Water Sports

Whether you’re visiting a mountain town or moving in, it’s only natural to want the natives to accept you. But how far out of your comfort zone are you willing to go to get there?

Trading your boots for a boat? Heed these hints to makes sure you’re never up a creek without a paddle.

Savor the last warm days of the year by exploring these watery wilds by boat.

Join the standup paddleboard craze and enjoy an above-water vantage for everything from rising trout to streamside wildlife.

This starter setup costs less than $1,300 and will last for years.

Learn these skills for trips that involve more than just hiking.

Sea kayaking unlocks a new world of solitude and scenery.

Do a T-rescue for a flipped sea kayak.

Hard-won-lessons and tips about whitewater kayaking from the front lines of survival.

Learn how to ride rapids, and you'll open up a new way to explore the outdoors.

World-class scenery, luxe camping, and easy paddling await your family on the Green River in Canyonlands. Your kids will remember this forever.

Wilderness paddler Mike Stavola sets a record on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

Traverse the unknown end of the Alps–by trail, canyon, and cliff face–on this demanding journey in and around Triglav National Park.

Hike, paddle, and swim narrow canyons before running class IV rapids on an inflatable boogie board.

Walk, bike, and raft between a string of glaciated peaks; then ladder-climb 2,500 feet up a sheer rock face.

Jump aboard the Eda Frandsen with Backpacker.com editor Anthony Cerretani for a tour of the Scottish isles.

Explore hidden gorges and spy rarely seen wonders on this three-week raft trip designed specifically for hikers.

A two-day paddle through high plains prairie amid buffalo, whooping cranes, and elk.

Follow these guidelines to keep your gear dry, secure, and well balanced in a canoe or kayak.

A killer whitewater trip at the end of a stunning 40-mile canyon hike? That's the scenario on Oregon's Rogue River Trail.