Paddling

Learn with REI Expert Advice

Choose from dozens of online how-to articles and videos from REI's vast pool of outdoor knowledge. Share your knowledge, too! Top paddling topics:

  1. How to Choose a Kayak
  2. Paddling Strokes
  3. How to Choose a PFD
  4. Paddleboarding Basics
  5. Wet Exits/Rescues
  6. Packing Your Boat
  7. Transporting Your Boat
  8. Launching a Kayak
  9. How to Choose a Canoe
  10. How to Choose a Car Rack

Browse all 40+ paddling articles

Attend an In-Store Clinic

Your local REI store regularly hosts how-to clinics on topics such as kayaking basics. Find my REI store for a calendar of events.

Paddle with REI Outdoor School

The knowledgeable guides of the REI Outdoor School make it fun to learn new skills. Sign up for the day or a weekend trip (offered in selected regions only). Visit REI Outdoor School for details.

Take a Dream Trip with REI Adventures

From Baja to Croatia, REI Adventures trips appeal to paddlers of varied interests and abilities. Explore spectacular destinations and make cultural connections amid the camaraderie of a small group. For something shorter, choose one of our Weekend Getaways.

Give Back

REI partners with VolunteerMatch to make it easy to share some sweat-equity with your community. Give it a try and enjoy the good karma.

Featured Videos & Articles

Go out with great paddling gear, come back with great stories! REI has kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, clothing and accessories for all your water adventures.

Kayakers, look no further for sea kayaks, touring kayaks, sit-on-tops or inflatable kayaks–you'll find a wide variety right here. Add a kayak paddle, spray skirt, bilge pump and paddle float to round out your gear.

Canoeists, you'll find your top-brand canoe for swift-water rivers and flat-water lakes alike, and canoe paddles for paddlers of all sizes.

Caught the paddleboarding bug? Check out our full line of stand up paddleboards and stand up paddles by the top brands. We even carry snorkel masks and fins for more fun in the water.

Before you push off the shore, be prepared for the unexpected: outfit your crew with our large selection of PFDs for men and women and kids. We even have life vests for dogs. And be sure to carry safety equipment and essentials such as paddle floats, bilge pumps, paddle leashes and strobe lights, dry bags, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Expecting chilly water or weather? You'll be protected from the elements with wetsuits, dry suits, rashguards, paddling gloves and booties for men, women and kids.

Now that you've got your paddling gear, you need a way to get it to and from the water. Choose from a variety of car roof racks with canoe and kayak carriers to get your boat there and back safely. And get your boat from the car to the shore with the help of a rolling kayak cart.

But we don't just sell paddling equipment–we help you put it to use. Check out our dozens of paddling articles and videos online, kayaking classes through the REI Outdoor School and paddling trips with REI Adventures. Exchange ideas and tips with the REI community, too!

At REI you'll find top-rated and top-selling paddling gear, plus plenty of sale and clearance deals and bargains.

How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.

  • Join REI today!
  • REI Membership
  • REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
  • Join REI today!
  • Sign up for REI Gearmail®
  • and get 15% off selected items!
  • Store Locator
  • Locate an REI store near you.
  • Find a Store

Find REI on: FacebookTwitterYouTubeFlickr