Field Notes / Paddle
Expert-desk guides on paddling, surfing, tow sports, snorkeling, safety and gear — researched, practical and written for real 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.
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.
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.
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.
PaddleHow to Choose a Kayak: Sit-On-Top vs Sit-Inside, Length and Stability
Sit-on-top or sit-inside, how long, how wide, and what stability really means. A clear guide to matching a kayak to your water and plans.
PaddleSUP for Beginners: Your First Session, Step by Step
A complete first-day SUP plan: picking calm water, gear checks, holding the paddle right, standing up, steering, falling safely and getting back on.
PaddleKayak paddles: find a comfortable fit before chasing lighter materials
How boat width, seat height, blade style, and a controlled demo help you choose a paddle.
PaddlePack a kayak day trip so the essentials stay reachable
A sensible packing order for short outings, plus a float plan that someone ashore can actually use.
PaddleChoose a kayak around your water, your body, and your car
A clear comparison of recreational, touring, sit-on-top, and sit-inside options without one-size-fits-all promises.
PaddleA better first SUP session: balance, control, and a small practice loop
Turn your first outing into a calm sequence of useful skills instead of a race to stand up.
PaddleSUP leashes: the water decides the setup
Why an ankle leash, a quick-release waist system, and a whitewater decision are not interchangeable.
PaddleYour first paddleboard: choose for the days you will actually paddle
A practical way to compare board shape, carrying weight, storage, and the parts of a package that matter.
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
Good water days, delivered.
New gear drops, members-only deals, and the best of Field Notes. One email a week, tops.
Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.
Water