Rolling in surf can be really intimidating. We might have a great roll in a pool session, or in flat water, and then miss when we're in rough conditions. I'm hopeful some of these might help with the transition. Here's 6 things to consider when it comes to rolling in surf. Try a roll before the session to get warmed up/get wet It can be a mental ga…

Here's 7 reasons to consider attending kayak events. I hope these are helpful for those that are thinking about it but haven't yet. And maybe for paddlers that have only attended events nearby, maybe this will help in seeking out adventures a bit further away. List of reasons: Broad group of instructors, giving us the opportunity to learn from many…

Here's 3 things to consider for newer paddlers using a GP, or paddlers that have been using one for a while and maybe these tips and stories might help you along. Cheers! My photography book! https://kayakhipster.com/book/ If you'd like to support the channel, you can do it through Ko-fi. Really huge thanks! https://ko-fi.com/kayakhipster For gear …

Here's 9 things to consider when it comes to taking photos while kayaking. For experienced photographers, many or most of these might seem obvious - but I'm hopeful some of the stories or tips might help along the way. For those that are just getting into photography or kayaking, I'm hopeful there will be tips that might help make decisions as you …

I wanted to say thanks to everyone that interacts with this channel, as well as everyone I got to meet this past year. Re-connecting with the community on and off the water was amazing, and I'm pumped for a calendar full of events for 2023. Cheers! My photography book! https://kayakhipster.com/book/ If you'd like to support the channel, you can do …

Here's 3 things to try next time you're working on your forward stroke. The forward stroke is our main way of moving our kayak, so any little thing we can do to make it more efficient can help us in the long run. For many of us, paddling from point A to point B isn't a competition. However, as we become more proficient and efficient in our strokes,…

A follow up on the discussion of differences between latex and neoprene gaskets - since I don't have access to both a dry and semi-dry suit, I tried comparing dry and semi-dry tops out paddling and surfing, as well as standing in the shower to see if any water would get in one vs the other. While it's not the same as a full suit, it might help as b…

Here's a short one on picking up used or second hand kayaks and paddling gear. I've recently picked up a Trak kayak from a friend, and have received a lot of feedback on it. I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on it, and ask if anyone has had a similar experience. My photography book! https://kayakhipster.com/book/ If you'd like to support the …

This was a fun one discussing a new project I've been working on for the last couple of weeks, spending a lot of time exploring the outdoors. Also motivation and how I think online reviews can help us depending on how we take them into consideration - this last one coming from being told I'm full of crap, made me realize that particular overview ca…

Hello to season 2! A bit of a routine is forming again for longer podcast content, so I'm kicking off a second season to expand on all other content being made. I will have interviews, longer pieces, and Q&A's coming up. For this one, lately I've been thinking a lot about getting back to the basics of what got us into kayaking. For me, exploration,…

Lately this topic has come up a number of times, so I thought it might be a good idea to do a quick discussion on the pros and cons of investing in a high-end kayak, especially if you're a newer paddler. Cheers! If you'd like to support the channel, you can do it through Ko-fi. Really huge thanks! https://ko-fi.com/kayakhipster Luke - Kayak Hipster…

For a long time I wondered about kayak fishing. Our new family location gives us easy access to coastal paddling, creeks, marshes, so it felt like the perfect time to give it a try. This is a look back at my first couple of times out. Here's a link to the video in case you'd like to see the adventure. https://youtu.be/7UoRAu6fQa8 Cheers! Luke - Kay…

These three topics come up in questions often, especially why I choose to place my spare paddle on the back deck. This discussion might be a helpful way to combine all three topics. Cheers! Luke - Kayak Hipster www.youtube.com/kayakhipster www.instagram.com/kayakhipster www.kayakhipster.com Support the show…

How often do we go all out on our first day back on a wave, or playing in current, or in a rolling session? Our mind is ready to go, but our body sometimes might not be. For the first time I did the smart thing and built up over three surf sessions instead of going all out on the first day, and my shoulders have been thanking me big time. Cheers! L…

This is a favorite topic of mine, linking strokes, maneuvers, motions. Things that will help move the kayak, keep it in motion, change directions, and maybe minimize effort to do it. Link to video: https://youtu.be/h9sOMxWNqwo Cheers! Luke - Kayak Hipster www.youtube.com/kayakhipster www.instagram.com/kayakhipster www.kayakhipster.com Support the s…

This is a great topic, I want to thank Doug for the question. High-end paddles, we've all been there. Should we upgrade? Which? What type? Here's a few things to consider if you're currently considering getting a new paddle. Cheers! Luke - Kayak Hipster www.youtube.com/kayakhipster www.instagram.com/kayakhipster www.kayakhipster.com Support the sho…

Some updates and a story on a tough paddling experience - and how through friends, instructors and training I looked to grow those skills. Cheers, Luke - Kayak Hipster www.youtube.com/kayakhipster www.instagram.com/kayakhipster www.kayakhipster.com Support the showBy Luke Rovner

I'm often asked by new paddlers on ways to keep a kayak in a straight line. A while ago I had created a video with a couple of tips of things I see and try to help with when paddlers are starting out. If you want to see the video for reference, here's the link: https://youtu.be/7CThukQ8b0s Cheers, Luke - Kayak Hipster www.youtube.com/kayakhipster w…

Pumped to have Ben Fontenot of BF Paddles joining to discuss all things Greenland Paddles, as well as his approach to carving them and taking it on full time. Photo taken by Ben of his paddles. Check out his work at http://www.bfpaddles.com https://www.instagram.com/greenlandpaddleworks/ https://www.instagram.com/benjaminfontenot/ If there's any to…

I was recently thinking about energy levels and decision making, especially within a group. It's funny, we often push ourselves so much and it's good to go outside our comfort zone, but it's also important to have in consideration others in our group when we're out doing things that might be tough on our body, endurance or confidence. If there's an…

A bit of a followup to the latest video with emergency kayak hatches, hatch tethers, paddle floats and float bags, as well as a bit on Savannah, GA and a quick rant on what you plan to do with gear - how gear can help us further certain things, but at the same time it doesn't have to limit us. We can do so much more than we think with what's there.…

Here's some ideas for having a backup plan in hand if you happen to lose a hatch cover during a trip, or event. Different waterproof materials can be used, as well as available hatch specific soft covers that you can have in your kit. These are the ones I've been using for years, and love by Reed: https://www.chillcheater.com/hatches If you want to…

I usually get a lot of questions from new kayakers on what kayak to get, but sometimes they're not sure yet on where they will be paddling. Here's a couple of things to consider as you get into kayaking that could help answer these questions. If there's any topics or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to contact@kayakhipster.com Cheers, Luke -…

This question continues to come up, I think a quick video addressing the main differences between the two and areas where they might be used can be useful for those looking to make a decision. For the full video on tips for dry suits, please check: https://youtu.be/lFzrbNiHqSw If there's any topics or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to cont…

Video link for visuals! https://youtu.be/DW2IKGLFKRE Here's some basics in navigation for kayaking, taking bearings and triangulation in an over-simplified exercise using toys in our living room. This method (if done out in the real world) can help in figuring out your location on a chart, and be able to share that location with others. It allows y…

This was a great question that comes up often - what should be the minimum length of a sit-in sea kayak, and could I possibly use it in big slow rivers and lakes. I wanted to answer and give some other items to look for when thinking about a sea worthy sea kayak. If there's any topics or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to contact@kayakhipst…

Backseat Paddlers; off the water and still telling us what to do... EP 3: In this one, Lee and I chat about getting ready for the season, and useful books we've enjoyed for kayaking. Here's the list of the books we mentioned with links to Amazon: Sea Kayak Manual by Gordon Brown Rough Water Handling Wild Coast 3 Deep Trouble More Deep Trouble Whelk…

Laine had a great question recently on logistics and gear for faraway paddling, so here's some tips and thoughts on this topic, as well as several stories I accumulated along the way. If there's any topics or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to contact@kayakhipster.com Cheers, Luke - Kayak Hipster www.youtube.com/kayakhipster www.instagram.c…

Backseat Paddlers; off the water and still telling us what to do... EP 2: In this one, Lee and I chat about making learning fun, edging and local knowledge in terms of spots to paddle, and how locals will understand how water and weather will behave in specific spots. Lee is a kayak coach (and coach of several other sports as well) based in Vancouv…

Questions and answers #4: - Tips to try to avoid feet falling asleep? - Hydration pack - what do I use and why? - Follow-up on Reed baselayers sizing from my review video - Fishing kayaks. Where should I look to buy? Tips and why a local kayak club might be the best bet, or a kayak shop If there's any topics or questions, do not hesitate to reach o…

A topic I've been thinking about a lot lately, especially since going through a drought of outdoor adventures - creating content always motivates me to seek the next one. Same goes for the online outdoors community, always helpful during times when we might not be able to get out as much as we'd like. If there's any topics or questions, do not hesi…

A continuation on the overview of the Greenland Paddle, particularly focused on how forgiving it is for rolling, and learning to roll. If you want to learn more about the Greenland Paddle, carve one, or have any questions on Traditional Paddling in general, be sure to check out www.qajaqusa.org If there's any topics or questions, do not hesitate to…

A bit of an overview on a type of paddle that has had a very positive impact on my approach to paddling. From being forgiving on your body, to being forgiving when learning to roll, here's a couple of items that come to mind when talking about the Greenland Paddle. If you want to learn more about the Greenland Paddle, carve one, or have any questio…

I've been trying to find a good medium for answering all the questions that come in as emails, comments, messages, etc. Maybe this could be it? The questions this time are: - Are lessons worth taking? - Tips for keeping warm feet in drysuits? - Do I ever take breaths between sentences? If there's any topics or questions, do not hesitate to reach ou…

Backseat Paddlers; off the water and still telling us what to do... EP 1: The first episode! In this one, Lee and I chat about pool sessions, muscle memory, rolling, fitness, and learning in general. Lee is a kayak coach (and coach of several other sports as well) based in Vancouver Island. You can find out more: https://www.instagram.com/leerichar…

Thank you for tuning in. This welcome message is a bit of background on how this podcast medium will complement the other Kayak Hipster channels, as well as a quick overview of topics I'll be covering as well as the addition of my buddy Lee Richardson as a guest in chats we're calling "Backseat Paddlers." If there's any topics or questions, do not …