It's no secret that paddlesports, especially kayaking, continues to grow in popularity.   This is the result of a number of factors, including the ease of renting  kayaks in parks, the availability of reasonably priced boats, and the desire to participate in outdoor activities that foster a healthly lifestyle.  And let's not kid ourselves, people want to kayak because its just darn fun!

If you're considering picking up kayaking as a sport for 2011 you probably have a list of questions about what type of kayak to buy, where to kayak, and whether or not to take a lesson.  Those are all important questions.  Some people, however, want to cut to the chase and want to know the end before the beginning.  If you're one of those individuals read How to Kayak  and you'll get a glimpse of the beginning skills you'll need to learn to get out and paddle.

Flooding is reaching record levels from from Mississippi to Illinois and there is no telling when it will let it.

While flooding usually puts a grin on whitewater paddler's faces, it has the exact opposite effect on those living in areas where rising waters pose a huge problem.  Flooding can also introduce some scary and unusual conditions even for the most seasoned of whitewater kayakers.  Strainers, debris in the water, and a lack of exit points are all risks that abound during floodstage paddling.

So, what can you do?  Well, be sure you know the risks before you set out into flooded streams, rivers, and creeks.   And also, be respectful in the areas where flooding is affecting people's lives.  The current flooding is far from over and has all of the makings of a disaster about to happen.

The Cheat River Festival is known all up and down the Eastern United States.  Sure there are other festivals that have exceeded the popularity of Cheat Fest, but very few have the heritage, camraderie, and following that this long-standing tradition has developed. 

The Cheat Canyon features over 30 notable rapids rating Class III or better on the whitewater classfication system.  This doesn't even include all of the other rivers in West Virginia in proximity to the 2011 Cheat River Festival site.

If you're anywhere near Albright, WV this weekend, be sure to make your way over to the Cheat River Festival. 

• Find a Festival Near You

Well, it seems like the Pacific Northwest has the right idea.  Just south of the already mentioned Vancouver Whitewater Festival, Oregon will be featuring the 2011 Bend Spring Paddle Fest.  So if you don't feel like leaving the country or if you aren't into whitewater but still like to paddle, this paddling festival should be right up your alley. 

I mean what paddler wouldn't like 2 full free days of "clinics, boat demos, and paddlesports fun."  This is a more broad paddling festival featuring clinics on things such as paddling with kids, how to put a kayak on your car roof, kayak fishing, standup paddle boarding, and many others.

This is a great two day festival to check out new gear, learn some skills, and to bring a friend who you want to get into paddling.