Guides, how-tos & gear advice

Field Notes

Expert-desk guides on paddling, surfing, tow sports, snorkeling, safety and gear — researched, practical and written for real water.

Surfer riding a turquoise waveSurf
The Surf Desk3 min read

Your first surfboard should make learning feel possible

Choose a manageable learning setup, understand the beach, and build a progression worth repeating.
Kayakers on clear turquoise waterPaddle
The Paddle Desk3 min read

Kayak 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.
Kayakers on clear turquoise waterPaddle
The Paddle Desk3 min read

Pack 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.
Kayakers on clear turquoise waterPaddle
The Paddle Desk3 min read

Choose 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.
Paddleboarder on sheltered waterGear Guides
The Gear Desk3 min read

Inflatable SUP setup: a routine that protects your board

Build a clean inflation, inspection, drying, and storage routine around your board’s own manual.
Paddleboarder on sheltered waterPaddle
The Paddle Desk3 min read

A 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.
Paddleboarder on sheltered waterPaddle
The Paddle Desk3 min read

SUP leashes: the water decides the setup

Why an ankle leash, a quick-release waist system, and a whitewater decision are not interchangeable.
Paddleboarder on sheltered waterPaddle
The Paddle Desk3 min read

Your 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.

Our expert desks

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.

The Paddle Desk

SUP and kayak sizing, technique, care and trip planning.

Read the desk The Surf Desk

First boards, forecasts, etiquette and the small gear that matters.

Read the desk The Tow & Wake Desk

Tubes, ropes, wakeboards, skis — and how to run a safe tow.

Read the desk The Dive Desk

Masks, fins, snorkel skills and underwater photography.

Read the desk The Safety Desk

Life jackets, cold water, weather and teaching kids.

Read the desk The Gear Desk

Wetsuits, dry bags, waterproof ratings and storage.

Read the desk The Fishing Desk

Kayak and small-boat fishing setups and electronics.

Read the desk The Field Notes Team

Lake days, transport, beach shade and trips.

Read the desk
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