Kayaking

Latest Stories

Water Sports

“Gizmo Probably Wouldn’t Be with Us Today.” How a Life Jacket Saved a Dog in an Oregon River.

When an overturned kayak left a paddler and her pet stranded in the Clackamas River, only the animal was wearing flotation gear. First responders warn that cold mountain runoff can incapacitate even strong swimmers in minutes.

Ella CobbOctober 20, 20263

Water Sports

“It’s Not That Crazy.” Experts Weigh in on the TikTok Star Paddling 434 Miles of the Congo Basin in an Inflatable Kayak.

TikTok adventurer Ash Dykes is attempting a 434-mile journey down Central Africa’s Sangha River in an inflatable kayak. Safety experts explain why the gear actually works—and what real risks lie ahead.

Francesca KrempaOctober 13, 20263

Water Sports

“I’m Always Scared.” The World’s Top Kayakers Chase Joy and Risk at Whitewater’s Gnarliest Race.

Extreme whitewater may look like a reckless gamble, but on Idaho’s stoutest rapids, elite paddlers find a sacred language of focus, survival, and profound connection. Our associate editor soaked it all in at the North Fork Championship, kayaking’s gnarliest race.

Madison DapcevichSeptember 23, 20261

Exploration & Survival

Kayakers Find Human Skull Near Popular Ohio National Park Service Picnic Area

Investigators estimate the remains found near the Village of Peninsula had been in the Cuyahoga River for at least two to five years. Here is what forensic experts and rangers know so far.

Madison DapcevichSeptember 4, 2026

Water Sports

I Tested a $5,500 E-Kayak to See If It's Worth the Money

I paddled down the Chicago River to see if this $5,500 e-kayak is worth the splurge. Here’s my take, along with several cheaper alternatives.

Erica ZazoAugust 6, 2026

Water Sports

I Inflated This Fishing Kayak in 8 Minutes—And It Surprisingly Paddles Like a Hard-Shell Boat

The Argo Aero is compact, lightweight, and easy to inflate but feels more like a hardshell boat in more ways than one.

Francesca KrempaJuly 24, 2026

Environment

A Strange Disease Is Striking Grand Canyon Rafters. I Was Patient Zero.

Three days after his Grand Canyon rafting trip, Matthew Wappett was in the ER. He tells Outside what it’s like to battle the mystery illness baffling National Park Service rangers and the medical community at large.

Madison DapcevichJuly 15, 20261

North America

I'm a Registered Maine Guide. This Is the Ultimate Maine Summer Bucket List.

These seven classic Maine summer adventures live up to the "Vacationland" hype.

Aislinn SarnackiJune 3, 2026

North America

Post-Helene, My Hometown of Asheville Is Ready For You to Visit

Our columnist Graham Averill shares a local’s guide to the Asheville area, focusing on what is rebuilt and open for adventure, from hundreds of miles of trails in Pisgah National Forest to restored sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Graham AverillSeptember 26, 20251

Destinations

The 9 Best Bioluminescence Tours in the World

Ready for the ultimate nocturnal thrill? Experience glowing waves, firefly forests, and more with these breathtaking bioluminescence tours.

Alexandra GillespieMay 5, 2025

Water Sports

He Grew a 950-Pound Pumpkin. Then He Paddled It Down the Columbia River.

Gary Kristensen grew a massive gourd in his backyard and then paddled it 46 miles down the Columbia River to set a new world record

Owen ClarkeOctober 30, 2024

Essays

The Worst Kind of Type 2 Fun in the Arctic

In an excerpt from his new book, ‘Into the Thaw,’ Jon Waterman vividly depicts one of his most painful expedition moments ever

Jon WatermanOctober 22, 2024

Central America

The Beginner’s Guide to Adventure Travel in Costa Rica

This eco-destination boasts a plethora of incredible spots, from wildlife-rich rainforests and surf-swept coast to active volcanoes and natural hot springs

Jen MurphyJuly 2, 2025

North America

Texas Is the Most Underappreciated State for Outdoor Adventure

Two beautiful national parks, 89 state parks, plus mountains, rivers, and coastline. Having grown up in Texas, I can attest: this state has it all.

Alex TembladorFebruary 5, 2025

Essays

This Is the Most Beautiful Town in Colorado

I’ve lived in the state for 35 years. It pains me to be disloyal to my own little hamlet, but I am compelled to say it: another town in the Rockies takes the cake.

Alison OsiusAugust 1, 2025

North America

The 10 Best National Parks in Canada

Spectacular mountains and deep fjords, powder-blue lakes and sea stacks: here’s your bucket list of national park wonders up north

Graham AverillJune 17, 2024

Books & Media

A Pro Kayaker Walks into Some Hip-Hop Bars

What does a professional kayaker do when he realizes he’s in the twilight of his career? He releases a rap album, of course.

June 12, 2024

National Parks

A Guide to America’s Favorite Road Trip: The Blue Ridge Parkway

This beautiful 469-mile route connects Great Smoky Mountain and Shenandoah National Parks. Our local writer knows just where to stop for hikes, camping, and the best views.

Graham AverillFebruary 3, 2025

Water Sports

The Best Canoes, Kayaks, and Rafts We’ve Tested (2024)

Our favorite boats for flatwater to Class V rapids

Eugene BuchananJune 11, 2024

Love & Humor

Help! My Friends Started Working at My Family’s Kayak Company.

I helped them get their foot in the door. Now it seems like they think they own the place, and it feels disrespectful.

Blair BravermanMay 21, 2024

Kayaking

Latest Stories

“Gizmo Probably Wouldn’t Be with Us Today.” How a Life Jacket Saved a Dog in an Oregon River.

“It’s Not That Crazy.” Experts Weigh in on the TikTok Star Paddling 434 Miles of the Congo Basin in an Inflatable Kayak.

“I’m Always Scared.” The World’s Top Kayakers Chase Joy and Risk at Whitewater’s Gnarliest Race.

Kayakers Find Human Skull Near Popular Ohio National Park Service Picnic Area

I Tested a $5,500 E-Kayak to See If It's Worth the Money

I Inflated This Fishing Kayak in 8 Minutes—And It Surprisingly Paddles Like a Hard-Shell Boat

A Strange Disease Is Striking Grand Canyon Rafters. I Was Patient Zero.

I'm a Registered Maine Guide. This Is the Ultimate Maine Summer Bucket List.

Post-Helene, My Hometown of Asheville Is Ready For You to Visit

The 9 Best Bioluminescence Tours in the World

He Grew a 950-Pound Pumpkin. Then He Paddled It Down the Columbia River.

The Worst Kind of Type 2 Fun in the Arctic

The Beginner’s Guide to Adventure Travel in Costa Rica

Texas Is the Most Underappreciated State for Outdoor Adventure

This Is the Most Beautiful Town in Colorado

The 10 Best National Parks in Canada

A Pro Kayaker Walks into Some Hip-Hop Bars

A Guide to America’s Favorite Road Trip: The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Best Canoes, Kayaks, and Rafts We’ve Tested (2024)

Help! My Friends Started Working at My Family’s Kayak Company.

Join Outside+