Our Readers’ Favorite Content from 2021
2021 was another big year for paddle sports, as more people got out on the water than ever.
Canoeists, kayakers and kayak anglers like you are why we’re in business. We put out a lot of content each year to help you learn, get inspired and enjoy your time on the water in whatever boat you love.
Here’s a list of seven favorite Bending Branches blog posts from 2021:
1. “Can I Use a Kayak?” and Other FAQs about the Boundary Waters
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in the continental United States. It’s a bucket list destination for thousands of wilderness canoeists, offering canoe routes and campsites for trips from overnight to weeks on end.
Covid-19 brought loads of new adventurers into the BWCAW, many of whom were new to wilderness canoe tripping…some even new to camping.
(photo courtesy of @paddle365)
We collected a few most-asked questions and, along with many helpful canoeing veterans from the Instagram world, provided answers and resources for readers interested in all that the Boundary Waters has to offer.
Read: “Can I Use a Kayak?” and Other FAQs about the Boundary Waters
2. Pack Canoe Paddle Guide: A Comprehensive Guide to Selecting Your First Pack Canoe Paddle
We’re not exaggerating when we say “comprehensive”! This article will tell you everything you need to know about pack canoeing, its history, what kind of paddle to use, how to size it, and even which manufacturers make pack canoes.
Pack canoeing, if you haven’t heard of it, is one of the fastest growing niches in the paddle sports industry.
Older canoeists are especially embracing it because these canoes are lighter and more comfortable than traditional canoes. But they can be a great choice for paddlers of all ages and skill levels.
Read: Pack Canoe Paddle Guide: A Comprehensive Guide to Selecting Your First Pack Canoe Paddle
3. We Made the List of Best Canoe Paddles of 2021…Several Times!
We work very hard at designing and crafting the very best canoe paddles on the market. So we were thrilled when five of our paddles made Paddling.com’s Best Canoe Paddles of 2021 list. They were chosen from thousands of their readers’ reviews and comments.
This blog post lists all five of the Bending Branches paddles along with their specs, prices and some user comments. If you’re in the market for a new wood canoe paddle, this list is a great place to start looking!
Read: We Made the List of Best Canoe Paddles of 2021…Several Times!
4. Why Your Fishing Kayak has Scupper Holes
In this post we brought in Bending Branches ProStaffer, Gene Jensen, to explain to us why fishing kayaks have scupper holes.
(photo courtesy of @jddesrosiers)
Watch the 5-minute video, read the content, or do both if this has been a confusing question for you, too. Gene covers why fishing kayaks have scupper holes, and how weather conditions help you determine when to cover them.
Read: Why Your Fishing Kayak has Scupper Holes
5. How to Canoe in Wind & Waves
Sometimes conditions are perfect for canoeing: smooth water, sunshine overhead, a refreshing breeze. But when you’re faced with wind and waves, especially on big water, your canoe outing can get sketchy!
We go over several suggestions for you in this article on how to handle strong winds and waves when you’re in a canoe.
Whether you see the elements as a welcome challenge or something that’s out to ruin your fun, anyone who canoes often will definitely want to learn how to deal with them.
Read: How to Canoe in Wind & Waves
6. New Angler Pro Kayak Fishing Paddle Blade Pattern: Copperhead
We were delighted to introduce our newest Angler Pro blade pattern late in 2021—Copperhead. It’ll be available for purchase in early March of 2022.
(photo courtesy of Reggie Chapa)
Until then, you can read all about this new model, including our process for developing new blade patterns and how we craft them by hand in our Osceola, Wisconsin factory.
The Angler Pro is our award-winning kayak fishing paddle, used by serious kayak anglers everywhere. Copperhead is one the color options in our Angler Pro Fiberglass line.
Read: New Angler Pro Kayak Fishing Paddle Blade Pattern: Copperhead
7. Protect Your Kayaking Fishing Paddles with a Paddle Bag
When you invest in one or more kayak fishing paddles, one of the best ways to protect that investment is by storing and carrying them in a paddle bag.
(photo courtesy of Dean Bowling, Jr.)
A good paddle bag, made specifically for kayak paddles, can store from two to four paddles, keeping them separated from each other within the bag with padding and straps.
Bending Branches Ambassador, Dean Bowling Jr, offers some great tips about paddle bags in this blog post. We also have some where-to-buy advice for you.
Read: Protect Your Kayaking Fishing Paddles with a Paddle Bag
That wraps up our list for 2021. We’ll keep more great paddling content coming in 2022!
What paddle questions can we help you with today? Get in touch with our Wisconsin-based Customer Service Team: 715-755-3405 • [email protected]
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