The right gear makes all the difference for canoe camping. Here are the seven things that keep me comfortable during long days on the water.

As I clutched the side of the boat, drenched, shivering and desperately trying to keep my breakfast down, I couldn’t help but remember that Steve had tried to warn us. Steve was one of a handful of journalists who, like me, had been dispatched to Tahiti in late October to cover the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, [...]

 At 50 Campfires, we believe in getting them started young when it comes to all outdoor pursuits, including boating. As in all things, the key to keep them coming back is having a great first experience on the water. As you probably know, little ones require some extra planning if they’re going to be out [...]

Western North Carolina is home to some of the best canoeing and kayaking you’ll find in the United States. The sheer number of rivers and paddling grades offer adventure for beginners and experts alike. You can relax on the calm class I waters of the upper French Broad River or put your skills to the [...]

LIFE JACKETS: When you’re in a canoe or kayak, a life jacket – aka a PFD (personal flotation device) – is nota suggestion – IT’S THE LAW. And it doesn’t do one bit of good laying on the floor of the boat. YOU NEED TO WEAR IT. It doesn’t matter how well you swim or [...]

The Vibram V Aqua shoes are like a second skin in the water. Water shoes definitely have their place. Whether it’s canoeing, fishing creekside, or swimming in a rocky lake, it’s nice to have that extra layer of protection. All of these activities require extra dexterity in comparison to walking around on land. Rocks in [...]