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Add Extra Waterproof Protection to Your Kayak

How-to blog written by Team Dagger's Todd Wells I think it's safe to say that no one likes a leaky kayak. I especially don't like a leaky kayak, so I decided to take note on a few of the things I do to keep my kayak and everything inside it extra dry. First and foremost I make sure to tighten the screws on my kayak on a regular basis (every few weeks for myself). When we paddle our kayaks we put stress on each of the joints where pieces of outfitting (i.e. seat, thigh braces, bulkhead) meet with the plastic shell of the kayak. Over time this stress will slowly loosen the screws, and to keep...

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Todd Wells

How can I retrofit my Dagger touring kayak with bulkheads?

Many touring boat manufacturers (including Dagger, until we introduced welded plastic bulkheads) use minicell foam to fabricate bulkheads. This is a fairly inexpensive and effective method of retrofitting bulkheads in a boat that didn't originally come with them. For current models, simply ask your dealer to order the respective pre-cut minicell bulkhead(s) from us. For discontinued models, you can fabricate bulkheads from 3" minicell foam. (Also available from your dealer. Start with a chunk of foam slightly larger than the area of the boat where you plan to install the bulkhead. Shape it...

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Dagger touring kayak with bulkheads?

How to properly throw your paddle off a waterfall

Reposted from the Dagger blog, written by Iker Beristain Throwing your paddle off a waterfall is not something you should just decide spontaneously, if you've decided you are going to throw it, you should know it before running. This move has some pros and some contras: Pros Softer landings, less impact, less probabilities to heart your back (if done properly), it’s safer for your face (the paddle can be dangerous around it), and hands (hands take big impact by holding the paddle), you are not going to break your paddle, and it can be very stylish. Contras Ones you lose your paddle it´s...

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Throwing paddle off the waterfall

Get in, Get a grip, Get going!

Before getting it wet, hop into your kayak on flat ground to adjust the foot pegs and back band to fit you. Then, with kayak in the water parallel to shore, place your paddle shaft behind the cockpit or seat, extending one blade to rest shore-side on firm ground to lend stability when entering. Get a Grip A white-knuckled death grip can lead to discomfort. Relax. Hold the paddle shaft with thumbs and forefingers forming rings, like you’re making the “OK” sign, and keep your other fingers loose. Now you can orient your blades and gain reach without stressing your wrists. To find the right hand...

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Get in and get going

Top five winter paddling accessories

Reposted from the Dagger blog, written by Anna Levesque I have to say that I’m not a hardcore winter paddler, obviously, since I run winter trips in Mexico! So, I can relate to those of you who hang up the paddle for other, dryer, sports in the winter. However, I do know paddlers who still motivate even with snow on the ground and icicles hanging from the brims of their helmets. And, I admit that when I do drag myself out when it’s 40 degrees or colder (what I consider cold weather paddling) I have a lot of fun. So, if you’re planning on getting out this winter, or spring here are my top five...

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Winter Paddling

Going off the lip

Going off the lip

Reposted from the Dagger blog, written by Iker Beristain Running waterfalls is one of my favorite things in kayaking, even though it only lasts for few seconds, it is one of the greatest feelings ever. That doesn’t mean you should go and run every...

Eddy Catching 101 (Video Included)

Eddy Catching 101 (Video Included)

Written by Team Dagger Pro Andrew Holcombe Hey all hope everyone's summer has been good. It's been a fun one here in the southeast a little on the hot side I suppose but that's just a great excuse to get in the water! I'm going to take a moment to...

Eating right?

Eating right?

Reposted from the Dagger community site, written by Brad Ludden Ok, ok, I know that kayakers are hungry people and we usually shop by quantity and price but here are a few things to think about if you can when selecting your next meal. Remember,...

Carrying your kayak

Carrying your kayak

Reposted from the Dagger blog, written by Anna Levesque I never thought much about carrying my kayak because it was something that my peers in the sport have always expected of me. My understanding from the start was that I needed to be able to...

Axis review by Colorado Kayak Supply

Axis review by Colorado Kayak Supply

Reposted from the Dagger blog If you're in the market for that all-water kayak that does a little bit of everything, but does it all well, check out the new 2010 Dagger Axis series. We designed the boat as something of a hybrid, but gave it options...

Attainments and Kayaking

Attainments and Kayaking

By Andrew Holcombe Whether you're out to win or just set a personal best these races are fun to participate in and all three present different challenges. Over the past couple of years one of the best methods of preparing for these races that I've...

Review of the Mamba

Review of the Mamba

Reposted from the Dagger blog, written by Ryan Bayes Dagger’s Mamba series of kayaks have generally been classified as river runners. Although I spent some time in the Mamba when I was learning to paddle I always felt “river runners” were a...

Managing fear at the peel-out

Managing fear at the peel-out

Reposted from the Dagger blog, written by Chris Gragtmans I’ve been fascinated with Sports Psychology my entire life. I took one class in this subject area, with Dr. Swoap at Warren Wilson College in NC. The class opened my eyes, and made me realize...

Kayaking Terminology

Kayaking Terminology

Blade The Broad Part at the end of a paddle. Bow The forward end of a canoe or kayak. Hull The bottom shape of a boat, which determines how it will perform in various conditions. Canoes have a hull only, kayaks have a hull on the bottom and a deck...

Getting Unstuck - Peel Outs and Eddy Turns

Getting Unstuck - Peel Outs and Eddy Turns

Reposted from the Dagger blog, written by Anna Levesque Eddy turns and peel outs are essential skills for whitewater kayaking. Catching eddies allows us more control because we can stop, scout, take a break and regroup. Peeling out of eddies allows...

Get in, Get a grip, Get going!

Get in and get going

Before getting it wet, hop into your kayak on flat ground to adjust the foot pegs and back band to fit you. Then, with kayak in the water parallel to shore, place your paddle shaft behind the cockpit or seat, extending one blade to rest shore-side...

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