Paddling Education

Alabama's diverse paddling trails range from dark, alligator-infested bayous to raging whitewater rivers.

The world-class canoeing and backcountry camping of the Boundary Waters is a must for every canoeist’s list. Check out what makes this area so famous…

Dawn LaPointe is a professional nature photographer and co-owner of Radiant Spirit Gallery in Duluth, Minnesota. Here she gives us her top six photography tips for “paddle-ographers”…

If you don’t mind dressing for cool weather, spring canoe camping in the Sierra Nevadas means all the beauty without all the crowds…

The Expedition Plus is the ultimate wilderness canoe paddle. It’s designed for long days on the water…for multiple days in a row…in tough conditions.

Shards of afternoon sunlight stream between the clouds scattered above Philpott Lake, making the water glisten. As I paddle away from the Twin Ridge Recreation Area, my tiny kayak is the only disturbance to the lake’s still surface...

We paddle because we love it. We love being on the water, being in nature, combining it with other outdoor activities like camping and hiking. It’s relaxing…it’s exhilarating…it’s fun.

There’s nothing quite like summer in Kentucky—with the gorge, the sunsets, and the warm weather we’ve longed for all winter long, it’s the best season. And with outdoor activities ranging from boating and fishing to hiking and camping, it can be hard to decide what to do...

Jason Eke, Canadian canoeist and filmmaker, shares his process for repairing a wooden canoe paddle so it looks and performs as good as new…

Canoeing isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Black Hills—at least not for Minnesotans like me! But with lakes, rivers and reservoirs scattered throughout this beautiful area, it’s sure worth looking into.

Our Customer Service Team is here to answer your questions and help you in any way we can. Here are a couple questions we get occasionally…

Knowing bear safety is an important part of canoe camping when you’re in bear territory. Here are some tips to keep in mind...As our friends at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources say: “The best way to avoid bear problems is to not attract them in the first place.”

Know and follow these basic safety tips so you can fully enjoy paddling for a lifetime.

If you’re a parent you know life with a toddler is often unpredictable. Bringing said toddler into the Boundary Waters for a canoe trip adds a whole new level of unpredictability!

Wooden canoe paddles have a long history in canoeing. Wood was the original material used in paddles by the Native Americans, as well as the fur trading Voyageurs.

Your personal flotation device (PFD)—commonly called a life jacket—is the most important safety feature of your paddling experience. Don’t take it lightly!

Durability. Beauty. Performance. When designing our world class canoe and kayak paddles, these three things are always front of mind. It’s what our customer’s value and what sets us apart.

Bending Branches makes several different canoe paddles specifically designed for expedition trips, like those you’ll take in the Boundary Waters.

Once the J-stroke is mastered, you'll feel much more in control of your canoe.

Naming the 6 top canoe destinations is sort of like naming the 6 best ice cream flavors. It depends who you ask!

Here’s our list of 6 top canoe destinations in North America…

Are you in the market for a canoe paddle and you don't know what size you should get? Watch our short video on how to properly size a canoe paddle and you'll be paddling your perfect paddle in no time!