Kayaking

Three inflatable kayaks for people with no roof rack or storage space, set side by side on stated capacity, size and weight, plus what inflatables do well and badly on calm water.

Four paddling life jackets for a first purchase, with how to read the label, what to look for on a high-back kayak seat, a fit test, and when a rental vest is enough.

Your dog is ready when it stays calm around distractions and is at ease near water, so start on land, fit a life jacket and keep the first trip short.

For a first rental, a canoe suits a partner and gear while a kayak suits paddling alone, with seating, stability, steering, getting in and wind compared.

The outfitter hands you a boat, a paddle and a life jacket. What you wear is the one part nobody covers, and on water above 70°F you already own it.

Warm air doesn’t always mean warm water. The water temperature decides what a capsize feels like, so check it before you launch.

Why a wide rental kayak feels steady, how to sit and move in it, and what to do calmly if you tip on a first outing.

A calm, step-by-step guide to your first time on the water, from renting a stable kayak to getting back on if you tip.

Six simple stretches, about 10 minutes after a short warm-up walk, to help you feel ready for your first paddle, with options for stiff shoulders and no chair at the launch.

Renting your first kayak? Choose a wide sit-on-top, the easier boat to climb back onto, then try a sit-inside on your second rental.