Paddling Education

Solo Canoe Trip in Kawartha Highlands, Canada
Jason Eke of Trailguide Pictures spent several days on a solo canoe trip in Kawartha Highlands, a provincial park just north of Toronto, Canada.
Reader Stories: Kayak Fishing
Several Bending Branches readers and fans sent in their stories for our 2020 Story Contest. Many of these stories included kayak fishing. 

Here are a couple that were Honorable Mention we want to share with you...
2020 Story Contest Winner: A Father & Son Canoe Trip
Bending Branches fan Jeff Kalil submitted this story to our 2020 Story Contest. We chose his for first place, which awarded him $150 to use on Bending Branches product. Here’s Jeff’s winning story…
What You Need to Get Started Kayak Fishing [Video]
Are you brand new to kayak fishing? Maybe you just got your first fishing kayak.
Bending Branches’ ProStaffer Gene Jensen covers the gear you need to outfit your new kayak in this video.
How to Fish Big Bass in the Spring [Video]
Go along on a kayak fishing trip with Kayak Bass Fishing’s Chad Hoover and learn some of his top tips for catching big bass in the spring…
Wood vs. Carbon Canoe Paddles
Let’s take a look at what might make the difference for you in choosing a wood canoe paddle or a carbon canoe paddle.
Why Should a Solo Canoeist Use a Kayak Paddle?
Usually when we think of paddling a canoe we think of using a canoe paddle. But if you’re a canoeist who loves to head out alone, you may consider using a double-bladed paddle instead…
Our Best-Selling BB Special Canoe Paddle
Bending Branches’ BB Special bent shaft paddle—our best selling wood canoe paddle—is designed for flatwater cruising. It provides great quality at a great value.
Proper Paddle Storage During the Winter

As the temperatures start to change, summer outdoor gear tends to be stowed away for the winter. Wondering what to do with your canoe and kayak paddles? 

How to Load Your Kayak on Your Vehicle [Video]
Kayak Bass Fishing’s Chad Hoover covers how to load your fishing kayak on your vehicle in this video, with the help of his wife, Kristie.
Catch More Fish by Understanding their Physical Capabilities
Learning the most efficient strokes to propel the “boat” is part of it but for the paddling angler fooling the fish is close to the top of the list. Learning about your quarry is the key.
What’s in a Bending Branches Canoe Paddle?

Here at Bending Branches we take great pride in designing and crafting our wooden canoe and kayak paddles. Our passion and attention to detail result in paddles we believe lead the industry in both beauty and performance.

Why Use a Top-of-the-Line Kayak Paddle with a Pedal Fishing Kayak?
Kayak angler and host of YouTube’s The Florida Bass Paddler, Bill Sikora talks about why he uses Branches’ Angler Pro kayak paddle in his pedal kayak.
Wilderness Canoe Trips with Type 1 Diabetes
For those of us who are generally in good health, we tend to think of health on wilderness canoe trips as it relates to emergency situations. “What will we do if someone gets injured?” But for those who live with ongoing health issues like diabetes, wilderness canoe tripping is a whole different ballgame.
Our 14 Top Gift Picks for the Paddlers on Your List
With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, we wanted to give you 14 of our top gift picks for all the paddlers on your list! Whether your friends and loved ones canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board, you’ll find some great ideas here…
A Canoe Trip in the Heart of the Scottish Highlands
Photographer Ian Finch and his buddy, Jamie Barnes, recently embarked on a canoe trip into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Upon their return, Ian told us about their trip and shared with us some of his gorgeous pictures.
Dehydrate Your Own Canoe Trip Food
Dehydrating your own food for wilderness canoe trips is a great option if you have the desire and the time to do it.
A Kayak Angler’s First Aid Kit
Bending Branches’ ProStaffer, Chris Funk, fills us in on one of the most important gear items you need to keep in your fishing kayak—a First Aid kit.
Fall Wilderness Canoe Tripping: Be Safe
Heading into the wilderness on a canoe trip in the fall conjurs up images of pristine lakes, dazzling fall colors, crisp mornings, warm campfires…and no bugs!…but there are safety considerations to keep in mind that don’t come into play during the summer months.
“Why I Kayak Fish”
Chad Hoover, Kayak Bass Fishing host and Bending Branches ProStaffer, shares his heart in this short video about why kayak fishing is so special.
Canoe Strokes for Solo Canoeing [Video]
The most important skill any solo canoeist needs is to be able to control the canoe in all types of weather and water conditions.