E-bike tech is coming to kayaking because nobody wants to peddle hard anymore (and who could blame them)

C'mon, everyone, work for it! Just kidding, this is awesome

By Sarah Joseph Published September 25, 2023

Kayaking on a lake. — McKayla Crump / Unsplash

Kayaking is about to get an electrifying new twist that will make it more accessible than ever—electric pedal assist. Taking inspiration from the electric pedal assist technology on bicycles, kayaking companies like Old Town are now designing models that take advantage of your lower body strength as opposed to your back and arms strength, and multiplying your efforts through the power of electricity. While pedal boats have been around for a while, kayaks are starting to get a makeover with electric pedal motors that make the sport more accessible.

Recommended Videos

Pedaling with your feet is not only more efficient than the age-old paddle-and-row routine, but it also liberates your hands for more vital endeavors, like sipping that lemonade. Steering is not a problem, either. With a handy rudder, you can turn the kayak any way you like.

While it might not be quite as monumental as wheels on suitcases, electric pedal assist for kayaks is absolutely something worth considering. Here’s why:

Extended range: Electric pedal assist systems provide additional power to your paddle strokes, allowing you to cover longer distances with less effort. This is particularly beneficial for kayakers who want to go on extended adventures.
Reduced physical strain: Electric assistance reduces the physical effort required for paddling, making kayaking accessible to a wider range of individuals, including those who may have physical limitations, are new to kayaking, or simply want a more leisurely experience.
Speed and efficiency: Electric pedal assist can help you achieve higher speeds with less effort, making it easier to keep up with faster currents or your ripped health nut buddies.
Enjoyable recreation: Electric pedal assist kayaks provide a more enjoyable and relaxing paddling experience. You can focus on soaking in the scenery, wildlife, or simply enjoy the serenity of the water without the constant exertion of manual paddling. And if you’re fishing, you can focus solely on your catch.
Safety: Electric pedal assist can assist in navigating challenging conditions, such as strong winds, tides, or currents.
Customizable experience: Many electric pedal assist systems offer adjustable power levels, allowing you to fine-tune the amount of assistance you receive. This customization allows you to tailor your kayaking experience to your preferences and needs.
Accessibility: Electric pedal-assist kayaks can make kayaking more accessible to people of different fitness levels and abilities. This inclusivity can encourage more people to enjoy the benefits of spending time on the water.

For those who savor the serene side of kayaking, pedal-assist kayaks promise a new level of exploration. You can meander through the waterways with ease, covering more ground without feeling like you’ve embarked on an impromptu triathlon. Think of it like an aquatic e-bike, minus the traffic jams and road rage.

Contributor

With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, Sarah is always thrilled to share nature with others through…

Topics

Outdoors

Do golf balls go bad? Here’s how to know when it’s time to toss them

Sketchy golf ball? Here's how to see if it's still playable

Golf ball near the hole

Maybe you've found a box of old golf balls in your garage, or an unclaimed one out on the fairway. You might be wondering, do golf balls go bad? Modern golf balls are actually pretty robust, lasting as long as five or ten years or more without significant degradation, but it's always good to check. Golf balls can degrade over time, and the signs aren't always obvious. Here's everything you need to consider when teeing up with old golf balls.
How to tell if your golf balls are bad

Look for structural damage
The first thing to look for is structural damage. If your golf balls have visible scuffs, cuts, or cracks from play, they aren't going to serve you well out on the fairway. These deformities, even if they are small, can affect the aerodynamics during flight. You might be okay with very minor dings, but use your best judgment.
Checking the health of the core
If your golf ball has no structural damage, now it's time to check the health of the core. I like to give them a gentle squeeze to see if they are firm and consistent all the way around. A bad one will feel softer or even squishy in places. Then, gently bounce the golf ball on a hard surface and compare it to a new one. If it bounces almost as high, that means that it's likely still good.
The saltwater test
Epsom salt isn't just great for getting rid of sore muscles. A while ago, Bryson DeChambeau made some waves for his creative method for testing the balance of his golf balls. Golfers have been doing this for a while, but he went on to win the U.S. Open with this golfing hack.

Outdoors

Lectric’s XP4 is the year’s best new folding electric bike under $1,000

With more power and a clever, feature-packed, folding design, it's the best two-wheeler at this price point.

Two men riding Lectric XP4 folding electric bikes in a neighborhood.

Lectric is among the most popular electric bike brands in the country, with more than 400,000 riders, and it's indeed one of my personal favorites. Dollar for dollar, there's arguably no better value model than its XP series of eBikes. This month, Lectric debuted the long-awaited XP4, the next iteration of the entry-level two-wheeler that improves upon its predecessor in every way.
Get the details on the XP4, Lectric's newest entry-level folding electric bike

Like the previous generation XP3, the XP4 boasts a solid list of essential features — more than any bike I'm aware of in the sub-$1,000 price range. In its "standard" configuration, that means a 500W motor (with a 1,092-watt peak) and a 10.4Ah battery. The combined setup makes for a top speed of 28 miles per hour and a range of up to 50 miles. With the available upgraded battery, the XP4 maxes out with 50% more power and 68% more range. Either configuration is available as a traditional step-over or a step-thru model. The latter is designed with a lower center frame height, making it easier for shorter riders to mount and dismount.

Outdoors

These Xero Shoes saved space in my travel bag—and strengthened my feet

Three pairs of Xero Shoes best suited for travelers

A man wearing Xero shoes while standing on a mossy rock

Zero-drop minimalist footwear was once considered a niche specialty, but has gained popularity among enthusiasts of foot health and natural movement. And I'm one of their biggest fans -- as a full-time traveler, their packability and ability to increase foot strength is a win-win on the road. I've crafted a Xero Shoes review guide based on three pairs I've traveled with, so you can decide if any are worthy of your suitcase.

Why Xero Shoes? They've been in business for over 15 years, have engineered more than 50 unique pairs of shoes, and offer a whopping 5,000-mile sole warranty. In short, they've been in the barefoot game for a while, and balance reliable quality with innovation nicely.