches of whitewater. | Photo: Joe Potoczak
The decades-old Dagger RPM (right) exhibits a classic displacement hull. | Photo: Joe Potoczak
Whitewater kayak hull design
Whitewater hull designs are divided into two categories: Displacement hulls, which feature round or arched bottoms for a blend of paddling performance (tracking, glide, ease of handling) and stability; and planing hulls with flat bottoms and some upturn at the bow and stern which traditionally had hard, boxy edges (where the sides of the kayak meet the bottom).
Displacement hulls are predictable for use in river running and creekboating situations, while planing hulls are “loose” and can skim, skip and spin. Decades ago, the difference between displacement and planing design whitewater boats was very distinct, but today many river running whitewater designs feature more complex semi-planing bottoms that draw on the benefits of both styles.
It’s generally easy to estimate hull speed in a kayak. It comes down to a few variables: first, the length of the hull (specifically, the length of the waterline from bow to stern); second, the cross-section of the hull and what this means for the contact surface area between the boat and the water; and third, the amount of rocker in the kayak’s keel line.
All things considered equal, the longer the kayak, the greater the hull speed. However, it’s important to note that longer kayaks also have more surface area—and therefore more friction and resistance—than smaller kayaks, so maximum speed is also a function of the strength and efficiency of the paddler. Resistance can be minimized by reducing surface area with a round profile, but at the expense of stability.
A kayak with minimal rocker, or upsweep from bow to stern, will have a longer waterline length and therefore be faster and straighter tracking—but with reduced maneuverability.
So what is the best hull shape for a kayak?
The best shape is based entirely on the paddler, including how and where you’ll paddle, your body size, comfort in the boat and aspirations in kayaking. Every design feature has a tradeoff. For example, the flat bottom and pontoon hulls of recreational kayaks achieve maximum stability, at the expense of paddling performance.
Additionally, a flat bottom kayak actually becomes less stable and secure in waves and current. High-performance sea kayaks usually feature round or v-shaped for greater speed, but these kayaks often feel tippy in flat water conditions (though their hull designs maximize secondary stability, making them more resistant to capsize in rough water).
The key is trying as many boats as possible, and also considering what size kayak is right for you before committing to a purchase. Getting to know the balance between rocker and tracking and primary and secondary stability will help you decide what’s best for you.
Fast hull design
The fastest designs have a straight keel line with minimal rocker (upsweep from bow to stern) and a round bottom (cross-sectional profile). These design features achieve two things: first, minimal rocker maximizes the waterline length (vertical, also known as “plumb,” bow and stern profiles add additional length to the waterline), which makes for greater maximum hull speed.
Second, a round bottom minimizes water resistance on the hull, making it glide easier through the water. The trade-off to these kayak design characteristics are reduced maneuverability and stability. Examples of dedicated fast designs are the fitness, racing and surf ski-inspired kayaks produced by Epic and Stellar Kayaks.
Most stable kayak hull design
The most stable kayak hull design incorporates a flat bottom. This creates a flat, stable platform for the paddler to float atop the water. Modified flat bottom designs include pontoon hulls (which impart greater rigidity to inflatable kayaks) and cathedral (or tri-hull) designs, which combine the stability of a flat-bottom kayak with a finer blend of tracking and maneuverability.
Flat bottom kayaks are most stable on flat water. They become less predictable and less stable in waves, chop and current. In these conditions, v-hull and round hull kayak designs (which are otherwise less stable in flatwater conditions) feel more secure and resistant to capsizing.
When it comes to kayak design, the simple answer is, there are no simple answers. Use this guide to understand how different designs affect performance, and then consider what attributes are most important to you.
Most importantly, try to test paddle as many different kayak types as you can before making a decision. Research online is a great start, but sitting in a kayak on the water is the best way to know if it’s right for you.
The Delta 10 and 12AR recreational kayaks utilize a unique design with a stable pontoon hull in the stern transitioning to a V-hull from under the paddler to the bow. | Feature Photo: Delta Kayaks
