Paddling Education

Bending Branches Pro Staffer Gene Jensen (aka The Flukemaster) offered some of his best kayak fishing safety tips during a live workshop event recently. We want to share them with you, too.

Kayak fishing continues to grow, especially in North America, but it’s also spreading to Europe and other parts of the world. Here, we address some of the top questions people ask about kayak fishing.

We’ve got some great content for you about wilderness canoe tripping. Here’s a round-up of 29 blogs on all kinds of trip topics that will be helpful whether you’re new to canoeing or not.

Our Rockgard® protection maintains the integrity of the paddle, seals the wood against moisture, and protects the most vulnerable areas—the tip and edges.

There are so many quality fishing kayaks on the market that it can be hard to nail down which is right for you, especially if you’re on a budget. We’ve collected some of the most popular of 2025 on one list as a great place for you to start.

When you canoe, you’ve probably noticed that you’re more relaxed. You’re less stressed. You can think clearly and more positively. That’s not a coincidence!

The paddling world is one that’s interconnected with manufacturers like us, retailers, outfitters and guides, and millions of participants worldwide. It’s also a world that aligns perfectly with many non-profit organizations.

When choosing a canoe, there are a few things to think about. The right canoe for you depends on how you’ll use it, where you’ll use it, and who will use it.

Many on the Bending Branches’ team in our Wisconsin headquarters are parents. During Father’s Day month, we wanted to introduce the dads on our leadership team—what it means to be a father and how our company helps support them.

Should you buy a straight-shaft or bent-shaft canoe paddle? Our answer—Yes! They both have their advantages for specific water environments and situations.

Michael O’Dwyer is a passionate canoeist and sea kayaker who is currently immersed in creating a guidebook featuring paddling routes in the region of Sweden where he lives. His goal is to share beautiful, lesser-known canoe and kayak routes for others to discover and enjoy.

To feather or not to feather…that’s a good question! And one we get a lot. So here’s a basic overview of kayak paddle feathering if you’re scratching your head over what it is and why it matters.

Kayak fishing is a relatively simple and inexpensive way for anglers to get on the water to access fish more easily than from shore. Some water environments are better than others when you begin your kayak fishing journey.

“Safety First” is a great rule to live by when canoeing. Here’s a round-up of our best canoeing safety topics. Browse through these twelve important blogs so you’re prepared for a lifetime of fun and safe canoeing.

Without you—our customer—we wouldn’t be here. That’s why we place such a high value on the service we provide, whether you’re a brand-new paddler looking for your first paddle or our top-selling retail partner.

Many kayak anglers are surprised to realize how much of a difference a high-quality paddle makes over a cheaper model.

Comfort, efficiency and performance are your three top priorities when canoeing (safety is a given!). Having the right paddle grip plays a big part in that.

Bending Branches Regional Ambassador Cameron Smith uses both pedals and motors on his fishing kayaks. But he still knows the importance of having a reliable paddle.

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta in the southwest corner of Alabama is home to the Bartram Canoe Trail—170 miles of both intimate and vast waterways leading to the ocean.

Are you high-viz? If you’re not easy to see on the water when you’re kayak fishing, you’re compromising your safety.

Bear Paulsen (General Manager of Minnesota-based Northstar Canoes, co-owner of Paddle and Portage and lifelong wilderness canoeist) feels strongly about the benefits of starting children in canoes when they’re young.