Field Notes
Expert-desk guides on paddling, surfing, tow sports, snorkeling, safety and gear — researched, practical and written for real water.
Gear GuidesWinter Storage for Boards, Wetsuits and Water Toys
How to store kayaks, SUPs, inflatables, wetsuits, life jackets and small gear for the off-season so everything is ready to go next spring.
Gear GuidesWetsuit Thickness by Water Temperature: The Complete Chart
The complete wetsuit thickness chart in °F and °C: when to wear a 3/2, 4/3 or 5/4, when to add boots, gloves and a hood, and how to adjust.
Safety & SkillsReading Weather and Lightning Risk on the Water
How to read marine forecasts, wind and storm clouds, the lightning facts that matter, and exactly what to do when a storm catches you on the water.
PaddlePaddle Length and Stroke Basics for SUP and Kayak
How to size a SUP or kayak paddle, which way the blade faces, and the forward, sweep, reverse and draw strokes that save your shoulders.
Safety & SkillsLife Jacket Types Explained: USCG Labels, Fit and Sizing
New USCG life jacket Levels vs old Types, what federal law requires, how to read labels, and how to size and fit-test jackets for adults and kids.
Gear GuidesWaterproof Ratings Explained: IPX7 vs IPX8 vs IP68
What IP codes really mean, IPX7 vs IPX8 vs IP68, what lab tests don't cover (saltwater, waves, jumps), and how to protect your tech on the water.
Trips & LifestyleThe Perfect Lake Day Packing List
Our complete lake day packing list: safety gear, sun and shade, cooler rules, water toys and comfort, plus a checklist and pre-swim weather checks.
Tow & WakeWater Skiing Basics: From Combo Skis to Slalom
Ski sizing charts, boat speeds, the two-ski deep-water start, dropping a ski and the one-ski start, plus the safety rules every skier needs.
Tow & WakeKneeboards, Wakesurfing and Wakeskates Explained
How kneeboarding, wakesurfing and wakeskating differ, which suits you, board sizing charts, boat speeds and setup, and the safety rules for each.
Gear GuidesWater Shoes: What to Wear on Rocks, Reef and Boat Decks
Aqua socks, water shoes, sandals, booties or amphibious hikers? Match your footwear to rock, reef, sand and deck, and get the fit right.
FishingKayak Fishing Setup: Rod Holders, Anchor Trolleys and Crates
Rig a fishing kayak the right way: rod holder placement, how anchor trolleys work, safe anchoring, crate setup and a layout built around your reach.
Safety & SkillsThe Water Safety Checklist to Run Before Every Outing
A five-minute pre-launch checklist for paddling, boating and swimming: plan, conditions, people, gear and craft, plus federal equipment basics.
PaddleInflatable vs Hard Paddleboards: An Honest Comparison
Glide, stiffness, weight, storage, durability and cost: a straight comparison of inflatable and hard SUPs so you buy the board you'll actually use.
Tow & WakeWakeboarding for Beginners: Nailing the Deep-Water Start
Board sizing, stance, rope length, boat speed and a step-by-step deep-water start that gets first-time wakeboarders up and riding safely.
PaddleInflatable SUP Care: PSI, Drying, Storage and Repairs
Keep your inflatable paddleboard stiff and leak-free: correct PSI, heat safety, rinsing and drying, off-season storage, valve fixes and patching.
Snorkel & DiveUnderwater Photos with an Action Camera or Phone
Which cameras and phones are truly waterproof, why underwater photos turn blue and how to fix it, plus settings, technique and gear care.
Trips & LifestyleHow to Transport Paddleboards and Kayaks Safely
Racks, straps, bow and stern lines and inflatables: how to load and tie down a SUP or kayak so it arrives safely, plus overhang flag rules.
Tow & WakeTow Sports Safety: Spotters, Hand Signals and Rope Rules
The driver, observer and rider roles, the seven standard hand signals, rope rules, safe pickups, and how to avoid prop and carbon monoxide injuries.
SurfHow to Read a Surf Forecast: Swell, Period, Wind and Tide
Decode surf forecasts: what swell height and period really mean, how direction, wind and tide shape the waves, and how to pick the best window.
Safety & SkillsTeaching Kids Watersports Safely
Supervision, life jacket fit, swim skills and step-by-step progressions for introducing kids to paddling, snorkeling, bodyboarding and tubing.
Tow & WakeHow to Choose a Towable Tube: Riders, Shapes and Rope Ratings
Pick the right towable tube shape, rider count and tow rope rating, then pull it safely with WSIA's speeds, an observer and the right life jackets.
Snorkel & DiveSwim Fins Guide: Open-Heel vs Full-Foot and Blade Types
Full-foot vs open-heel fins, paddle vs split blades, how to fit fins, which fin suits snorkeling, scuba, bodyboarding or training, and the right kicks.
PaddleHow to Choose a Stand-Up Paddleboard: Size, Volume and Shape Explained
Length, width, thickness, volume and hull shape decoded, with clear starting ranges by paddler weight so your first SUP feels stable from day one.
SurfLeashes, Fins and Wax: The Small Surf Gear That Matters
Pick the right surf leash length and thickness, fin setup and size, and wax for your water temperature, plus how to apply and maintain it.
Advice from people who get wet.
Every guide is built by a topic desk, checked against official safety sources and manufacturer documentation, and cited at the bottom of the page.
SUP and kayak sizing, technique, care and trip planning.
Read the desk The Surf DeskFirst boards, forecasts, etiquette and the small gear that matters.
Read the desk The Tow & Wake DeskTubes, ropes, wakeboards, skis — and how to run a safe tow.
Read the desk The Dive DeskMasks, fins, snorkel skills and underwater photography.
Read the desk The Safety DeskLife jackets, cold water, weather and teaching kids.
Read the desk The Gear DeskWetsuits, dry bags, waterproof ratings and storage.
Read the desk The Fishing DeskKayak and small-boat fishing setups and electronics.
Read the desk The Field Notes TeamLake days, transport, beach shade and trips.
Read the desk
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