Joe Potoczak

3 weeks ago | paddlingmag.com | Joe Potoczak

A small obstacle like not having a roof rack is no reason to let the world get between you and going kayaking. Yes, roof racks look cool and are great for stacking multiple boats on your car to safely haul down the highway. But you know what? When all you have is the bare roof of a sedan, it’ll do.

1 month ago | paddlingmag.com | Joe Potoczak

Once you filter out the PR spin, it can feel as if the technology of paddling is standing still. After all, many of the materials and methods we’ve used to produce boats, paddles and apparel have changed little in decades. That is, until recently. Whether due to fallout from supply chain woes, rising materials costs or legislation (see Bracing For The Coming PFAS Ban), the last couple of years have seen some exciting advances in paddlesports manufacturing.

1 month ago | paddlingmag.com | Joe Potoczak

Inflatable standup paddleboards have revolutionized the sport of SUP. They store in oversized luggage bags to transport, often include a pump and breakdown paddle, and provide ease in the ability to access arguably the most relaxing form of paddling there can be. Oh, and there’s no shortage of budget-friendly options out there. When I first set eyes on an inflatable years ago, I thought they were a gimmick, and wondered who would want one in place of a fiberglass layup.

2 months ago | paddlingmag.com | Joe Potoczak

The number of kayaks available today is astonishing. The kayak is at least 4,000 years old and was invented as a productive means to secure food and travel. Fast forward to 2025, and tens of thousands of people take to the water every year using kayaks for various reasons, including our modern necessity—yearning to spend time outdoors and recreate. However, the conundrum we find ourselves in is the number of options and just which kayak is the best. It’s a nearly impossible question to answer.

2 months ago | paddlingmag.com | Joe Potoczak

Here’s a wild fact: Kayakers take thousands of strokes every hour. So while picking a kayak paddle may seem as easy as grabbing something with two blades to propel you through the water, it’s actually one of the most important pieces of gear to consider. Having the correct information to help you choose a paddle is key because if your gear doesn’t suit you it will likely end up in the corner of the garage, collecting dust with disuse because it was so uncomfortable to use.